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Hi Nicola...as far as kit goes...if you don't already have ..buy a first aid kit...torch..compass...water...extra socks...towel..otherwise you look prepared enough.....I haven't walked down your way....I've focused on west central...so arrochar alps...Ben An..Conic Hill, Ben Lomond. Happy Bagging!

Lots of nice walks in the pentlands - different lengths and difficulties. Ben Lomond isn't too bad especially on a nice day. Tinto is an easier one but still a nice climb!! Usually use walkhighlands good for rough directions/where to park etc

We done Ben Nevis with my 9 year old last year it was good fun. I have also been to Glen Doll that was a lovely walk with a good wee pub at the bottom too. Xx

Go onto the website www.walkhighlands.com. Loads of info on there

Merrick, Rhinns of Kells...Coserine.

This is another good site for kit advice and general info on getting started in the hills http://www.mountainsafety.co.uk/Hill-Walking-Safety-Kit.aspx/

Think about improving your general fitness too, which will improve the enjoyment of it also, and learn to read a map and use a compass, just in case. All good Orienteering clubs can do both for you & your kids! Solway is your local club: http://www.solwayorienteers.co.uk/events.htm

Hi Nicola, the average ascent time for Ben Nevis is 7-9 hours so you did it bang on average. For some reason it's a mountain that people want to run up and down more than others so you do see much quicker times posted, but reality is hill walking is exactly as it sounds...walking! In terms of kit, I have copied and pasted a kit list from Mountaineering Scotland. This will help you to see if you have the right kit or not. Admittedly on a hot summers day then it can seem like you have too much kit, but most people I have treated for hypothermia has been in summer months! https://www.mountaineering.scot/activities/hillwalking/getting-started/essential-kit In terms of where to walk, walkhighlands is your best resource. Lots to choose from in your area and detailed descriptions. https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/ If your toe nails fell off then it sounds like they were either too long and needed cutting, your boots were either too small and bashed the end or too big and slide about and bashed. If you've not already sorted then that should be your priority. Enjoy hitting the hills

Mairi McCormack at Simply Scented Aberdeen x

I do Body Shop Be happy to help! x

Extra care when you reach the plateau. Good navigational skills required. Pack your bag for winter conditions & you won't go wrong on that front. Check out MWIS & MET office mountain forecast. Keep an eye on the the Ben Nevis hdwebcam for up to date & accurate conditions on the Big 1. http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/winter-gear.html

Sgor Goaith in the Cairngorms from Glen Feshie is pretty straight forward.About 8.5 miles and a good track climbing relatively gently up most of it.Great view from the summit too!

Smiley Jim McKay keen for getting involved in this I hope x aka please