Welcome to Mountain Memories.  These are stories from the last 12 years working as a summer and winter Mountain Leader in the UK, alongside personal adventures that have shaped how I move — and, to some extent, who I am — while exploring Scotland’s awe-inspiring hills. Some funny, some emotional, and some a bit wild. To kick things off, I want to share my first time walking the Fisherfield Munros . These days they’re often referred to as the Fisherfield 5 , but I like to keep it old-school...

Spring in the Cairngorms isn’t just a change of season, it’s a chance to return to the hills with fresh eyes, open lungs, and a lighter mind. After the harsh winter, the mountains begin to breathe again: rivers swell, birds call, and more signs of life appear across the slopes. The Cairngorms are a vast and wild part of Scotland, and getting back into these hills in spring can be grounding, healing, and deeply rewarding. Sgor Gaoith Summit in Spring | It’s in the mountains that we are found...

Top 3 Winter Walks in the Cairngorms There’s not much better for the mind and soul than breathing in that crisp Highland air while wandering through snow-clad pines that have been standing for centuries. Well… maybe one  thing — a wee dram of whisky by an open fire. Or perhaps a fully loaded hot chocolate, marshmallows piled high, while you’re tucked up reading your favourite book. Anyway, my point is this: getting outside in winter is vital . Those dark days and short hours of daylight can...