The great escape
There are few things in life more liberating than a walk in the wilderness, says Stephanie Abbot and if you head to the Highlands and Far North, you’ll find a spectacular setting with a landscape unlike anywhere else
These days we are surrounded, nay, engulfed by technology. So much so that we can often forget to look up and appreciate the world around us, and what a pity that is, especially if you have easy access to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. The romantically wild terrain of rugged mountains and deep blue lochs combined with changeable weather and unspoilt nature combine to create an alluring and mystical landscape.
The simplest and arguably the best way to explore this treasured part of the country is by walking or hiking and the choices of how you want to do this are seemingly as boundless as the Highlands themselves. The first decision you’ll need to make when it comes to organising your trip, is whether you want a guided tour or to go it alone.
Whether you’re interested in keeping it relaxed or want to take the opportunity to challenge yourself, Wilderness Scotland offers a range of guided walking trips around the country. There are luxury packages which include five-star accommodation at private lodges or friendly little guest houses and Highland lodges.
There’s a huge selection of hill walks and coastal walks along with valley hikes and a grading system which allows walkers to match the holiday to their fitness levels. Tim Francis, one of the guides, has been living in the Highlands for over ten years after deciding that he wanted a change of pace from his job in IT. ‘It’s a unique place and not just to the UK but worldwide and it gives you the chance to get away from everybody,’ Tim explained.
‘Despite the growing popularity of Highland breaks it’s an amazing and beautiful country, raw to an extent, and isn’t overrun by tourists.’ Speaking about particular moments that stand out to him, Tim recalls an instance where he and his group spotted a hind on top of a Corbett. ‘We walked about ten more steps and saw her baby who was only around a month to a month-and-a-half old.’
Even without the abundant wildlife Tim says, ‘the views in the sunshine are unprecedented and because of the changeable weather, each time you go out for a walk it’s different. The changes of colours to the forests are fantastic at the end of September.’ It should come as no surprise then that the response to these surroundings is always positive. Tim says: ‘They fall in love with the country, they are amazed. I haven’t met anyone who is disappointed.’ ( www. wildernessscotland.com)
Meanwhile, you’d be forgiven for assuming that a place just 400 miles south of the Arctic Circle might not be the ideal place to spend an autumn walking break. However, with stunning coastal scenery on both the North Sea and Atlantic-facing cliffs, heather covered hills and more than 300 lochs scattered around the islands, Shetland offers a beautiful and vibrant setting at any time of year. There is a wide variety of operators who provide tours across the area, some tailored for keen photographers or wildlife watchers and others that provide bespoke packages to suit your particular interests. North West Frontiers, a company specialising in
It’s a unique place and not just to the UK but worldwide
small group walking holidays, offer a trip called the Shetland and Orkney Explorer. This ten-day break includes a visit to Skara Brae and the Old Man of Hoy. It also provides a unique opportunity to see the Heart of Neolithic World Heritage Site, the Sumburgh Lighthouse (also known as Stevenson Lighthouse) and to climb Shetland’s highest point, Ronas Hill. ( www.nwfrontiers.com/tours/search/ Orkney-Shetland-Explorer)
Some people say the best way to experience a new place is by tagging along with a local or at least following their recommendations as opposed to the usual suspects. If you book a tour with Island Trails, that’s exactly what you will get. James Tait, who manages the company, lives on Shetland where his family have been crofters for six generations. James offers small group, bespoke and private tours which cover everything from wildlife and history to geology and of course, spectacular scenery. ( www.island-trails.co.uk/ walks-and-tours)
Or for something a little different, why not spend your break at the Alladale Wilderness Reserve in Ardgay, Sutherland. Set amongst 23,000 acres, there’s lots to discover with guides available for hire who will point out wee points of interests along the way.
For those feeling exceptionally adventurous, Bear Grylls Survival Academy runs courses inside the reserve throughout September. It involves catching, gutting and preparing your food, fire and shelter building, amongst a variety of other survival skills.
If you fancy doing something a tad less extreme during your break, then Alladale’s ‘Photographing the Highlands’ retreat gives you the chance to learn how to capture the beauty of the landscape with award-winning photographer Dougie Cunningham. Accommodation ranges from luxury private lodges to a rustic bunkhouse for resting your head between exploring. ( www.alladale.com)
For those seeking to escape the daily humdrum and avoid the usual trappings of holiday hot spots, the Scottish Highlands is a fitting choice. You’d be hard-pressed to find more stunning views and scenery in many other countries. An autumn break spent walking and exploring this area is sure to leave you feeling amazed and revitalised but most of all, extremely lucky that this breathtaking part of the world is part and parcel of the wee country you call home.