What I’ve been reading this week, 3 January 2020
Empty labels, hiker ruins family Christmas, Norway to Scotland by foot and bike, and the empty promises of minimalism. Environment and nature Danish farmers divided over plan to flood their lands to cut emissions – this is an interesting piece, illustrating some of the conflicts that will rise to the surface
Wild perspectives: a twilight nature encounter at Snipe Dales
One of the last things I did in 2019 was to go for a walk in the woods, and I caught a glimpse of the wild perspectives that govern hidden corners of our world. It was to be a walk in search of some birds to photograph, but it ended
My top ten wild camps of 2019
Ten of the best from the mountains of Scotland and the Pyrenees As I mentioned in my year in review, I spent a total of 67 nights under canvas this year, of which 47 were ‘wild’ camps. It’s been a fantastic year for wild camps. The Haute Route Pyrenees
2019 in review: long-distance trails, avoiding burnout, and planting seeds for the future
Towards fresh beginnings While 2018 was a year of triumph and tragedy, 2019 has been a steadier year with fewer crazy peaks and troughs. It hasn’t been without its challenges, though – and it’s been a year of major change for me. The outdoors Where to start? 2019 has
What I’ve been reading this week, 20 December 2019
The physics-defying wren, protecting Scotland’s wild land in 2020, and some book lists… Environment and nature Pervasive human-driven decline of life on Earth points to the need for transformative change – this is important. The time is now. Rewilding: How Trees for Life are renewing the Highlands – ‘Increasingly, Trees for
Book review: Another Peak – Everest is not the only summit by Alex Staniforth
Everest was Alex Staniforth’s dream, but that dream died when the earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, ending his summit attempt. This review was first published in The Great Outdoors magazine, January 2020. Another Peak – Everest is not the only summit picks up events after Everest, and is all about
An afternoon of bird photography at Gibraltar Point
I’m very fortunate to live a few miles away from Gibraltar Point, one of the best wildlife reserves on the Lincolnshire coast. This afternoon I took my camera for a walk, and saw a few birds despite the high winds. I love spending time in wild places, but I’
What I’ve been reading this week, 13 December 2019
The return of the taghan, a better alternative to grouse moors, the future of mountaineering, and why you should read old books. Environment Harvest mice found thriving 15 years after reintroduction efforts – some good news. ‘Untold Suffering’ a disturbing report by OneKind and the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland (LACSS)
TGO Challenge 2020 route submitted for vetting
After a few weeks spent pondering maps, my planned route for the 2020 TGO Challenge has now been submitted. For background on the Challenge, and why I decided to participate, see this blog post. It’s an annual non-competitive backpacking event in which hundreds of people cross Scotland on foot
Skills guide: Planning off-path routes
If your hillwalking has mainly been confined to the Peak District or Lakes, it can be daunting to visit a wilder area where there are fewer footpaths. For the first-timer in the Scottish Highlands, here’s how to confidently plan walking routes – even where there are no paths. This feature
