There are several books which changed my understanding of what adventures were possible in Scotland. Here are some of my favourite reads which I think anyone who is excited by Highland adventure will enjoy…
Mountaineering in Scotland / Undsicovered Scotland
By W.H. Murry
Those that profess a love for Scotland’s high places will undoubtedly enjoy this double bound classic by WH Murry.
A stunning work which captures the essence of Scotland’s mountains and what adventure in nature feels like. Hard not to get enthused by winter after reading this. I can not recommend it more strongly.
The true story of how the book was written is a masterpiece in itself. There’s a great audio documentary about Murry by one of my favorite contemporary writers, Robert Macfarlane.
Hosted on the BBC here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0015kt7
Vanishing Ice
By Iain Cameron
It will surprise few when I declare “I’m obsessed with snow”. Between the end of winter and the start of the next can feel like a very long time. Summer occasionally provides small relief with a summit flurry. By mid-July, I inevitably find myself pining over the soft stuff. It turns out I’m not the only one.
Iain Cameron’s Vanishing Ice tells the compelling story of how he became Scotland’s leading snow hunter. Over the years Cameron ‘s sort out the summer snow patches of Scotland and witnessed their decline. His writing is important and eye-opening.
A perfect read for those seeking to understand what winters (& summers) in Scotland feel like now. It also explains what the future might have in store.
Iain Cameron runs a Facebook group which monitors the snow patches throughout the year; take a look here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/4wnhUfDrXz731BNE/
Winter with One Axe
By Garry Smith
This is a beautiful book, well written and designed. It includes some classic days out.
It’s perfect for those that have built up winter experience, have a good understanding of conditions and know how to handle themselves in the hills.
If your seeking winter adventures which tread the line between walking (or running) and climbing then this is the go to book. At this point taking a mountaineering or winter climbing course might be a good option.
A Chance in a Million?
By Bob Barton & Blyth Wright
Look back at the interesting (and often tragic) history of avalanche events in Scotland. Learn about the processes involved in creating avalanches and understand the environmental conditions to watch out for.
Anyone going into the Scottish mountains in winter would be wise to read this book.
WinterSkills.Scot 