Cairngorm John

I'm not really sure what I was looking for, perhaps nothing, but I found this in the 'travel writing' section. When I was 16 I took part in a Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition in the Cairngorms, across the Lairig Ghru. We were assessed by two members of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, and I'm fairly sure this chap was one of them. So I had to buy the book.

It's only now, looking back, that I realise what confidence our D of E group leaders placed in us, and how much of their own time (and, to be honest, money) they put into these experiences. This was a really challenging walk in an unforgiving part of the country. Reading this book I have learned that the assessors did not pass groups easily, so I am all the more impressed with our teenage selves. I had such an amazing experience that I suffered abdominal cramps afterwards…what we would call psychosomatic I suppose.

I read about 3/4 of this book today, and the rest tomorrow (obviously I am writing this a few days later!). It is harrowing - people die. But it is a great read, quite amazing what humans will do when one of their number is in danger.