All things hiking Health and wellbeing

WHAT TO EAT FOR HIKING AND HOW TO AVOID BEING “HANGRY” – EAT TO WALK

Exploring the unparalleled beauty of the Cairngorms National Park is a treat for all. But there’s another sort of treat you should always consider when planning any wilderness walk or expedition – meals and snacks to set you up well and keep you going all day. What to eat for hiking and when to eat it is crucial to the enjoyment of your day out. There is nothing worse than a member of your party becoming disheartened by not having enough to eat.

We’ve all been there – partway through a walk and feeling tired and irritable, just not enjoying it as much as you should. That’s more than likely because you’re hungry – or “hangry”. Choosing the right food to eat before and during your trip can avoid this issue entirely and set you up for a fabulous day’s walking.

Top tips

You don’t need to follow a specific diet, but there are some nutritional tips that can definitely make a difference.

• First the science bit – your body needs calories as fuel, and the more active you are the more calories it needs. But not all food types are equal when eating for long term energy so it’s important to choose well – and it’s all about the carbs.

• Carbohydrate is your jet fuel – quick to burn and providing instant energy, but it needs topping up regularly. Your body can only store small amounts of carbohydrate in the muscles and liver as glycogen, and not for very long. So although it’s great for strenuous activities such as hillwalking, you’ll need to bring top-up supplies as your breakfast bagel won’t last for long.

• Firstly make sure you eat large portions of starchy carbohydrates the night before your hike, a great big bowl of pasta, noodles or rice is ideal. Opt for wholegrain options where you can (eg whole wheat pasta or noodles, brown rice) as the fibre in whole grains provides a slower release of energy. Other good sources of carbohydrate include potatoes (with skins), couscous, beans and pulses.

• And then a substantial carbohydrate breakfast will set you up for the early part of the day – toast, bagels and porridge all fit the bill. If you’re a fan of breakfast cereals try to choose whole wheat options with no added sugar.

• Finally, and just as important, pack your bag with a selection of snacks to eat at least every couple of hours during the day – think sandwiches, bananas, dried fruit, malt loaf and the occasional chocolate treat. These energy balls made from dates, almonds and cocoa are popular with our clients these days as they fit conveniently in pockets and do as they say on the tin. They are so delicious that they revive your spirits through flavour as well.

No more hangry outbursts, just a fully-fuelled, bursting-with-energy day out – all it takes is a peanut-butter-and-banana-on-wholemeal sandwich!

NB After your hike, just as with a strenuous workout, you do want plenty of protein in your meal to aid muscle recovery.

Coming to Scotland with teenagers? You might have some concerns. Travelling with teenagers can be challenging. You’re trying keep them happy and entertained and off their screens for at least part of the day. Scotland’s largest national park is definitely a “must” for you and your teenagers, especially in these post COVID times.

The Cairngorms offers a wonderful range of activities to tempt even the most cynical teen away from their screen. There’s so much for them (and you) to enjoy in the wonders of the natural world.

General tips for travelling in Scotland with teenagers

There are a few general tips that will help engage your teens in your holiday to make the most of the beautiful Cairngorms

• Involve them in the planning – show them maps, give them options, ask their opinions, get them to research and suggest ideas
• Accept screen time – this is a part of their lives and keeps them entertained but more importantly connected to their friends – agree sensible ground rules
• Channel their passion – if they love animals, photography, vehicles or art – find activities linked to what they enjoy

The Cairngorms offers a huge choice of activities and adventures for both you and your teenagers to enjoy – here are just a few highlights to start you off

Explore the mountains

From gentle hill walks to ascending the highest peaks, the Cairngorms are a natural adventure playground whatever your level of fitness – we’ve chosen some of our favourite family walks here. Or why not push deeper into the wilderness without sacrificing your home comforts on a glamping adventure, supported by your own Highland pack pony. 

There are also a multitude of climbing options from small roadside crags and Treezone type adventures or Zipwire adventure park to multi-pitch mountain routes in the Cairngorm massif.

Enjoying the high rope course at Landmark, Carrbridge. There’s something for all the kids and it’s so easy to get there from Fraoch Lodge.

Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig

Teenagers may claim to be “over” wildlife parks and zoos, but just watch their faces as they see tigers prowling the woodland and polar bears padding across the hillside. Add wolves, red pandas and snow leopards into the mix and even the most cynical teenager will rediscover their sense of wonder at the natural world. With a combination of in-car safari and on-foot animal trails, the Highland Wildlife Park is a fabulous day out for the whole family.

Rothiemuchus

For variety and exhilaration, Rothiemuchus is hard to beat. The estate has a wee bit of everything. You can go fishing or use their bespoke hides to take spectacular wildlife shots. Or for adrenaline junkies try the quad bikes, river rafting or gorge walking. There’s something to satisfy even the most demanding teen. Combining the great outdoors with great activities is the perfect way to enjoy time outside as a family.

Watersports

With both Loch Morlich and Loch Insh within 30 minutes drive of Fraoch Lodge, even if you don’t have your own gear, there are plenty of chances to try a bit of kayaking, sailing or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding).

The northern Cairngorms are also surprisingly close to the beach, particularly if you include Loch Morlich beach. You can also visit the sea and go dolphin spotting within an hour’s drive.

Mountain Biking

Trail centres and natural trails abound here. You can find almost any kind of biking: cycle round lochs, up mountains and improve your skills on all grades of route. You can ride for minutes or for hours. Check out the options at Glenlivet Bike trails and Laggan Wolftrax. With the explosion in e-bikes, you can access almost any route including the more famous long distance high level routes like the Burma Road

Enjoy the wild parts of the UK out on your bike

Every day in the Cairngorms can be an adventure.  You can just enjoy the wilderness or enjoy the views. Or go and  discover the wildlife or ride a Segway; there’s such a wide variety of activities, sights, and pursuits. With a little preparation, some energy, agreed time off screens and an extensive selection of snacks, we are confident that there’s no better place for you and your teenagers to enjoy together.

There’s a ton of stuff we haven’t mentioned: the Highland Folk Museum, Leault Farm sheepdog demonstrations, Ballindalloch Castle, and more: check out our family adventure for more choices.

If there is really too much to choose from, do give us a call and we’ll put a plan together for you to fit in as much as possible.