Walking the hills has been my passion since I left school, so in terms of the longest round so far its been 39 years and you appear to have started in the same way I did, slowly. But not a man of few words
although I did meet my match once, here goes...
Its a passion that I have never lost, and never will. Combined with my other love of landscape photography, a good combination as most of my best pictures have been on days walking rather than specifically for photography.
The early years were confined to England and Wales, Scotland was simply too far for a day out, but that changed when I moved north and never looked back. Scotland is my home and always will be, too much of what I love is here.
I have managed to fit my walking around my work life, working now but only as a means to fund my cottage renovations as I build a new home for myself, my previous career providing the funds to live, so to speak, eventually the need to work will expire ( he says looking at an unfinished bathroom, lounge, bedrooms, garden...well ok kitchens good and hot water and heating works
)
I have enjoyed the hills in all weathers and all seasons but winter is the best, winter is my stage. I have had some of my best days in the winter season. Yes it is committing, as is life, if you have the willpower, staying power, and yes you need to be a fighter to reach those goals, especially alone, you cannot give up. In life you can give up, change path, return to the same old path, but in walking, on a winter trip, conditions against you, apart from walking out early on, having not reached your summit, you have to battle on.
I use to be a caver/potholer and recounted many a rescue story where it was said that once they had rescued someone from a cave they then had a mountain rescue to follow to get them off the hill…but I digress, maybe sending you to sleep now.
Some use the hills as an escape, an escape from the reality of life. They can be, yes, I know in those early years when you first start out on lifes journey, walking the hills, especially in bad conditions, suddenly the gas bill sitting at home seems irrelevant as you battle gales and rain wondering if you will actually get off the hill. The finances take care of themselves and no amount of money will make you happy, no amount of material things will take the place of the hills, it may seem that way, but the pleasure of buying something new is short lived (maybe thats the escape), just look around you home and see what you actually need. For a time in rented accomodation, my possessions revolved around walking, my pictures, photos, maps, walking clobber, camping gear, apart from the necessities to eat sleep and wash, what esle do you need ??
So they are not an escape, if you don’t like the reality in which you live, change it, believe in what you dream off and not of what your told or hear, and make it happen, its there waiting you just have to take that chance or forever live wondering.
Since I moved north my hill days increased, mostly walking alone with my faithful canine companion Holly, my first dog, who sadly had to be put to sleep in my arms a while back, I miss her hugely and still believe she is walking with me, whenever I feel a little down. But you don’t feel down for long in the hills, that’s for sure. Once I am over that loss, and work expires a new companion will be taken in, although it will never replace her, some things in life canot be replaced.
The hills have taken me to new places, fantastic places, the geography, the trees, the rocks, the ever changing light, makes every trip worthwhile, every trip different, every trip special.
Some will always stand out in ones mind, the great ridge of the Aonach Eagach, Beinn Alligin, Liathach and my personal favourite An Teallach, a wondrous mountain, a special day, one day to hopefully return in a new life. Often my cover photo, once this lounge is decorated, fireplace sorted it will have pride of place on the main wall.
But the boring hills, as some would refer, also hold great days out, Drumochter in deep snow, Glenshee, none are boring if you pick the right day or go with the right companions, canine or human or alone, find yourself
Walking brings out the best in you and in those you walk with, it can be motivating, infectious, all consuming, the planning, route decisions, escape routes, pouring over maps studying the details, the photos, books etc. Its in the blood, its what makes you who you really are and if you think not, your only kidding yourself. If you share the passion a weekend of walking will last all week.
It’s a passion even better shared, priceless you might say, and the chance to share it all week, but don’t feel bad or guilty for going it alone if that’s your choice. Easy for me to say as I am, outside of renovations and home building I can get out whenever I choose, and when I return home I can relive every moment with my photos, maps and books without having to switch it off and return to another reality and start the planning for the next trip.
So, the hills are a passion, not much time for anything else, they keep you fit, keep you alive and personally for me they are all I need.
Other commitments can get in the way, but as I said before, they are of your own making, so change it, only you can do that, only you can make that decision, only you can steer the course of your life as time will pass so quickly and whatever you do it will work out, believe me. Someone once told me the most important bit on a gravestone is the line betwen your birth and your passing as that is you life, so very true. So get out when you can, if you cant get out as often as you wish any moment will live in your memories forever and be all the more special for that.
Dave
