THE MOUNTAIN HARE
The Mountain hare is emblematic of climate change. It has no choice about when it changes white for the winter: it cannot wait until the snows come. It changes when the days get shorter, irrespective of whether snow is lying on the ground or not and this makes it more vulnerable to predators. This is why all my trips are run using public transport as the optimum way to minimise their environmental impact.
It is also the way that I have always personally chosen to reach the mountains.
The Mountain hare is emblematic of climate change. It has no choice about when it changes white for the winter: it cannot wait until the snows come. It changes when the days get shorter, irrespective of whether snow is lying on the ground or not and this makes it more vulnerable to predators. This is why all my trips are run using public transport as the optimum way to minimise their environmental impact.
It is also the way that I have always personally chosen to reach the mountains.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Using rural buses, trains and ferries also shows a social responsibility to the communities we visit. If they do not get used then they can become threatened with budget cuts. This is particularly acute in the present due to the drastic fall in use during the pandemic. Conversely, where they do get used, the service becomes secured and will eventually be improved. We can encourage this by leaving our cars behind.
Using public transport opens up new possibilities for routes in the hills. Without a car being left behind in a car park, you no longer have the necessity to return the same way. With a tent in your pack you gain a new freedom to wander. Some of my best trips have been “station to station”. This does require a shift in attitude. It is best to shape your route around the transport. A more relaxed attitude to the journey is required. Slow down the pace. Look out the window, and watch the world go by. You will find the stresses of normal life just drift away.
Using rural buses, trains and ferries also shows a social responsibility to the communities we visit. If they do not get used then they can become threatened with budget cuts. This is particularly acute in the present due to the drastic fall in use during the pandemic. Conversely, where they do get used, the service becomes secured and will eventually be improved. We can encourage this by leaving our cars behind.
Using public transport opens up new possibilities for routes in the hills. Without a car being left behind in a car park, you no longer have the necessity to return the same way. With a tent in your pack you gain a new freedom to wander. Some of my best trips have been “station to station”. This does require a shift in attitude. It is best to shape your route around the transport. A more relaxed attitude to the journey is required. Slow down the pace. Look out the window, and watch the world go by. You will find the stresses of normal life just drift away.
“SLOW MOUNTAINEERING”
These trips are not about peak-bagging or the adrenalin rush of a rocky ridge conquered. Rather they are expressions of what I call “slow mountaineering”. This is mountaineering as a state of being within the environment. We give ourselves time to become absorbed in the landscape, historical, cultural and natural. Whilst much of the Scottish landscape may appear empty, wild and untamed, it has in fact been shaped by our activities for thousands of years. Even back in prehistory we first hunted, and later farmed here. Throughout the landscape ruins attest to this former occupation.
We therefore have a long association with the natural world, something which recent generations are in danger of losing. If we continue with our dangerous and destructive ways this loss could become permanent. The landscape itself could become extinct, joining the aurochs, wolves, and lynx. The mountain hare and ptarmigan may soon be in trouble. The capercaille already is… for the second time.
These trips are not about peak-bagging or the adrenalin rush of a rocky ridge conquered. Rather they are expressions of what I call “slow mountaineering”. This is mountaineering as a state of being within the environment. We give ourselves time to become absorbed in the landscape, historical, cultural and natural. Whilst much of the Scottish landscape may appear empty, wild and untamed, it has in fact been shaped by our activities for thousands of years. Even back in prehistory we first hunted, and later farmed here. Throughout the landscape ruins attest to this former occupation.
We therefore have a long association with the natural world, something which recent generations are in danger of losing. If we continue with our dangerous and destructive ways this loss could become permanent. The landscape itself could become extinct, joining the aurochs, wolves, and lynx. The mountain hare and ptarmigan may soon be in trouble. The capercaille already is… for the second time.
LEAVE NO TRACE
This is a no brainer. We will leave nothing behind except perhaps a few footprints, and bring away nothing except memories, and maybe any litter we stumble across left by others. But it’s not just about litter. Pollution comes in many forms. We will not pollute the streams by using soap, besides this is where we take our drinking water! We should also be aware of the sonic environment around us. Leave the phone turned off (there’s probably no signal anyway) and tune into to the orchestra of nature. The birds singing in the woods, the distant call of a bird of prey, the buzz of insects. You are getting close to nature, so let nature in. If you quiet and patient nature will come to you.
This is a no brainer. We will leave nothing behind except perhaps a few footprints, and bring away nothing except memories, and maybe any litter we stumble across left by others. But it’s not just about litter. Pollution comes in many forms. We will not pollute the streams by using soap, besides this is where we take our drinking water! We should also be aware of the sonic environment around us. Leave the phone turned off (there’s probably no signal anyway) and tune into to the orchestra of nature. The birds singing in the woods, the distant call of a bird of prey, the buzz of insects. You are getting close to nature, so let nature in. If you quiet and patient nature will come to you.
TRIPS TAILORED FOR YOU
You will have noticed that none of the trips I run have dates attached, or even a definitive duration. Each trip I run is in fact bespoke and will vary to suit the group, the weather and ground conditions. Actual dates may also be dictated by the availability of transport. Many buses do not run at the weekend, and some are highly irregular. This will all be determined during the booking process. I act as “expedition leader” during the planning of the trip, and will factor in route options should the weather or our mood demand them. Nothing needs to be too rigid, and I want your experience to be an enjoyable one!
You will have noticed that none of the trips I run have dates attached, or even a definitive duration. Each trip I run is in fact bespoke and will vary to suit the group, the weather and ground conditions. Actual dates may also be dictated by the availability of transport. Many buses do not run at the weekend, and some are highly irregular. This will all be determined during the booking process. I act as “expedition leader” during the planning of the trip, and will factor in route options should the weather or our mood demand them. Nothing needs to be too rigid, and I want your experience to be an enjoyable one!
