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The purpose of this book is to tell the reader (of any age) something about one of the most fascinating countries in the world; the hills, lochs and glens, that are known as the Highlands of Scotland; and at the same time sound a warning of the dangers which year after year cost careless visitors their lives. It is of course hard for them to believe that in this thickly populated island there are still places so wide and open that a man can lose himself utterly, and falling from exhaustion, die, perhaps never to be found.

The Highlands are the last stronghold of the native birds, beasts and fishes, that once roamed the forests of Britain: the great red deer, the wild-cat, the sable-like pine marten, the golden eagle and other seldom seen predatory birds, the huge capercailzie which is the giant of the grouse family, the wild goose, the ptarmigan which summer and winter live on the high tops, and a host of smaller birds now rare in the south, such as the crossbill, the redshank and the grey wagtail. In the clear sparkling waters of the rivers the salmon and the sea-trout run, fighting their way through rapids and over waterfalls; in the sombre lochs and tarns still lingers that strange jewel of a fish, the pink, green and scarlet char, a relic of the Ice Age.

Here the author spent ten memorable years, walking the lonely hills and wading the rivers, and so can say from his own experience that this is both a nature lover’s paradise and a haven of rest for those who for a while would escape from the clamour of cities.

It is not necessary to stay at a mansion house to see and enjoy what this inspiring country has to offer. There are plenty of small hotels where one can be sure of finding hospitality, and for the hiker there are hostels at intervals. But—be careful. Take local advice before you leave the beaten track, for, like most things worth while, there are pitfalls for the unwary. This is where the pavement ends, and one false step can mean trouble.

W.E.J.