By Admin 
Scotland is a land of untamed nature and wild beauty. Tourists love to explore the Land of Cakes, not just for its oatmeal cakes but for adventurous hikes. As of 2024, around 2 million international trips were made by travelers from different parts of the world.
The vast majestic landscapes of the country draw visitors like moths to a flame. One cannot imagine leaving Scotland without engaging in a walking holiday. It’s a vacation where the main activity is walking, usually through natural settings.
Most tourists on walking holidays also enjoy a short hike along Scotland’s many trails. This can seem like a distant dream for those with an overactive bladder or Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).
If the thought of managing mid-hike leaks turns the idea of an adventure into anxiety, you need some solid strategies. This article is here to assure you that walking through Scotland’s stunning landscapes is liberating and manageable. Here are three tips that will help you focus less on bladder worries and more on your breathtaking journey.
Choose the Right Route
Hiking is an activity beneficial to the body and brain. Plus, Scotland has a wealth of walking or hiking trails to offer. These range from mountain passes to windswept coastlines. However, those with SUI must choose trails based on practical factors: restroom availability, manageable terrain, and proximity to villages.
Scotland’s hikes are somewhat inspired by off-country trails in Canada and the US. This means the trails are not waymarked, but use corridors that highlight zones within which self-guided hikers can choose a path.
Some routes, like the 21-mile Peaks Trail, are extremely challenging since a part of it is completely off-track. Now, the benefits one can derive from solitude in nature may be profound, but accessing them can seem intimidating.
This is particularly true of conditions like SUI that demand close contact with civilization. Thankfully, it’s still possible to enjoy a walking holiday in Scotland. Stick to the popular routes like the West Highland Way, Fife Coastal Path, and the Great Glen Way.
Trails known for wild camping, like the one we mentioned above or the Cape Wrath Trail, should be avoided. There are long isolated stretches wherein it’s difficult to access any facilities needed for those with incontinence.
Another pro-tip is to base yourself in a well-equipped area like Pitlochry or Callander and enjoy day hikes. Such hikes begin and end on the same day, which means you can return to your accommodation in the evening.
Also, check for seasonal access. Certain lodges and accommodations along the trails either close or operate reduced hours during winter months. Always check ahead to confirm the availability of toilets, cafes, and visitor centers for the time of your visit.
Get Personalized Healthcare Advice
Those with SUI should not embark on any trip, much less a physically demanding one like a Scottish hike, without a healthcare consultation. Contact a healthcare professional who understands bladder health and continence care.
The professional will be able to provide you with advice based on your unique needs. They will help create a travel plan that ensures you do not find yourself in a fix. In most cases, medications will be recommended to calm down an overactive bladder as an immediate relief measure.
It’s important to use the medicines on a trial basis before the trip to check for any side effects. Your healthcare professional may collaborate with a trained pelvic physiotherapist to teach exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
This appears to be one of the best long-term solutions for both men and women. The latter group is sometimes recommended surgical methods like transvaginal mesh implants. The Scottish government has halted the use of such implants, but they’re still available in the US and parts of East Asia for SUI.
This option is highly discouraged because of serious health complications, such as severe injuries due to mesh erosion. In most cases, the corrective procedures are more painful than the initial complications.
In fact, the multi-billion-dollar transvaginal mesh settlement amounts have underscored that the injuries are more severe than one can imagine. It’s best to steer clear of any surgical methods as far as possible.
Opt for relevant exercises, urethral bulking agents, and supplies like protective underwear and pads. Discuss all possible options thoroughly with your healthcare provider and prepare a strategic plan before leaving for the trip.
Manage Fluid Intake
Hydration is a must during hiking trips, especially on remote trails. The maximum temperatures in Scotland tend to peak during July and August.
In 2024, the highest-recorded maximum temperature was 16.6-degrees Celsius in August. This may not seem too much but the weather is known to become unexpectedly warm and dehydrating.
If you go too long without fluid intake, you could exhibit dehydration symptoms. It may make more sense to drink less just to avoid urine leakage. However, that will only make dehydration symptoms worse.
Also, concentrated urine irritates the bladder lining, thereby causing increased urgency and spasms. The key is to not drink less, but hydrate wisely. Our suggestion is to time your fluid intake.
In other words, avoid drinking huge volumes of water; instead, hydrate well 30-60 minutes before heading out. Then, take small sips throughout the day. You can reduce intake slightly before bedtime in case your hike will last through a night or two.
Moreover, hydration in this context refers to water or electrolyte-balanced drinks. Limit or avoid diuretics like strong coffee and milk tea. You can swap these with herbal teas. Also, use a water bottle with measurements to track your fluid intake for the day.
Finally, you must plan your bathroom breaks around fluid timing. For instance, most people feel the need to urinate around 30 to 60 minutes after moderate fluid intake. Use this knowledge to plan breaks, especially if your trail passes through a visitor center or a village.
Scottish trails are known to have ranger stations or public toilets. So, have a guidebook or app that marks these out for convenience.
Despite the best efforts, it always pays to plan for emergencies. To prevent any accidents, wear appropriate underwear and pack a compact changing kit. It should ideally include wipes, spare underwear, pads, and a sealable bag.
You can even carry a portable urination device for emergencies in remote areas. In any case, don’t let incontinence get the best of you. Many people with this condition travel or hike without any complications.
If needed, take along a friend for your walking holiday. Practice short local hikes to test your hiking strategies. While you’re at it, focus on the joyful experience and the beautiful scenery rather than the condition itself.