Adventure Reads Part 2

So, here we are a few days into the New Year and sadly in Tier 4, with adventures on hold again, I have been researching and planning some adventures for when restrictions are lifted. I have also been throwing myself into watching as many adventure videos as possible as well as reading lots of hiking and mountaineering books. I did a post like this in the last lockdown where I shared some of my favourite adventure reads, so wanted to the do the same again.

Grab a cuppa, snuggle up in front of the fire and prepared to be inspired by some amazing books: - 

I Am an Island- Tamsin Calidas

This book tells the story of moving from a busy, fast paced city to an island in the Hebrides. Full of loss and hope, Tamsin tells us her story of renovating and running a rural croft on an island. There is a sense of loneliness and isolation throughout this book that is relatable in these strange times and with a knack for beautiful writing, this book made me cry in places. It is a tale of being at rock bottom but finding a love of nature, the wilderness and the isolation that comes with moving to an island. Inspiring stuff.

Mountains of the Mind- Robert Macfarlane

I love Robert Macfarlane’s books; they make me crave the outdoors and natural world. Mountains of the Mind explores our obsession with mighty, imposing mountains. As someone who finds mountains fascinating, I loved this book. It interweaves his own adventures with those of world-famous climbers. It makes you long for the snow-capped mountains, where the cold stings your face and the views stretch out for miles, perfect if a mountain adventure is off the cards at the moment.

In the Shadow of Ben Nevis- Ian Sykes

This book tells the story of working with the Mountain Rescue Team in the north of Scotland. Ian has been on many major and famous rescues in Scotland making it a fascinating book. With many huge climbs on Ben Nevis under his belt, this is a fantastic tale from someone who lives and breathes the mountains. If you are a mountain fan and love the beauty of Ben Nevis and Scotland, this book is for you. It inspires and scares in equal measure.

The Living Mountain- Nan Shepard

This book is one of absolute favourites, a love letter to one of the oldest and most iconic mountain ranges, the Cairngorms. Nan lived and explored this range, from wildlife to fauna and it is a stunning book. With many insights from exploring the mountains in blistering summer heat to trekking in deep, bitter cold winters, it is a breath-taking book. Nan has such a beautiful way with words, you won’t want to put it down.

Let me know if there are any books you love that you’d recommend…..

Sarah