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Top tips for cracking wee adventures in Scotland's wild places

Escaping into the wilderness can often seem really tempting, but you need to know what you're doing when you get there. Luckily, expert advice is on-hand...

Best pals Andrew O'Donnell and Mark Taylor like nothing more than disappearing into Scotland's wild spaces. In their new series Roaming in the Wild they set off on adventures in some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery the country has to offer.

We asked seasoned explorer Andrew to share his tried and tested tips for anyone inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Double check your gear

"There's nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere and realising you've left something vital. Canny just nip to the shops for a coffee if you've not got gas for your stove. Wouldn't be the first time we've gone camping and realised we've left tent poles or pegs behind. A floppy tent is good to no one."

Take a good soundtrack

"Music can set the tone in any situation so make sure whoever you're camping with has good taste. There's a time 'n' a place for Justin Bieber — this isn't it. If you can play an instrument 'n' pack it, all the better, but a wee set of speakers has become essential kit. Oh, and a set of headphones. Has the added advantage of drowning out your pal's snoring that's gonna keep you awake. Every. Single. Time."

Don't be a fussy eater

"No need to get hung up on your dinner. If you've been oot 'n' aboot anything hot is heaven. You're eating what you can carry so the lighter the better. Dried food and random tins are a staple of our camping diet. It all gets flung into one pot and mixed together so no need to be fussy. Nobody is serving chick peas and instant noodles at a dinner party but it's maximum flavour for minimal effort. Optional hot sauce, season to taste."

Pack a tick remover

"If you spend enough time frolicking in long grass you're getting a tick. It's inevitable. You're gonny want to get these wee vampires off you as soon as possible, 'n' the best way to do that is with a tick remover. Takes up no room, weighs nothing, but gets them off you no problem. Also, someone willing to check your bum is useful."

Carry out what you carry in

"Don’t be a ****. Take all your litter home. Simple."

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