The author obviously loves this top left-hand corner of the map. His book covers everything from the Applecross peninsula through Torridon, the Great Wilderness and the Fannichs to the weird moonscapes of Assynt and beyond to the white mountains of the Reay Forest. Nor is this just another book for peak-baggers and Munro hunters. Here you'll find long walks, short walks, serious climbs and coastal ambles, traverses across the Great Wilderness or, indeed, West-East across the whole of Scotland from Loch Broom to the Dornoch Firth. “The ascent of mountains is not the only objective for a day's walking in Scotland. What could be more challenging than a walk right across Scotland from coast to coast?” On the other hand, if you want the most interesting route up the most inaccessible of all Munros (A'Mhaighdean) or the most dramatic (An Teallach), they're here, too.

The descriptions of the routes are all evocative, either in anticipation or in recollection; the maps are simple, but graphic; and the photos are excellent either for whetting your appetite or for indulging in fond memories by that winter fireside. The timings are a touch fast for an old plodder like me with a wife who often finds going down slower than going up.

This part of Scotland is far enough away from any urban centres to (hopefully) remain relatively unspoilt and pretty empty. You can easily walk for a day here and not meet even a handful of other walkers. Yet it contains some of the finest scenery in the entire country. Ben Loyal, most northerly of British mountains and a mere 2500ft high has claims to being the most perfect anywhere. Rivalled, I would suggest by Beinn Dearg Mhor, only to be seen at all after a few hours walking into the Great Wilderness. Richard Gilbert captures much of the fascination of this area in his recommendable book.


A brilliant guide encompassing a myriad of outings.   September 5, 2000
 25 out of 25 found this review helpful

This is the most comprehensive guide book to the most beautiful and remote corner of Britain. There are plenty of excellent colour photos to whet your appetite in the living room, and detailed and accurate route descriptions and maps for use in the field, and it is small enough to fit inside your map pocket. The outings described are wonderfully varied - from secluded beaches for the family, dramatic waterfall walks or small hills for an afternoon, to more serious days out on larger hills. It is written with great enthusiasm and feeling - a refreshing change from the usual dry instructions in guide books.


Excellent guide with good route descriptions/diagrams.   January 12, 2000
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

This book focuses on walks in this, the most remote region of the British mainland. The routes appear to have been chosen to get the most out of the spectacular scenery of the area. Route diagrams are small but clear, and writing concise but informative. There are better books for photography, but this one gives the reader a good feel of what to expect. I have used this book to plan my own walks, and had many enjoyable days on the hill as a consequence. Not a book for the rucksack, however!