After my aborted attempt to camp at Sandwood Bay, I realised I didn’t want to spend hours lying in the dark in a tiny tent. So, if I wanted to continue camping in winter, I’d have to walk and pitch my tent in the dark. A year ago I would have put that idea straight…
After a successful winter wild camp on my own at Slaggan Bay, I decide to endure the long drive to the very north west tip of the UK mainland to visit Sandwood Bay. I’ve wanted to go there for many years, having heard it described as Britain’s most beautiful beach. It has become increasingly popular…
Armed with my new -18c sleeping bag, and a cold but sunny weather forecast, I drive for two hours to the north west coast of Scotland, then follow a 5km trail to a remote beach, Slaggan Bay. Gorgeous desolate scenery on the way there, and my first glimpse of the beach makes me feel so…
I already know from my research that wild camping is all about having the right equipment, but I haven’t properly thought through how I handle the cold. It’s September, my inflatable sleeping mat is recommended for 3 seasons, my sleeping bag has a comfort zone of 2-7c, and the forecast is for 6c overnight, when…
Day One The weather forecast was exceptional for Scotland in early September. It was time for my first proper solo walk and wild camp, something I’ve dreamt of doing for many years. I arrive in Cullen by bus at 7.30pm, and began the expedition with a white pudding supper from Linda’s chippie, which I eat…
For years I’ve dreamed about wild camping. The sense of getting away from it all, being closer to nature, the physical challenge, and overcoming my fear of the dark. The latter issue is significant. I suppose we are all scared of the dark to a certain extent but as I make my way through my…
What happened to me today is barely believable. I’m so glad it’s over. I’d been on the verge of cancelling my 33 mile walk from Fort William to Fort Augustus due to the forecast for heavy rain. But I decided not to be a weather-wimp and off I set in my waterproofs at 6am. For…
On my last post I covered the dangers of the crazed serial killers who lurk the length of the Great Glen Way in the Scottish Highlands (Walk of Terror). Turns out there is a worse danger … hills. I set off yesterday from Fort Augustus, hoping for a long but straightforward 40 mile walk. I…
I’m half-heartedly planning a walk from Fort William to Fort Augustus (33 miles) on the Great Glen Way this Monday. I’d been planning to do the 66 mile Speyside Way (Buckie to Aviemore) this weekend and sleep out overnight in a bivi bag – but it’s too cold and wet (I’m definitely going to be…
I keep getting achy neck muscles and a slight headache, and think I’m coming down with something. Then I remember it’s because I’ve been walking (sometimes running) the streets of Inverness with a rucksack full of books on my back. It’s practice for solo-trekking the 65-mile Speyside Way from Buckie to Aviemore as soon as…
fionamacbain.com 