Page 42 - 2023 AMA Spring

REVIEWS
SCOTTISH WILD COUNTRY BACKPACKING
BY PETER EDWARDS, DAVID LINTERN AND STEFAN DURKACZ REVIEWED BY GLENN BLOOMER
As someone who has spent a lot of time working and playing in the Scottish Highlands (20+ years), I was vaguely interested in the contents of Cicerone’s new backpacking guidebook. I’ll admit, hill walking and backpacking as a standalone activity are low on my list of things to do due to a multitude of reasons, time away from young family, hillwalking as part of my ‘day job’ and invariably choosing climbing over walking in my free time. However, the first ‘surprise’ upon receiving the book was that the format is in a ‘coffee table style’ book, i.e. too big to take on the hill. As such, the authors have had more licence to expand on the text, maps and the photos.
This is a welcome positive as, on the whole, the photos are of outstanding quality and have the immediate effect of making
the reader ‘want’ to visit that location. The maps are clear and uncluttered and convey what every map should do, simple information to guide the reader. The text, in describing the routes is again, simple (which adds to the maps quality) but by keeping the route descriptions simple it frees up text space for side notes that deal with history and contemporary issues, all of which complement the individual route descriptions and maps; therefore, a well thought out strategy. It is worth pointing out as well that throughout the book, the theme of ‘rewilding’, historical injustices and the Right to Roam are brought up consistently. This is no ‘A to B’ type guidebook and this approach is welcome (for example, I’m now aware that 50% of Scotland is owned by a mere 450 people!).
The route choices are invariably excellent and really hit the title of Wild Backpacking, not for this book are the usual honey pot
destinations. Outstanding choices include Glen Affric, the Fannichs and Fisherfield. Alongside these undoubtedly classic itineraries are less obvious choices that get a tiny percentage of footfall because they don’t hold a Munro on route. It was these descriptions that really opened my eyes to what the authors were trying to achieve. I’ve scanned maps that hold Flowerdale, Strath Dionard and Rum but never in any great detail, but thanks to this book that has now changed, many of the route choices are truly off the beaten track.
In summary, this is an excellent book, it is well written, thoroughly researched, holds superb photographs and will inspire any reader lucky enough to pick it up and read it in depth. A very worthy addition to any hill walking/mountaineering library, it is thoroughly recommended.
TentsBivi BagsTarpsEmergency SheltersTent Accessories Sleeping BagsSleeping Bag LinersSleeping MatsPacksTrekking Poles
Photographer: John Stead
To receive discount:
 Register on www.terra-nova.co.uk
 Send an e-mail to salesoffice@terra-nova.co.uk stating you are an AMA Member and quote membership number.
 Once your account has been approved, visit the website and log in to see discounted prices (where applicable).
Award winning outdoor gear,
tried and tested in some of the most extreme environments.
TERRA NOVA EQUIPMENT LIMITED
Tel: 01773 833300 www.terra-nova.co.uk
42 / ARMY MOUNTAINEER