More and more people have discovered the joys of walking during lockdown. Even just 30 minutes of walking a day can unlock a host of physical and mental health benefits. Of course, it helped a bit that the initial lockdown period coincided with some balmy summer weather, but, with the right clothing and footwear, you can enjoy an exhilarating winter walk. The added feeling of accomplishment that comes with overcoming the elements gives you all the more reason to indulge in a warming post-walk soup or hot drink to celebrate your achievement!
From its home in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, The House of Bruar is surrounded by some of the best walks in Scotland with the most spectacular scenery the area has to offer. These walks may be limited to those on our doorstep right now, but there are plenty ways to find out about walks closer to you while you plan your trip to see us when travel restrictions are lifted. Your local council should have a list of walks on its website, or try organisations such as Walking Britain, The Ramblers, The National Trust or your local Wildlife Trust.
How far and how often should you walk?
You don’t always need to brush up on your map-reading skills and set off to conquer the latest Munro, there are plenty of path-based walks that the whole family – and the dog - can take part in. And, whether you bundle the kids up in woollies and wellies for a forest adventure or strike out on your own over hills and glens, The House of Bruar has everything that you need in its countrywear and sporting collections to keep you warm, dry and effortlessly stylish every step of the way.
You don’t always need to brush up on your map-reading skills and set off to conquer the latest Munro, there are plenty of path-based walks that the whole family – and the dog - can take part in. And, whether you bundle the kids up in woollies and wellies for a forest adventure or strike out on your own over hills and glens, The House of Bruar has everything that you need in its countrywear and sporting collections to keep you warm, dry and effortlessly stylish every step of the way.
So read on, wrap up and get out to the great outdoors, and, before you know it, you’ll have walked through winter, and spring will be bursting through the clouds.
Essential kit
The Home of Country Clothing, The House of Bruar can kit you out from top to toe before you set off!
The Home of Country Clothing, The House of Bruar can kit you out from top to toe before you set off!
Footwear
The right footwear makes all the difference whatever level of walk you’re planning. The House of Bruar stocks a wide range of boots from high-performance hiking boots to kid’s wellies so that you can put your best-dressed feet forward as you set off on your adventures.
The right footwear makes all the difference whatever level of walk you’re planning. The House of Bruar stocks a wide range of boots from high-performance hiking boots to kid’s wellies so that you can put your best-dressed feet forward as you set off on your adventures.
Ladies
Ladies Meindl Caracas GTX Walking Boot
A sturdy addition to any walking boot and shoe collection, this comfortable traditional walking boot is ideal for use on and off trail.
Buy Meindl Caracas GTX Walking Boot
A sturdy addition to any walking boot and shoe collection, this comfortable traditional walking boot is ideal for use on and off trail.
Buy Meindl Caracas GTX Walking Boot
Men's
Men's Le Chameau Lite Waterproof Boot
Men's Le Chameau Lite Waterproof Boot
The super-lightweight waterproof Le Chameau Lite Hunting boot will keep your feet warm and dry whatever the Scottish weather throws at you! 100% waterproof and breathable thanks to the 5-layer Le Chameau LCX lining, these 10” stalking boots are made with environmentally friendly Terracare full-grain leather. Based on motocross technology designed in partnership with Michelin, the durable and high-performance Deep Forest sole will take you on your off-road adventures in safety and style.
Buy Le Chameau Lite Waterproof Boot
Buy Le Chameau Lite Waterproof Boot
Kids
Hunter Kids Classic Boot
Hunter Kids Classic Boot
The Hunter Kids Classic boot is a specially designed wellington based on the famous Hunter Original but with a number of innovations introduced for growing feet. A flatter sole and rounder foot provide improved balance and grip for little legs, while a widened upper leg make them easier to take off and on. Handcrafted from natural rubber with a textile lining, the Hunter Kids Classic boot provides a waterproof boot for children that excels in every respect.
Buy Kids Classic Boot
Buy Kids Classic Boot
Waterproof trousers
Not every walk demands a pair of waterproof trousers, but you’ll be grateful to have these rainy day basics to hand for those inevitable wet weather days.
Not every walk demands a pair of waterproof trousers, but you’ll be grateful to have these rainy day basics to hand for those inevitable wet weather days.
Ladies
Ladies Harkila Retrieve Trousers
Ladies Harkila Retrieve Trousers
Classic yet hardwearing, these Retrieve trousers from Harkila are both functional and feminine. A double press button closure and anti-slip internal waistband allow for an effortlessly comfortable fit, and the windproof and waterproof membrane incorporated into the fabric keep the chill out with ease. With easy entry top pockets and thigh pockets, these trousers are designed to excel.
Buy Ladies Harkila Retrieve Trousers
Buy Ladies Harkila Retrieve Trousers
Men's
Schoffel Snipe Overtrouser
Schoffel Snipe Overtrouser
The Snipe overtrouser from Schoffel is an impressively designed essential for beating the inclement British weather. Crafted from Schoffel’s own two layer Venturi laminate fabric with classic check lining, this overtrouser is waterproof, windproof, and yet breathable, with fully taped seams. Two front zipped pockets, articulated knees and zipped boot gussets with popper closures make the piece stunningly versatile.
Buy Schoffel Snipe Overtrouser
Buy Schoffel Snipe Overtrouser
Jackets
From cosy coats to sporting outerwear with all the technical bells and whistles, The House of Bruar has your back when it comes to chilly weather cover-ups.
From cosy coats to sporting outerwear with all the technical bells and whistles, The House of Bruar has your back when it comes to chilly weather cover-ups.
Ladies
Ariat Menlo Down Jacket
Ariat Menlo Down Jacket
Cocoon yourself against winter winds and rain in the richly padded and subtly sporting Ariat Menlo down jacket. The longer length cut covers you in all the right places while the wool-touch recycled polyester fabric feels incredibly soft and gives a lovely matt-textured finish. Filled with ethically-sourced down insulation with a smooth quilted lining for a comfortable wear, contemporary finishing touches like the wide drawstrings, feature zipped pockets, padded hood and vegan leather trims complete the look while badging signals the quality of your choice.
Buy Ariat Menlo Down Jacket
Buy Ariat Menlo Down Jacket
Men's
Men’s Yeti Payne Down Jacket
The Yeti Payne down jacket is constructed in warm and lightweight high-quality Crystal Down for the ultimate in breathable insulation. Packing incredibly small, this jacket is crafted from very soft rip-stop fabric making it highly versatile and easy to wear and it also features a two-way zip, warm hood and elastic cuffs.
Buy Yeti Payne Down Jacket
Buy Yeti Payne Down Jacket
Kids
The North Face Children's Elian Triclimate Jacket
The North Face Children's Elian Triclimate Jacket
The weather definitely won't stop their play this winter thanks to the Children's Elian Triclimate Jacket from The North Face. When out and about in wintery weather, nothing will adapt as well to the changing conditions as this three-in-one jacket featuring a waterproof outer shell and cosy inner fleece that can be worn together or as separates. Complete with a 3-piece fixed hood, encased binding to the cuffs and zipped hand pockets, it is an essential outerwear option for any young adventurer!
Buy Children's Elian Triclimate Jacket
Buy Children's Elian Triclimate Jacket
Dogs
Barbour Wax Dog Coat
Barbour Wax Dog Coat
This wax dog coat from Barbour is perfect for providing your pooch with extra protection against the elements. Inspired by the traditional Barbour wax jacket, this dog coat channels classic country heritage style and features a corduroy collar, an adjustable underbody buckle strap and a front Velcro strap to ensure a comfortable fit. The Barbour logo is also featured on a leather badge adding unmistakable authenticity to this stylish coat.
Buy Barbour Wax Dog Coat
Buy Barbour Wax Dog Coat
Hats and gloves
Inject a splash of colour into your winter wardrobe with our fun, cosy and high-performing hats and gloves.
Inject a splash of colour into your winter wardrobe with our fun, cosy and high-performing hats and gloves.
Ladies
Dale of Norway Christiana Hat
Crafted in Norway using time-honoured practices and classic knitting patterns, the Dale of Norway Christiania hat is a cosy close-fitting cap that will warm both your head and your heart this winter. Its soft merino wool is so feather-light and gentle on the skin that you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it, except for the superior snugness it brings. .
Dale of Norway Christiana Hat
Crafted in Norway using time-honoured practices and classic knitting patterns, the Dale of Norway Christiania hat is a cosy close-fitting cap that will warm both your head and your heart this winter. Its soft merino wool is so feather-light and gentle on the skin that you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it, except for the superior snugness it brings. .
Gauzy Cashmere Gloves
Cosy up this winter with our Scottish gauzy cashmere gloves. Made from the finest natural fibres which keep your hands luxuriously soft and warm, these gloves can be bought on their own or as part of a fabulous set with our matching scarf and hat. Easy to look after and extremely comfortable, these gloves make a great gift for ladies of all ages.
Buy Gauzy Cashmere Gloves
Cosy up this winter with our Scottish gauzy cashmere gloves. Made from the finest natural fibres which keep your hands luxuriously soft and warm, these gloves can be bought on their own or as part of a fabulous set with our matching scarf and hat. Easy to look after and extremely comfortable, these gloves make a great gift for ladies of all ages.
Buy Gauzy Cashmere Gloves
Men's
New England Bobble Beanie
New England Bobble Beanie
With its traditional patterns and cosy fleece lining, this distinctive hand-knitted New England bobble beanie will help seal in warmth on colder days. Full of personality and rural charm, this is one winter favourite you'll find yourself turning to again and again.
Buy New England Bobble Beanie
Buy New England Bobble Beanie
Sealskinz Windproof All-Weather Knitted Glove
Keep chilly winds at bay with the Sealskinz windproof all-weather knitted glove, a three-layer glove that's warm, durable and completely windproof. A microfleece lining seals in heat and provides excellent moisture control, while its high-stretch construction gives increased dexterity.
Buy Sealskinz Windproof All-Weather Knitted Glove
Buy Sealskinz Windproof All-Weather Knitted Glove
Bags
Your essential walking companion whatever you choose to carry, from bright nylon backpacks to seriously rugged rucksacks, The House of Bruar has bags of bags to choose from.
Patagonia Stormfront Pack
Boasting the highest level of versatile, waterproof protection in a pack, Patagonia's Stormfront Pack will see you through any adventure in style. A top zip fastening allows for easy access to the spacious main compartment which can easily store an up to 15" laptop, a DSLR camera or even a slew of fly boxes for your fishing trip. A stash pocket to the exterior can hold your small essential items and keep them close to hand while external lashing options also allow you to carry extra gear or even attach the pack to a raft or the inside of a canoe. The fully adjustable padded shoulder harness and removable waist belt allow you to handle large loads with ease and evenly distribute weight to allow for comfortable carrying.
Patagonia Stormfront Pack
Boasting the highest level of versatile, waterproof protection in a pack, Patagonia's Stormfront Pack will see you through any adventure in style. A top zip fastening allows for easy access to the spacious main compartment which can easily store an up to 15" laptop, a DSLR camera or even a slew of fly boxes for your fishing trip. A stash pocket to the exterior can hold your small essential items and keep them close to hand while external lashing options also allow you to carry extra gear or even attach the pack to a raft or the inside of a canoe. The fully adjustable padded shoulder harness and removable waist belt allow you to handle large loads with ease and evenly distribute weight to allow for comfortable carrying.
Canfield B Sustainable Medium Backpack
Save the planet as you store your stuff by picking this eco-friendly Canfield B Sustainable backpack made using 12-15 recycled plastic bottles. Reducing waste while raising the style bar with its sleek lines and clever design features, this recycled nylon bag is weather-resist and hardwearing, with room for a 17” laptop and lots of handy compartments. The contemporary fold-top construction maximises the interior space and makes it easy to load up before securing tightly with a zip and magnetic fastening. The back is quilted for comfort and there’s a useful cotton webbing carry handle to grab as you go.
Save the planet as you store your stuff by picking this eco-friendly Canfield B Sustainable backpack made using 12-15 recycled plastic bottles. Reducing waste while raising the style bar with its sleek lines and clever design features, this recycled nylon bag is weather-resist and hardwearing, with room for a 17” laptop and lots of handy compartments. The contemporary fold-top construction maximises the interior space and makes it easy to load up before securing tightly with a zip and magnetic fastening. The back is quilted for comfort and there’s a useful cotton webbing carry handle to grab as you go.
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Finishing touches
No walk would be complete without a stop for a hot drink or a warming dram. Pack a thermos or a hip flask into your kit bag for smiles all round.
No walk would be complete without a stop for a hot drink or a warming dram. Pack a thermos or a hip flask into your kit bag for smiles all round.
Harris Tweed Hip Flask
Handmade in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, Harris Tweed’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship is known throughout the world. This distinctive hip flask combines Harris Tweed with rich leather and stainless steel to create a unique flask that’s sure to turn heads.
Buy Harris Tweed Hip Flask
Handmade in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, Harris Tweed’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship is known throughout the world. This distinctive hip flask combines Harris Tweed with rich leather and stainless steel to create a unique flask that’s sure to turn heads.
Buy Harris Tweed Hip Flask
Some walks to try out your kit on
With the help of the Walk Highlands website, we’ve picked out a couple of simple local routes for you and the family discover when you’re back in the area.
With the help of the Walk Highlands website, we’ve picked out a couple of simple local routes for you and the family discover when you’re back in the area.
Falls of Bruar
Walk highlights
Walk highlights
Starts and ends at The House of Bruar, which means that, under normal circumstances, you can use what the Walk Highlands website describes as “the poshest toilets in the Highlands” before you set off! We say, why stop there? Get your day off on the right foot with a hearty Scottish breakfast in our family restaurant.
What to look out for
There are plenty seats and viewing areas on this path-based walk which allow you to take in the spectacular glory of the Bruar waterfalls and dramatic gorge.
Loch Faskally and the salmon ladder
Walk highlights
There are lots of exciting elements that children will enjoy, including the stunning suspension bridge and salmon ladder at Pitlochry dam. Loch Faskally offers an unexpected oasis of peace near the bustle of this busy tourist town.
What to look out for
At certain times of year (April to September) you’ll be able to see wild salmon leaping up the ladder at Pitlochry dam as they head upstream to reproduce.
Glen Tilt viewpoint
Walk highlights
This easy walk on quiet roads and tracks offers stunning views of Glen Tilt and the moors and forests that surround it.
What to look out for
The woodland sections are teeming with local wildlife – keep your eyes open for red squirrels. Look to the horizon to spot red deer roaming the hills.
