Wild camping can be glorious, but it can sometimes also be quite hard work. One trip, just after the relaxing of Covid lockdown restrictions, saw us dusting down a new tent for a short trip into the southern Cairngorms. We headed up from the Spittal of Glenshee over Glas Tulaichean and down to Loch nan Eun. We were not the only ones but we found a quiet and sheltered spot by a ruined sheiling. It was a lovely evening but we woke in the morning to a light frost and during breakfast the snow began to fall – so it was a blustery, wet wind that faced us for the walk out. At least we had christened the tent and reminded ourselves of some rusty camping skills!

Another trip was with a much better forecast in mid-May. After a night at the very nice Corriness House B&B in Poolewe, we left the car and headed into one of Scotland’s last wilderness areas – Letterewe Forest, with a collection of superb hills and even better remote rock climbing. The aim for this trip was to climb some hills and after a long walk in we pitched our tent near a small loch at the base of Beinn a’ Chaisgein Mor and climbed the hill in the evening. This mountain is better known for the climbing crag, Carnmore, on its southern flank. The walk up the hill from the south east is straightforward but the views are excellent.

The next day we headed for two of the most spectacular hills in the area, Beinn Dearg Mor and Bheag with superb views of An Teallach. We climbed these hills by their south western flank which is straightforward, if steep, but nothing like as steep as the two aretes up to the summits. On the day we were buzzed by a local search and rescue helicopter practicing their flying skills – quite amazing!

We broke camp on arriving back at our tent and headed back down to Fionn Loch for the evening, a lovely evening with light winds, but woke to a howling gale – undeterred we headed up towards Beinn Lair more in hope than expectation but the wind dropped and we enjoyed time at the summit with unparalleled 360 degree views and clear skies. The walk out was into the wind but nevertheless enjoyable along the side of Loch Kernsary and back to the comfort of our B&B. A great trip into an unspoilt wilderness area, only seeing a handful of other people over 4 days.