Cairngorm John

[mrssanta]

I have just finished reading this excellent book which was recommended by somebody on here, might have been Milesy, definitely worth a read, it is very well written, and salutory lessons on setting off into the hills especially in winter. I think should be required reading. I got it from Amazon

[NickyRannoch]

Absolutely required reading. a fantastic book which is informative, entertaining, heartbreaking and inspiring all in equal measure.

I met the great man whilst doing my Dof E at Harris Academy and both he and the rest of the Cairngorm MRT could not have done more for us.

[Seamus]

I'm with you on that one guys, a great book.

[Gavin99]

Agreed . On a similar note ,I recently read 'The Black Cloud ' by I.D.S.Thomson ,a fairly grim account of tragedies in the Scottish hills from 1928 to 1966. There is some facinating history but many of the issues are still relevant today ,not a cheery wee bedtime read .

[LDPWalker]

I have just finished reading this excellent book which was recommended by somebody on here, might have been Milesy, definitely worth a read, it is very well written, and salutory lessons on setting off into the hills especially in winter. I think should be required reading. I got it from Amazon

Any clues to the title of the book (or am I missing something here.....???)

[Graeme D]

I went to see him when he did a lecture at the AK Bell Library in Perth a couple of years ago. Think it was probably to promote the book. Anyway, he wasn't the most charismatic public speaker I've ever seen, but he told some fascinating and sobering stories. Haven't read the book yet but must get around to it.

Mountains of the Mind (Robert MacFarlane) would be my favourite. A superb blend of history and geology and a compelling story of mankind's often fatal attraction to high mountains. Quite a few gruesome tales of accidents too, mostly on early ascents of Mont Blanc.

[fraochydug]

Any clues to the title of the book (or am I missing something here.....???)

Cairngorm John: A Life in Mountain Rescue (i googled it)

[Matthew C]

I have just finished reading this excellent book which was recommended by somebody on here, might have been Milesy, definitely worth a read, it is very well written, and salutory lessons on setting off into the hills especially in winter. I think should be required reading. I got it from Amazon

Any clues to the title of the book (or am I missing something here.....???)

Yes it's the title of the book, but also his radio call sign when co-ordinating rescue teams.

[tony.cee]

briliant book, when i picked it up, i thought it would be full of tutting and head shaking. nothing further from the truth.

[harry hill]

After reading references to Cairngorm John on another thread, I googled him & bought the book.
I really enjoyed it. The take home messages for me were, we should always be well prepared before heading into the hills, but misfortune can befall anyone. He tells some tragic tales, but your left with great admiration for the mountain rescue teams.

[KGBMC]

Half way through the book I got from Amazon on Sat

Great reading !

[Louise]

Great read and insight into the role and commitment of the MR. Quickest book I've read in a long time

[EwaMH]

I'm two thirds of the way into this book and second everyone elses thoughts of it being a great read, making me (only just I'm sure!) begin to understand (and admire) what the MRT's do. Some sobering stories too making me realise how lucky we all are when days out go well

[alanbatty]

Got it from the library last Thursday and finished it by Sunday, couldn't put it down. I really admired the way he recounted his tales and never thought the worst of anyone, just made me realise how professional these guys are.

[ridgerunner]

Plenty of human interest in the book to make it a good read.
It was an eye opener to discover how long most injured people spend on the hills before rescue teams reach them and It made me reassess what i carry on the hills and i have since bought a Rab Xenon jacket to leave in my rucksack, a waterproof map holder and quadrupled my supply of spare mars bars.