GADABOUT GOLDIES

Exploring Scotland Together

Hills, Moorland and Scottish Trails

Free Group Walks for Seniors in Glasgow & the Scottish Outdoors

Gadabout Goldies is a friendly walking group created to encourage older adults and seniors to get outdoors, stay active, meet new people and discover some of the wonderful countryside Scotland has to offer.

Leading the walks is Choudhary Muhammed Shahid, a Glasgow-based experienced hillwalker, outdoor enthusiast, author and passionate advocate for making Scotland’s outdoors welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

Meet Your Guide "Choudhary Muhammed Shahid"

Shahid has spent many years exploring the mountains, hills, glens, moorlands and walking trails of Scotland. His outdoor journey has taken him across virtually every major mountain region of the country from the hills surrounding Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to Glencoe, Perthshire, the Cairngorms, the Northwest Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

One of his proudest achievements is completing all 282 Scottish Munros, becoming the first Scottish Pakistani Muslim to achieve this remarkable milestone.

His experience, however, goes far beyond simply reaching summits. Over the years, Shahid has walked countless miles through Scotland in every season and in the wonderfully unpredictable Scottish weather sunshine, rain, wind, snow, mist and, of course, the occasional encounter with Scotland's famous midges! He has extensive practical experience of planning walking routes, assessing terrain, monitoring mountain weather forecasts, choosing appropriate clothing and equipment, and adapting a day out according to the abilities of the people walking with him.

As the author of Breaking the Barrier, Shahid has also shared the story of his journey through Scotland's mountains and his belief that the outdoors should be enjoyed by people from every background, community and generation.

A Different Kind of Walking Group

Gadabout Goldies isn't about racing to the summit.

There are no medals for being first and no pressure to keep up with the fastest walker. The philosophy is simple:

Walk at a comfortable pace. Enjoy the scenery. Have a laugh. Look after each other. And get home with good memories.

The walks are particularly aimed at seniors and older adults but of course young one & adults can join too who would like to explore the outdoors but perhaps don't feel comfortable heading into the countryside alone. Some people may have walked Scotland's hills for years. Others may simply want to become more active, build their confidence or enjoy their first proper countryside walk.

Free Guided Group Walks

Shahid gives his time completely free of charge to help groups of seniors experience Scotland's beautiful countryside. There is no guiding fee. The aim is not commercial; it is about giving something back to the community and helping more people enjoy the physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits that come from spending time outdoors. Walks are primarily organised in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, gradually extending into accessible parts of the Scottish Highlands depending on the group, weather and nature of the walk.

Routes can include:

• Gentle countryside and woodland walks

• Moorland and open-hill walks

• Lochside and riverside routes

• Scenic Highland trails

• Lower hills and viewpoints

• Introduction to hillwalking

• Carefully selected routes for more confident walkers

Each outing is considered according to the group's ability, expected weather, distance, ascent and terrain.

Experience Without the Pressure

Having completed Scotland's 282 Munros and revisited many mountains and walking areas several times, Shahid understands something important:

A successful day outdoors isn't measured by how high you climb.

For Gadabout Goldies, reaching a summit is secondary to enjoying the journey. Sometimes the best day might involve a small hill overlooking Loch Lomond. Another might be a woodland trail, a peaceful stretch of moorland or simply finding a beautiful viewpoint where everyone can stop for a cup of tea and wonder why somebody brought enough sandwiches to feed half of Glasgow! The objective is to encourage people to remain active while enjoying companionship, fresh air and Scotland's extraordinary landscape.

Safety, Preparation & Responsible Walking

Scotland's hills are beautiful, but they deserve respect.

Before outings, consideration is given to the route, terrain, distance, ascent, daylight and expected weather conditions. Participants are encouraged to bring suitable footwear, waterproof clothing, warm layers, food, water and any personal equipment they may require. Weather conditions are monitored, and routes may be altered, shortened or postponed where conditions are unsuitable for the group.

Walkers are also encouraged to respect the countryside and follow the principles of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, including taking litter home, respecting wildlife, livestock, landowners and other countryside users.

Shahid is particularly passionate about protecting the places he walks and has personally undertaken litter-picking and clean-up walks on Scottish hills.

Friendship, Fresh Air & a Wee Bit of Adventure

Gadabout Goldies is about much more than walking.

It is about companionship, confidence and community.

A day in the countryside gives people the opportunity to talk, laugh, make new friends, discover new places and enjoy experiences that can sometimes seem inaccessible when travelling alone.

Nobody needs to be a mountaineer.

Nobody needs expensive equipment to begin.

And nobody needs to prove anything.

You simply need an interest in getting outdoors and enjoying Scotland in good company.

Whether it is your first countryside walk or your five-hundredth, you are still a Gadabout Goldie.

Growing Older Doesn't Mean the Adventures Have to Stop.

Sometimes the adventure simply becomes a little slower, a little wiser — and involves considerably more tea stops.

GADABOUT GOLDIES

Free group walks for seniors

Glasgow • Loch Lomond • The Trossachs • Scottish Hills, Moorlands & Highlands

Walk Together • Explore Together • Laugh Together