The Highlands
The Highlands are a very special place, one of the last great wildernesses of Europe. The Highlands are visited by people from all over the world every year. They come for many reasons, most to experience the rugged beauty of the hills and mountains or the impressive rivers, streams and waterfalls. The landscape of the Scottish Highlands is truly stunning.
There are ancient pine forests to explore, or hike and scramble to the top of the rocky hills and mountains to enjoy the magical views. There are 282 Munros across Scotland, that’s a mountain over 914.4 metres. Ben Nevis is the highest at 1,345 metres.
I love the wilderness of the Highlands, for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors, it offers everything and anything you could want, as each season of the year brings something new. Winter can be harsh with storms, snow and ice and only 6 hours of daylight. Summer can be glorious, but the midges can be a problem for some people. When hiking in the Highlands you should always be prepared no matter what season it is, the weather can change in minutes in the mountains.
Hiking and camping around Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and Glen Dessarry areas for anything from a few days to a month or more is happy days for me. For those people who want to stay at official campsites you will find them all over Scotland with varying facilities, I sometimes will book for one night at a official campsite to have a hot shower, but most of the time I will camp out in the wilderness, it is much more fun to camp in the hills, sit round the campfire at night with your mates, cook your dinner, tell stories and drink a shot or two of whisky (known as a wee dram). Then, wake up in the morning after a good night’s sleep, brew up coffee and enjoy the stunning views, experience the smells and sounds of the wilderness waking up. What a great way to start your day that you will not forget. I have been travelling to wilderness areas all of my life to enjoy those “wows” moments.
Canoeing is another great way to explore the lochs. I like it because you can carry more kit and more food, unlike when you are back packing and every gram counts. Over the years I have had many fun times on the lochs, sometimes with a few mates, sometimes solo. On say, a week canoeing trip, I like setting up a base camp, then go off on day trips around the loch, stop for lunch, explore, practice bushcraft skills, check out the area for other good camping spots and be sure to note the grid reference so you can plan for another trip later.
If you like taking pictures, you are in for a treat, apart from the amazing views, wildlife is everywhere. I have spent many happy hours watching wildlife. Just walk out to the hills and it will not be long before you spot something.Ssometimes I hunker down in a makeshift hide using camouflage netting, make a brew, just wait a while and see what comes along. Just a taste of what you may spot, sea eagles and golden eagles are often seen near Knoydart and peregrine falcons and buzzards range the hills. Wild boar can be spotted late evening or near to dusk at Glen Dessarry. Deer can be seen in the hills just about anywhere, pine martens, red squirrels and lots more. A trip to the coast is always a good day out, plenty of sea life and birds for the photographer to capture on camera.
I am always out in the bush when in Scotland; there are so many things to do, no matter what the weather or time of year. I will be fishing from the shore or out at sea on a charter boat, maybe fishing the fresh water lochs for pike and brown trout. I may go deer stalking with Fraser, hiking and camping, canoeing, or using and honing my outdoor skills. I have been traveling all my life and been fortunate to see many wild places in India, Africa and Canada. I have been lucky to have been to such beautiful places but Scotland is one of my favorite places, the nature is in my soul and the Highlands gives me a peace I cannot put into words.
Happy Days
Michael Ireland