Adventure in the Scottish Highlands
So I’ve just returned back to normality after a week away, seeking both answers and adventure in the Scottish Highlands. It’s been a hectic summer – but for all the right reasons, this summer has been one to remember.
From my journey of 1000 miles across the alps, to successfully adding my name to Everesting hall of fame list – all on the back of completing a bachelors of engineering degree. I’ve had a lot to celebrate, but not much time to do so, for I’ve always had that ‘what next’ thought in the back of my mind.
I’m very much winging it through life, I’ve always focussed on living in the present, taking each day as it comes. Working and training towards big goals in my personal life has never really been my gig.
When I finally realised things on my bucketlist wouldn’t just happen overnight, I knew this would have to change. Evenings just doing whatever I wanted became more disciplined. I was either planning or training. I couldn’t skip it, as the entire adventure was underpinned by this preparation. I’ve been living a structure and planned out life these last few months, purely focussed on the end goal – perhaps missing what’s been right in front of me.
I had to say no to certain things to pull of these adventures. As delighted as I am with the outcomes, changing my way of life to make them happen has been eye opening. It’s felt like I haven’t had much downtime this summer, just constantly from one project to the next.
Yet here I am, with things ticked off my bucketlist and memories to last a lifetime. I’ve found whichever way you choose to live life, you miss the benefits the other way of life offers.
You can’t win, can you?!
2019 has been an awesome year for me so far. I’ve been injury free and never felt physically fitter or stronger. It’s a year that I feel is really starting to define me, it’s indicative of the path I’m choosing in life. Whichever way I look at it, or choose to pursue it, my life is about adventure and exploration. This is way of life gives me a feeling of purpose, satisfaction and fulfilment.
Whilst my path is pretty clear in my head – life has this funny way of confusing things. Most call it adult life. I hate to admit it, but I am getting a little older. I’m supposed to become more responsible and save for a house. Yet I’m not excited by that prospect one bit. I am however excited by worldwide adventures… dreaming them, planning them, doing them.
It’s simply not possible to save for a house, actively pursue an adventurous lifestyle, continuously plan big adventures, fund trips and attend work. There isn’t enough time in the day, or money in my bank to do so.
Living as I do requires a lot of specific kit – and a lot of time. Something has to give. Hence, I find myself at a cross road.
I came to north, not just to pursue adventure in the Scottish highlands, but also ponder over these big adult life decisions. The great outdoors is the place to think aloud. The mountains listen well – and they don’t answer back!
I came to Scotland for rugged and wild landscapes. A place to unwind, to take some time for myself and let my mind wander. I needed downtime, time to simply do nothing.
I set off with my van packed. Packed with biking gear, with kayaking gear and mountain gear. I set off without a plan, but with a goal; to come back with some kind of life plan, some direction.
Had to take a slight detour on the way up to Scotland – as I’d rather stupidly (& drunkenly) agreed to an Everesting attempt. That fiendishly difficult task took 2 days out of me – one to ride, one to recover! Cycling 216miles in one day, attaining the equivalent vertical height of Mount Everest is a mean feat, if I say so myself.
From there I was free. Free to chase adventure in the Scottish highlands. I had completed my two big summer projects. I had been consumed since spring time in an attempt to execute those. Now I could chill out. And where better to do so than the majestic Scottish Highlands.
It was a moody start to the trip. Everywhere from the western highlands and islands covered in thick cloud and heavy downpours, adventure in the Scottish highlands got off to a slow start. I spent a couple of days tucked away in the van, pondering my thoughts to the constant smell of coffee.
No alarms, no work, no plan, no routine. I switched my ‘normal’ brain off. In that state of mind, it’s really quite scary what thoughts your imagination can come up with!
My tranquillity was rudely interrupted by the prospect of whitewater kayaking, with a couple of folk from Dundee University. Whitewater kayaking in Scotland can be hit and miss. In England pretty much every river has a gauge on it, so you can check levels before committing to hours of driving. Not so in Scotland. Fortunately the Morriston is a one of the best dam releases on the British isles – guaranteed class 4+ whitewater. Stoke was high, we rallied and we fired it up.
Kayaking has been non-existent for me really this year (apart from a trip to the Italian and french alps), but once thing I’ve always loved is the community. I didn’t know anybody I was kayaking with, but it was still an awesome morning on the river. Adventure in the Scottish highlands has no limits, whatever it is you pursue, Scotland has it in abundance.
The weather improved later in the week – to the point of bluebird conditions by the weekend. After a few days with my thoughts, a few days ticking off some lines in the mountains was in order.
Torridon was the destination. A small village easily overlooked, on the west coast. Yet to those in the know, Torridon is home to some of the finest natural mountain biking and hiking trails. With hills and far as the eye can see one way and the ocean to the other, the setting is a paradise for lovers of outdoor adventure in the Scottish highlands. Remote and spectacular with an idyllic variety in terrain. There is something to get everyone excited here.
I took a detour via the Bealach Na Ba pass en route. Proclaimed the toughest road bike climb in the country – 11/10 in 100 greatest climbs… I had to give it a go. The wind was howling, the rain pouring; atmospheric you might say. A normal Scottish summer day!
The road itself is a phenomenal 9km pass. With hairpins, views and a max gradient of 20%, it’s the closest thing to alpine pass on the British Isles. Ticking this one off was incredibly satisfying. The views were non-existent, but its all about the challenge, right?!
Having previously traversed the Munros of the Beinn Alligin range, I had Beinn Eighe on my mind. A short but steep initial climb soon gets you up to the 3000ft mark, where the lush green Scottish forest becomes a lunar and rocky landscape. Up in the clouds, with magnificent views right across the highlands.
There isn’t anywhere I’d rather have been. Not only are the views second to none, but the route and accessibility is fabulous. At 18km with 1116m ascent, it’s no walk in the park – but by contrast to others, it’s an accessible to way to get the elevation and views.
As for mountain biking, this part of the highlands is simply sublime. Take the best features you could pick from any trail centre, imagine it were natural and plonk it in this idyllic setting. Torridon really is that good.
The descents I picked weren’t exactly white knuckle, bike breaking, boulder bashing descents. They were techy, but they flowed. It wasn’t easy or flat, it struck that perfect balance. A combination of the views and the trail had me hooked. I could’ve ridden all day there. What a place.
Check out MTB trails for routes.
Despite having ticked of some superb routes in Torridon, I’ve come home with a longer list of other routes to tick off! It really is that kind of place, you can ride for a week and ride different trails each time. Adventure in the Scottish highlands does more than scratch the itch, it fuels the fire. You’ll undoubtedly leave wanting to return for more.
The only way to end yet another memorable trip to Scotland was to come home via the Cairngorms. My favourite national park. From the watersports at Loch Morlich, to the mountain adventure on offer. Centred around the village of Aviemore, this place has such a vibrant atmosphere; it’s a hive of activity all year round.
I struggle to describe my affection for adventure in the Scottish highlands. Like many others, it’s a place I often look to for adventure and escapism. It’s a place I can unwind and pursue adventure simultaneously. Home to some of best vistas and adventure playgrounds, city life or seclusion. Scotland has it all.
Once again, I came home from Scotland feeling fulfilled.
