David Crawford

Wild Camping on the Skye Trail David Crawford

This is the story of the author's solo walk on the Skye Trail in May 2019 at the age of 69, carrying all his gear and wild camping. The Skye Trail is a challenging 128kms long-distance route, unwaymarked and only for experienced walkers. In this book the author covers the practical aspects of preparing for the trip including chapters on planning, kit, travel, accommodation, navigation and safety. He provides vital information for anyone contemplating a long-distance wild camping trip including filtering water, choosing your food, keeping your electrical devices charged, staying clean and how to deal with midges and ticks. This valuable information is interleaved with the story of his trip, illustrated with many spectacular colour photographs. You will read about the difficulty of finding water during an unusually dry and hot spell, the pleasure of waking to a beautiful morning on the Trotternish ridge and seeing an eagle, his encounter with a herd of cattle blocking his path and the physical and psychological ups and downs of this demanding and challenging route. The book will prove invaluable for anyone thinking of walking the Skye Trail, or any other long distance route. It will also be of interest to armchair enthusiasts who enjoy a good read about the outdoors, hill walking and camping; and an encouragement to anyone who is retired to live life to the full.