16 KIT OF THE WEEK Helly Hansen Rainwear New Helly Hansen rainwear laughs in the face of dull, wet weather with a colourful range of jackets. Their Nine K jackets are waterproof, breathable and windproof with fully-sealed seams and Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment. Their Loke jacket comes in 10 colours HIGH LIFE TreeZone for women and 16 Loch Lomond is fun for men. Women’s for all the family Nine K designs include red-checked print, stripes, floral and spots. The three men’s Nine K designs are more subdued. The W Loke is a lighter weight but has good waterproof and windproof credentials and packs into its pocket. The Nine K retails at £100 and the Have Loke at £85. Go to shop.hellyhansen.com Get roped in for you a walk in the trees tried? TREE ZONE LOCH LOMOND What is it? A new aerial adventure course set high in the trees on the shores FEEL THE NEED..THE FIONA of Loch Lomond. Tell me more… NEED FOR TWEED RUSSELL There are two aerial courses at The TweedLove Bike Festival TreeZone Loch Lomond, the returns to the Borders this month Treecreeper and the Buzzard. with a promise of an even bigger Our intrepid The 105-metre long Treecreeper programme. has 11 obstacles and is three to The two-week event takes place outdoors expert four metres off the ground. around Peebles from May 16 to June 1 finds the perfect The longest zipwire on this and includes a wide range of on-road course, which is aimed at younger and off-road rides. Popular events spot for some participants, is 19 metres. will be the enduro, sportive, sprint, Kids can choose from two aerial courses hill climb and family ride. The Buzzard is 235 metres SWinG inTO ACTion family fun – long and has 17 obstacles with The festival also hosts an Expo, adult doesn’t need to take part. Cost… a club night, a bivvy night, skills 14 metres up in platforms and crossings up to a sessions and a film night. maximum height of 14 metres. Minimum height for the short Adults are £25 per person n See www.tweedlove.com a playground The longest zipwire is The Big course is 1.1m tall and for the and children under 16 are £17. Zip and is a thrilling 65 metres. longer courses is 1.3m tall. Families (two adults and two amid the branches Take a look at the fantastic Maximum weight is 18st 12lb kids or one adult and their kids) GIVE TROSSACHS A views over the loch and out ((120kg) and maximum waist are £70. towards Ben Lomond before is 50 inches. Who is this activity for? TRY ON NEW PATH you ride this zip wire. But I thought… Fun-loving adults and children. A new long-distance walking and What makes TreeZone Loch Isn’t there already a forest No previous experience is cycling trail – the Great Trossachs Lomond different is that it has a adventure course in Loch required but a reasonable level of Path – has officially opened. continuous belay system, which Lomond & Trossachs National fitness and mobility is required The 30-mile Path links together means that once you are clipped Park? There is and it’s called Go What else can we do? three of Scotland’s other Great Trails: in you remain safely attached Ape Aberfoyle (goape.co.uk). But Another outdoors adventure The West Highland Way, The Rob Roy there is plenty of room for two provider, Can You Experience, Way and the Three Lochs Way. throughout. The Great Trossachs Path could be This means children as young fun aerial adventure centres. offer lots of activities close by. walked on its own or added to the as seven can enjoy the aerial When can we do this? You can also visit the Bird of other great trails to offer a long adventure and kids under 12 TreeZone is open all year Prey Centre, play mini-golf, take multi-day walking tour. can do the course without round and every day in summer a ride on the Loch Lomond The Great Trossachs Path forms a their parents. (Saturdays and Sundays in water taxi or go for a walk along spine through some of Scotland’s Anything else to know? winter). The first session starts the shores of the loch. most beautiful landscapes. The route Minimum age is seven and all at 10am (11.30am on Sundays). Contact runs along loch shores, around hills and through woodland. It passes under-12s must be supervised The last outings start at 3.30pm. Visit www.treezone.co.uk or many interesting attractions, by an adult on-site, although the Booking is recommended. call 0845 612 5567. including Rob Roy’s birthplace, a military garrison and an Iron Age fort. Advice Join me on my adventures in Scotland’s great outdoors by checking out nSee www.walkhighlands. and my award-winning website at www.fionaoutdoors.co.uk – you’ll find lots of great co.uk for route details. ideas information about walking, cycling, running, other outdoor activities and kit reviews.