The dark arts: understanding and reading summer mountain weather

SKILLS, TIPS & TRICKS TO GET YOU HIKING LIKE A PRO

Even in cloudless skies, there are silver linings, writes Dani Morey

Moments enjoyed, lessons learned, handy advice, weird stuff that happened: welcome to the little bits and pieces that don’t make big stories, but do make all the difference.

Alastair MacDonald Jackson spent two years visiting as many of Scotland’s west coast islands as possible. Here he showcases some of the greatest wonders of the west – and offers practical advice on how to see them

PHOTO: TOM BAILEY 1 It’s a win for ...

From gnarly ridge traverses to relaxing strolls along silvery beaches, these island hikes lend themselves to the long days of Summer