Walking Sticks and Hiking Staves for Kilted Gents! Basics of the Cromach, Cogach & Shillelagh

The traditional Scottish walking staff is called a Cromach (CROMach, with the `O' as in song)
Its most famous attribute is the curved top like on a shepherd's crook and indeed this is for a reason. This versatile stick was used by stockmen and shepherds in Scotland for centuries, though it seems to be most documented in the 19th century. This may be due to the heavy influx of sheep into the Highlands at this time.
The cromach was also very popular for hiking across the hills and glens, whether for leisure, stalking deer or simply to get home. This makes perfect sense considering how steep, hilly and rocky the terrain of the Highlands is, not to mention the need to sometimes cross running water on foot.
The cromach steadily gained popularity into the 20th century as an accessory for Highland Dress. Individual cromach staves are now exceedingly beautiful works of art.
You will regularly see them at Highland Games in the hands of event officials (stewards), judges, clan chiefs and chieftains, etc.
However, use of the cromach is not limited to those in authority. It is not a badge of office or rank and anyone may enjoy one.
A related though less well known Scottish walking stick is the humbler Cogach (Gaelic for 'warstick'). This was a simple staff, not unlike the English quarterstaff though generally a bit shorter. When poor, common Highlanders were called to battle, it was a simple matter to make a cogach from whatever hardwood could be found.
Which style of walking staff is right for you? Well, it's a personal choice. You could say that the cromach is a bit more genteel and sophisticated - it certainly looks beautiful with a tweed Argyll and kilt! The cogach may be a better choice for a historical interpretation - or as a hiking staff in the woods.
We should also mention the Irish Shillelagh - the famous fighting stick made from blackthorn. This stick is more common in the world, carried as a walking stick more than as a weapon (though it is possible to take HEMA classes in how to use it if you're interested!). You will often see it carried by kilted gents at events. It is not strictly traditional for Scottish attire, but we feel worrying about that is splitting hairs a bit.
Men all over the world have used naturalistic walking sticks. If you have an Irish side to your heritage, or just love the feel and swagger of the shillelagh, enjoy! And naturally, if you need a walking stick for comfort or mobility, this stick is probably a better practical option compared to the very long cromach, which you can not support yourself on with one hand.
Tartans of the day:
Rocky: Stewart Old Wilsons of Bannockburn colours
Erik: Cameron Erracht Muted
Mac: Red Hackle
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