Frustrated at the continual interruptions of modern life, I headed to a bothy in the hills to get some work done on my book. It was the most productive three days I have managed in ages!
The book – when I eventually finish it – will be available along with my nine other books on this site (Shop).
The Mountain Bothies Association exists to maintain simple shelters in remote country across Britain for the use & benefit of all who love wild & lonely places. Please support them.
Modern life interruptions are one thing but how did you stop yourself not wanting to be out & walking all day?!!
For me its cycle touring rather than walking. There is nothing that clears my head more than cycling and camping preferably somewhere remote. I have done a trip over the summer when I combined cycle touring with climbing. It felt like I was very far away from everything. No deadlines or emails, all I had to do was get up and climb or ride. Life is good :) https://poppygoeswild.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/adventure-cycle-touring-with-trad-rack_27.html
[…] out, over and over, randomly as my brain dictates. Little by little I get a feel for what feels important to me versus what feels urgent. There’s a critical, little noticed difference between the […]
[…] home, I work in a small wooden shed. On my desk, amongst the clutter of To Do lists and empty tea mugs, is a small, framed relief map of Suilven. I have looked at it fondly every day […]
Alastair,
I appreciate you probably won’t read this email but I’m giving it a go. Your work has always resonated with me. It has got me through some of the toughest times in my life, you speak the truth and its great.
I work as a veterinarian and a lot of us vets are very outdoorsy and adventurous so I know your work is appreciated by many of my friends and collugues.
The veterinary profession has a mental health epidemic and I am hoping to start speaking up and breaking down some barriers. Firstly, I am looking for any advice from you with regards to podcasting, blogs etc as a complete novice myself. Secondly, may I take your opinion on the matter in the wider world “society” that we live in.
Keep up the good work, its a real diamond in the rough!
Cheers
Hi Graeme,
This is an important issue. Well done for tackling it.
There are a lot of articles on my blog about growing audiences, the power of newsletters, etc.
I think a podcast could be a great format – conversations for vets to listen to on all their long drives from farm to farm. Here’s some tips: https://preview.mailerlite.com/q8w1t9
Good luck!
Started looking for the best bivvy bags to go camping with my son and engage in something other than the mundane repetative fast paced daily life. Great site. Good advice about the bivvy bags, really insightful first hand information. Sounds tough to sleep but I will give it a go.
Watched the video about microadventures. Started off liking it but soon found myself hating it. And hating myself. Probably more important things to do than go on a micro adventure. Do a worthy job. Offer something o the community. Neither of which I do because I am selfish and lazy. Not sit on a hill and jump into cold water. Two things I love. Trying not to be a cunt but I just think that this is fantasy and also nearly all people in England or the world can’t have a micro adventure due to such simple things as work, family and income. A large portion of society are treading water and unfortunately not the water of a secret lake in ulswater.
I found this site really pleasant and i will take my son bivvying thabks to this man. But I felt a bit confused by the general message pushed throughout my experience on this site. I dont mean to cause offence.
Thanks. I’ll go now.
Hi Rob,
What an intriguing comment.
It seems to me that there is plenty of scope in life to do a worthy job, offer something to the community, AND spend a night outdoors or jump in a river. I’d also argue that doing these things might help jolt you out of being “selfish and lazy” and give you the energy and momentum needed for “work, family, and income”.
I hope you and your son have a lovely time together. He’ll always remember that time with you.