OS Champion

Crystal Silver

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

I’ve always lived an outdoorsy lifestyle, but I went through a bit of a tough couple of years health-wise and promised myself to make the most of each and every day once I recovered. I have kept that promise to myself! The great outdoors played a massive role in my recovery and it’s truly my happy place.

I like to think of myself as a ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ when it comes to outdoor activities and turn my hand to kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, wild swimming, camping and bouldering amongst others. My main passions are hiking and trail running, both allow me to explore my beloved Scottish Highlands. You will find me at my happiest trail running up a beautiful mountain in sunny conditions.

What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Being from the North East of Scotland, the Cairngorms are home. Within the Cairngorms, I love my local glens of Glova and Doll. One of my favourite routes there is an out and back to Corrie Fee along Glen Doll. I recently walked this route with my dad during his recovery from a knee replacement and it holds special memories. You won’t find a better lunch spot than at the point where the forest opens up, revealing the view of Corrie Fee.

Corrie Fee along Glen Doll

Want to find out more about how to start hiking?

Read our complete guide to Hiking for Beginners, everything you need to get started from essential equipment to fitness and safety advice – Hiking For Beginners

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

Being a fan of solo adventures, it is really important to me to take safety seriously. The Garmin In Reach mini 2 is the device carry with me. I use it to check in with loved ones and friends when I am out on my own, and know it is always there in case of an emergency. I don’t leave the house without it.

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Find and follow Crystal online:
Intagram @ciss.outdoors
TikTok @ciss.outdoors
YouTube @ciss.outdoors

All OS Champions

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hiking

Hiking

hiking advice

hiking for beginners

Beginner’s guides

hiking gear

Hiking for Beginners – A Complete Guide

June 18, 2024

13 min read

Hiking for beginners, a complete guide to hiking safety, hiking fitness and the best UK Routes for beginners

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Map Reading

Beginner’s guides

A beginners guide to understanding map contour lines

June 5, 2022

2 min read

Learn the use and meaning of contour lines on a map and understand how to use them to when you’re out and about or planning routes. Understanding contours will improve your map reading skills.

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Walking

8 Epic Lake District walks you need to do

July 30, 2017

5 min read

It’s no secret that the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in England with some epic walks to boot. Walker and cyclist Jamie Knop has listed eight of the most epic Lake District walks you need to tick off your bucket list.