Last week I stood on Ben Vorlich with my friend Jen Scotney, braced against the wind, ice axe in hand, and I marvelled at the fact that just over a year ago I had never even set foot on a mountain in Scotland before. This was my fifth trip of 2024. Framed within this new physical perspective, I realised that my life had changed.
The catalyst for this change had been two consecutive walks up Ben Nevis last December. The first attempt was in terrible weather and a decision to turn back. The second was in beautiful conditions with snow on the ground and a wonderful sunrise. Mist teased in and out throughout the morning. Then, while eating a hot Firepot meal in the hut at the summit, the high clouds lifted.
I stepped out from the shelter, wearing all of my jackets and looked around. I couldn’t believe my eyes. A bright blue sky and panoramic views. It was as if someone had blown the clouds away in one final exhale.
At that moment a significant shift happened in me. For the first time, I felt an affiliation with the Scottish mountains. Before then it had been absent. I promised myself that I would say yes to more experiences like this, and so I did.
In early February, Meirion Watkin posted a story on Instagram to ask if anyone was interested in a photography trip to Scotland in March. I simply replied saying “I’m interested.” He explained what the trip might entail and that one other person was interested in coming - Ila Petrucci. I asked if we could all meet in person before I committed to the trip, so on Valentine's Day we all went for a walk in Edale. I slipped over in the mud and laughed so much with them that I knew these two would be great adventure pals!
Meirion split the trip into two halves. We spent the first couple of nights in a bothy, with some winter conditions up high. He supported us in using crampons and an ice axe for the first time. It felt incredible to learn new skills and to share the experience in an unpressurised environment. We then headed up to Torridon where it seemed to be an early start to spring during our three sunny days of mountain walking. I felt like I was walking on air.
The whole experience reinforced my commitment to spending more time in the Scottish Highlands. Alongside the beautiful views, I was forming new friendships and moving through some of my fears with them beside me. I could only say yes to the next opportunity - which were no longer few or far between.
Ila invited me on a trip to the Arrochar Alps with a couple of her friends in May. We enjoyed a long day out in the mountains together on the first day, then Ila and I challenged ourselves to another big day following that. We ate more peanut butter and banana sandwiches than you can imagine! The most memorable moment for me on this trip was sitting together in the sunshine for a break as we made our way up The Cobbler. Four women smiling while appreciating the views. My whole being flooded with contentment.
Then in June I said yes to a trip with my friend Jon Hyde who loves Scotland and used to live there.
After an absolutely divine summer evening in Pitlochry, we headed for the Cairngorms and I was extremely excited to go on our two-day adventure! I went along with his excellent plan to walk the Braeriach Traverse, overnighting at Corrour Bothy along the way. Although we were absolutely pelted with wind and rain for two days, it was all very enjoyable and I remember laughing a lot! My favourite things about this trip were the hundreds of frogs hopping about along the Lairig Ghru and playing word games when our energy was flagging.
My next visit, at the end of August, was sunny! I ran the Ring of Steall with Jon Barton.
It was quite frankly one of the best days of my life! It felt challenging, looked stunningly beautiful along the entire route, and I laughed my head off when Jon jumped the nervous queue of people waiting to cross the bridge over the river and breezed it over to the other side. I overdosed on fun that day and that’s what generally happens when I spend time with JB.
This brings me back around to my most recent trip, standing on another beautiful mountain in Scotland with a great friend. I realised that my promise to myself on Ben Nevis had worked out. It had led to all of these invitations and to me saying yes to them. During each one I was supported and encouraged by strong, generous, and courageous people who were open to taking me on an adventure. More than that, I felt they wanted me there. That is the greatest gift of 2024. Without all of them, I wouldn’t be where I am now in my life. All of them have helped me through some challenging times this year, listened when I felt broken, and guided me towards where I need to be. Thank you to all of them.