Hell of a Journey: On Foot Through the Scottish Mountains in Winter

Hell of a Journey: On Foot Through the Scottish Mountains in Winter

by Mike Cawthorne (Author)

Synopsis

"Hell of a Journey" describes what is arguably the last great journey to be undertaken in Britain: the entire Scottish Highlands on foot in one winter. While on one level it is a vivid and evocative account of a remarkable trek - never attempted before - on another it celebrates the uniqueness of the Highlands, the scenery and ecology of 'the last wilderness in Europe'. The challenge Mike Cawthorne set himself was to climb all 135 of Scotland's 1,000-metre peaks, which stretch in an unbroken chain through the heart of the Highlands, from Sutherland to the Eastern Cairngorms, down to Loch Lomond, and west to Glencoe. His route traversed the most spectacular landscape in Scotland, linking every portion of wilderness, and was completed in the midst of the harshest winter conditions imaginable. "Hell of a Journey" was widely acclaimed on its first publication in 2000. In an Epilogue to this new edition, Mike Cawthorne reflects on his epic trek and wonders what a reader who followed in his footsteps today would discover. His conclusion is that 'wild land in Scotland has never been under greater threat'. Now, more than ever, "Hell of a Journey" is an eloquent reminder of what we could so easily lose forever.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 264
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Mercat Press
Published: 10 Sep 2007

ISBN 10: 1841830720
ISBN 13: 9781841830728

Media Reviews
The Herald 'In lucid expansive prose, he describes his remarkable 'hell of a journey' through the Highlands, battling blizzards and rainstorms.' Scotland on Sunday 'Written with an enthusiastic attention to detail... The style is refreshingly honest and extraordinarily open...' The Scotsman 'Written with wry humour and illustrated with stunning photographs, his book is an inspiring adventure.' 'A marvellously evocative writer ... he even describes the cold with warmth.' Kathleen Jamie, Boardman Tasker Prize Judge 'Engaging and heart-warming ... a wonderful journey.' TGO 'A man with mountains coursing through his blood.' High 'Mike writes compellingly about the thinking behind such an apparently insane journey.' Trail
Author Bio
Mike Cawthorne began hill-walking on Ben Nevis aged seven, and has been climbing mountains ever since. He has worked as a teacher, professional photographer and freelance journalist. He has an intimate knowledge of the Scottish Highlands, undertaking his first long-distance trek there in 1982. He lives in Inverness.