On Top Of The World

ADVENTURES come in all shapes and sizes – anything that takes you out of your comfort zone and has a bit of uncertainty about its outcome can be called an “adventure”.

The picture above is of my six-year-old nephew Archie on the jaggy wee summit of Ben A’an. It’s a hill in the Trossachs – at 461 metres (1512 feet) it’s half a Munro – and it commands stunning views over Loch Katrine.

Ben A’an is about a 10-minute drive from my house and I’ve climbed it hundreds of times over the years –

I use it as a training hill. But this was Archie’s first ever ascent.

To make it even more adventurous, we drove up the night before in my campervan, spending the night in the car park ready for an early start.

After about eight games of snakes and ladders – I lost each one – it was time to turn in. It was a chilly night and I couldn’t help thinking of my actual bed, which was pretty much within walking distance.

Archie found the whole experience hugely exciting, of course – especially taking a last peek at the clear night sky.

He’d never seen so many stars and we could easily trace the path of the Milky Way. Not the chocolate bar – that takes a bit of explaining to a young mind...

We set off up the steep wee mountain at first light. It was warm at the summit, and we had a second breakfast with some hot squash made on my stove.

Archie didn’t want to leave – he was amazed by the view and insisted this was “the best walk ever”. Seeing the wee hill in a new light – through his eyes – I’m inclined to agree.

Whatever your idea of adventure, you’ll find loads of inspiration in this May issue of your favourite magazine.

We’ve a fantastic interview with traveller, TV presenter and author Simon Reeve, as well as ideas for days out in the hills and fun family trips.

And we’ve a wonderful chat with an amazing man called David Cunningham. At 90 years old, he’s back at uni studying for his fourth degree in 11 years. Now that’s an adventure!