I have enjoyed hillwalking for many years, having started while at University with trips to north Wales with the Methodist Society. During my PhD I went walking regularly with a friend, Mark, in Snowdonia, the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales and Scotland. Mark was in Glasgow for several years, and I've been living in East Kilbride for over three years. As a result most of the walking I've done has been in the Scottish Highlands, particularly in recent years.
I enjoy the chance to get out of town into the country and the sense of achievement that one gets having reached a summit and finished a good walk. The fresh air and exercise I find particularly invigorating, which I find helps keep my mind active and alert. Although not enamored by the concept of "Munro bagging" I have found that the presence of a list of mountains does encourage me to ascend different hills, and I have found myself keeping count of the number of Munros I have walked up. I have, on occasion, sought less usual routes up some Munros, enjoying the semblance of "exploration" this gives.
Many of the Munros I have ascended, particularly in recent years, I have done alone, several whilst backpacking. Most of the other walks I've done have been with only one or two other people (usually just Mark). I don't particularly like hillwalking in large groups; I find such groups unwieldy in terms of the range of abilities they would normally represent, and I prefer the sense of communion with nature I have on my own or with a few others that can be spoilt on a busy mountain.
I have completed several longer walks where I have taken a tented and camped out for 2 or 3 nights. By carrying a tent, sleeping bag, stove and food for a few days it is possible to ascend hills that would otherwise involve a long day walk (or use of a bicycle to get closer), or too climb them by less usual routes. In addition to these advantages I also find that there is something very liberating and satisfying about being totally independant for a few days, and spending nights among the hills is far more relaxing than camping in a formal site.
The pages on this site give details of some of my favourite walks, with a selection of photographs. There is also a section on Munros; the number and names of the Munros I have currently ascended. I have also included a collection of links to other hillwalking related sites that I've enjoyed browsing.