Crystal @ Ciss Outdoors
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cissoutdoors.bsky.social
Crystal @ Ciss Outdoors
@cissoutdoors.bsky.social
Independent outdoor publication shaped by time spent outside.
Hiking, outdoor travel, judgement, and gear that earns its place.
Long-form articles at www.cissoutdoors.co.uk
The coast north of Aberdeen is ideal for flexible day trips. Short distances, dramatic landscapes, and places that work just as well on their own as combined into a loose, unplanned day. A guide to coastal stops you can shape around the time and weather you have.
Flexible Coastal Day Trips North of Aberdeen
A flexible guide to coastal day trips north of Aberdeen, featuring cliffs, dunes, beaches, and castle ruins that work just as well alone as combined into an unplanned day shaped by time, weather, and light.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 7:39 AM
From corrie walks to long high days, Glen Doll offers a range of hikes from one base.
This article brings those routes together and explains why this Angus Glen works so well for repeat visits, short breaks, and changing conditions.
Glen Doll: A Hiking Base in the Angus Glens
There are places you visit once, and places you return to again and again. Glen Doll belongs firmly in the second category. For many people, the relationship with this glen begins long before boots touch the ground. The drive up through Glen Clova towards Glen Doll is part of the experience. Leaving the coast and farmland behind, the glen draws you steadily inward, the landscape changing in quiet stages rather than with any single reveal.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 11:34 AM
House-sitting is often framed as a free or easy way to travel. In reality, it’s a particular way of living somewhere temporarily, with trade-offs, responsibilities, and unexpected rewards. This piece looks at what it’s really like, and how to tell if it suits you.
House-Sitting as a Way to Travel: What It’s Really Like
House-sitting is often presented as a free way to travel, sometimes as a travel hack. In reality, it’s neither of those things. House-sitting is a specific way of travelling that comes with responsibilities, boundaries, and trade-offs. It suits some people extremely well and others not at all. I’ve used house-sitting as part of how I travel over the past couple of years, mainly in Scotland and occasionally further afield.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 11:47 AM
A steady Munro route to Mayar and Driesh from Glen Doll in the Angus Glens, using the Kilbo Path to avoid the steep Corrie Fee climb. A quieter-feeling option on busy days, with careful navigation across the plateau.
Mayar and Driesh from Glen Doll (via the Kilbo Path)
Route Summary Start point: Glen Doll car parkDistance: 8.8 milesElevation gain: 906 mRoute map: OS Maps plotted routeTerrain: Forest track, hill path, open plateau, mountain path Navigation notes: Careful navigation required on the plateau and around the summit of Driesh, particularly in poor visibility A note on planningThis route description reflects my own experience and is not intended as instruction.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
January 3, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Considering a micro-camper? This guide brings together first-build hindsight, practical build choices, and everyday use to help you decide whether a small camper fits the way you travel.
A Decision Guide to Building and Using a Micro-Camper
Micro-campers appeal to people who want flexibility without excess, and freedom without committing to a large vehicle. They sit between car camping and full van conversions, offering just enough space to rest, reset, and move on again. If you’re considering a micro-camper, the questions you’re likely asking tend to arrive in stages. Is this kind of setup right for how I travel?
cissoutdoors.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 1:24 PM
A review of the Mac in a Sac Summit Women’s Packable Down Insulated Jacket, tested across everyday winter wear and mixed cold-weather use, with notes on fit, warmth, and practical design details.
Mac in a Sac Summit Women’s Packable Down Insulated Jacket Review
Disclaimer: This jacket was provided by Mac in a Sac for review. Finding a warm winter jacket that works just as well for everyday wear as it does for hiking is not always straightforward, especially at the more affordable end of the market. I’ve been testing the Mac in a Sac Summit Women’s Packable Down Jacket across a mix of cold-weather use, from winter walking in mixed conditions to wearing it day to day during colder spells.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 28, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A reflective piece on living in one hostel for two months. It explores long stays, shared spaces, and finding ways to settle somewhere new without many comforts or existing connections.
Living in One Hostel for Two Months: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What I Learned
I spent two months living in a hostel in Vancouver. Not as part of a long, drifting trip, but because I was there for a fixed research exchange at the University of British Columbia, with a clear reason to be in one place and a daily structure already in place. Vancouver is an extraordinary place, but it is also prohibitively expensive.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 27, 2025 at 1:21 PM
A quieter Munro route up Broad Cairn from Glen Doll, starting gently before climbing onto open, rocky ground with wide views across Angus and Aberdeenshire. A steady, spacious day out. Full route and photos on Ciss Outdoors.
Hiking Broad Cairn from Glen Doll: A Quiet Munro Route
Route Summary Start point: Glen Doll car parkDistance: 12 milesElevation gain: 812 mRoute map: OS Maps plotted routeTerrain: Distinct forest and upland tracks, boulder field near Broad Cairn summitNavigation notes: Care required when descending boulder field area in poor visibility A note on planningThis route description reflects my own experience and is not intended as instruction.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 26, 2025 at 9:58 PM
A practical starting point for people finding their way into the outdoors.

Bringing together resources on confidence, safety, access, budget, and where to begin, without assumptions or pressure.
New To The Outdoors? Where to Start
If you’ve ended up on this page, it’s likely because you clicked on something marked beginner-friendly and wanted to see what else was here. That might be because you’re new to getting outdoors, because you’re coming back to it after a while, or because you enjoy being outside but don’t always recognise yourself in the way outdoor content is usually presented.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Sleeping safely in a micro camper isn’t about fear, but judgement and routine. I’ve published a practical piece exploring what helps solo travellers feel secure overnight, based on lived experience.
How I Stay Safe Sleeping in My Micro Camper
One of the first questions people ask when they hear about solo travel in a micro camper is whether it feels unsafe. The honest answer is that it can, at times, but rarely for the reasons most people expect. Sleeping alone in a vehicle, often away from campsites and familiar places, naturally brings a different set of considerations than traditional accommodation or tent camping.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 9:19 PM
North East Scotland offers rare variety within a compact area. Coastal towns, open beaches, inland glens and quiet hill routes sit close enough to shape trips around time, weather and energy. This guide brings them together, with routes into deeper exploration.
Exploring North East Scotland: Coast, Glens and Outdoor Travel
North East Scotland offers a rare sense of variety within a relatively compact area. Along the coast, traditional harbours, cliff paths and long beaches sit close together, while inland glens and corries rise quickly into quieter, more rugged landscapes. Small towns and village bases connect these environments, making it possible to shape trips around time, weather and energy levels rather than fixed itineraries.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 9:20 PM
From a traditional fishing harbour and red sandstone cliffs to hidden bays, long beaches and quieter inland paths, this Arbroath day-trip guide explores the variety of outdoor spaces packed into a small stretch of the Angus coast.
A Day Trip Guide to Arbroath: Clifftop Walks, Hidden Bays and Coastal Highlights
Arbroath sits on the Angus coastline with a mix of dramatic sea cliffs, quiet beaches, sheltered woodland walks and one of Scotland’s most significant historic landmarks. At first glance, it can feel like a town you pass through rather than pause in, but its real appeal lies just beyond the obvious routes. This is a place where red sandstone cliffs give way to hidden bays, expansive beaches stretch north and south of the harbour, and small, local paths lead to unexpectedly peaceful corners close to town.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 10:41 PM
I’ve put the Oboz Bridger Ridge Mid GTX through months of wet, cold, Scottish use. Waterproofing, grip and support have all held up well, with consistent comfort over long days. My review breaks down fit, durability and their performance across mixed terrain.
cissoutdoors.co.uk/2025/12/06/o...
Oboz Bridger Ridge Mid GTX Review: A Dependable Boot for Wet and Colder Conditions
Disclaimer: these boots were gifted to me by Oboz with no obligation to review. I’m sharing my experience after several months of use across varied conditions. When the Bridger Ridge Mid GTX arrive…
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM
A practical look at the gear I use for solo wild camps, covering the sleep system, shelter and safety items that have worked well for me on adventures in the Scottish Highlands.
My Wild Camping Gear: The Equipment I Trust for Solo Trips
Wild camping is one of those outdoor activities where your gear naturally evolves as you gain experience. I’ve refined what I carry through cold nights, pack faff, and plenty of trial and error. The equipment listed here is what I now rely on, items I’ve used repeatedly in Scottish conditions. Each one is reliable, functional, and suited to my solo trips.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 2:13 PM
I’ve published a new 3-day winter itinerary for Aberdeenshire, covering coastal walks, castles, wildlife and the Bennachie summits. A brilliant mix of scenery, short drives and big views. Read the full guide here:
A 3-Day Aberdeenshire Winter Adventure: Coastal Walks, Castles, Wildlife and Bennachie
A 3-day Aberdeenshire winter itinerary featuring coastal walks, castles, wildlife, Newburgh Beach and the Bennachie summits. A perfect short winter escape.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 2:03 PM
New on Ciss Outdoors: a detailed guide to six great walking routes in and around Ballater. From riverside paths to hill summits and forest trails, it’s a brilliant area for accessible, varied days on foot. Read the full guide on the site.
6 Great Walks In and Around Ballater, Scotland (Routes, Distances & Local Tips)
I’ve passed through Ballater countless times, usually on my way to somewhere else, but staying there for a weekend completely changed how I see it. It isn’t just pretty (although it absolutely is), it’s the way the whole place seems designed for people who want to explore on foot. A well-established network of paths begins right in the village, with clear waymarking and plenty of choice in terrain, distance, and difficulty.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 8:55 AM
If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to start exploring the outdoors, please read this. You belong outside. Right now, just as you are.
The Outdoors Belongs to Everyone (Yes, That Includes You)
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether it’s too late to start getting outdoors, this is for you. If you’ve been watching people summit mountains, camp under the stars, or navigate their way across rugged trails and thought, “That looks amazing… but I don’t know where to start,” this is your sign. Because the outdoors isn’t reserved for those who’ve been doing it their whole lives.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 11:17 AM
A full breakdown of how I built the interior of my Berlingo micro camper from scratch: materials, layout, cushions, clever storage and cost-saving tips. If you're thinking about your own small-scale DIY camper build, here’s everything I learned along the way.
DIY Micro Camper Build Guide: Budget Tips and Techniques
If you haven’t already, I recommend checking out my first post My DIY-Converted Micro Camper: Tips for Beginners for the story behind why I built Bluebell and the big-picture lessons from my build. This post is a deeper dive into the nitty-gritty of the build itself: the materials I used, how I measured and planned everything, the upholstery and cushions, kitchen setup, lighting, and more.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
July 10, 2025 at 8:43 AM
I converted my first micro camper from a Citroën Berlingo on a small budget and learned a lot in the process. If you're thinking about building your own or buying one ready-made, here’s what worked, what I’d change, and what surprised me:
How I Built My Own Micro Camper: Tips for Beginners
If you’ve ever daydreamed about campervan life but felt overwhelmed by the cost or scale of it, this post is for you. When I built my first micro camper, a 2012 Citroën Berlingo named Bluebell, I had no prior experience, a small budget, and a lot of determination. She became so much more than a van. Bluebell gave me freedom, opened the door to countless adventures around Scotland, and quite honestly, helped me turn my life around after a difficult period of illness.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
July 4, 2025 at 8:11 AM
I stayed at The Willows Nordic Shepherd’s Hut in Ballater earlier this year. It’s a peaceful, well-designed base with walking routes right from the door. If you're looking for a quiet, functional place to unwind and explore the Cairngorms, this one ticks a lot of boxes.
A Peaceful Stay in Ballater: Willow’s Nordic Shepherds Hut
If you're looking for a peaceful, functional base to explore Ballater and the Cairngorms, the Willow's Nordic Shepherds Hut might just be the perfect spot. I stayed here recently and was surprised by how much this little hut offered. It’s not just about the cosy space, but also the amazing location that allows you to explore the area on foot, without worrying about finding parking.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
June 27, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Spending time in the hills has shaped who I am. I’m proud to now be a Volunteer Ranger in the Cairngorms. This blog shares how it came about, why it matters to me, and what I hope to contribute to a place I love deeply.
Why I Became a Cairngorms National Park Volunteer Ranger
Spending time in the outdoors has always been my way of resetting. I work at a computer most days, so I’ve learned to protect the time I get to spend outside fiercely. It’s how I reconnect with som…
cissoutdoors.co.uk
June 12, 2025 at 7:45 AM
When I first got into the outdoors, I didn’t know anyone else who hiked. No group chats, no kit advice. Just me, learning as I went. If you’re starting out solo too, this one’s for you. Here’s how I found my people, one walk, course, and windswept summit at a time.
Finding Your People: Building Outdoor Community from Scratch
When I first started taking the outdoors seriously, I didn’t have outdoor friends. No group chats were buzzing about weekend hikes, no seasoned winter hikers offering to help me choose crampons or talk about kit over coffee. It was just me. Me, a lot of curiosity, and very basic kit. If you're at the beginning, feeling like you're not "outdoorsy enough" or unsure where to start, I’ve been there.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
May 22, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Always wanted to try wild camping, but don’t know where to start? Here are my hints and tips for solo outings…
Solo Wild Camping: Confidence, Comfort & Safety in the Outdoors
Solo wild camping is something I’ve grown into over time. It didn’t start with a big dramatic adventure. It was a slow build, learning from friends, and shared camps. Most importantly, observing wh…
cissoutdoors.co.uk
May 21, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Tucked between pine forests and rolling hills, Ballater surprised me. From trails from your doorstep to quiet summits and riverside views, it’s an easy escape into wild beauty. Add a Nordic shepherd’s hut and a few great meals, and this weekend felt like a real reset.
A Weekend in Ballater: Walks, Food and a Cosy Shepherd’s Hut Stay
I recently spent a weekend in Ballater for a first aid course and decided to make the most of being in the area by sticking around for a few days. I’ve driven through plenty of times and stopped for coffee, but never properly explored. I had no idea how much I was missing. What I found was a brilliant mix of peaceful and varied walking routes, good food, and a quirky shepherd’s hut stay.
cissoutdoors.co.uk
May 18, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Love exploring Scotland? The Cowal peninsula was new to me before this trip and I had the BEST time. Maybe it's a spot you'll enjoy too. Quiet lochs, dreamy glens and a stone's throw from a Scottish island, I can't recommend it enough!
A Long Weekend in Cowal: Forest Pods, Wild Swims & Hidden Corners of the West Coast
The accommodation written about in this post was part of a PR stay I was invited for a PR stay at the Stratheck Holiday Park by Aygyll Holidays in May 2024. This blog post is not part of the conten…
cissoutdoors.co.uk
May 16, 2025 at 10:34 AM