Ian Baines, 64, a retired electronic engineer from West Sussex THE CHALLENGE:
A 120km trek through the Cairngorms, bagging several Munros en route
After the stress of university finals examinations in 1977, I just needed to escape to the hills fast. What better way than a long backpack through the Cairngorms, climbing as many Munros as possible. Starting from Glen Clova, with friends Dave and Siân, we walked over the Lochnagar Munros to Braemar, then up through Glen Luibeg to wild camp amongst the ancient pines at Preas nam Meirleach (Robbers’ Copse) for three nights.
The weather was stunning and there was still snow in the high peaks. We climbed the Ben Macdui Munros one day; then The Devil’s Point, Cairn Toul and Braeriach group the next; before walking out through the Lairig Ghru and Chalamain Gap to
Loch Morlich. Looking back now, I’m struck by how much has changed in the past 40 years. Equipment back then was basic and nowhere near as lightweight, and camp food was poor by comparison. Our rucksacks were almost double the weight we would consider acceptable today. We knew no different then and this did not affect our enjoyment. The trip consolidated my love of the Scottish hills, ignited my desire to complete the Munros and, ultimately, nurtured my lifelong passion for backpacking and wild camping in remote places.
“The trip nurtured my lifelong passion for backpacking and wild camping in remote places”