I suspect the spell of unseasonably fine weather we all enjoyed towards the end of March lifted our spirits enough to send us off to the countryside and coast to make the most of the weather while it lasted. And perhaps it turned our attention to summer a little bit earlier than normal...
Such weather is a boost to our spirit and, according to recent research from the National Trust, getting out and about in the countryside provides essential emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing to millions - a 'Natural Health Service' if you like.
According to that research, and work done by Dr William Bird, who has pioneered the research and promotion of physical activity, the natural environment and sustainability as a health benefit for over 15 years, for most of us a visit the countryside is a vital counterbalance to the stresses of our daily life. Many of us head to the hills and glens in search of 'peace and quiet,' while 'fresh air' and getting 'close to nature' are also seen as important benefits. For one in ten people, visiting the countryside is not an optional extra but is 'crucial to their quality of life'.
It's hardly surprising. We live at a time when the world seems to be going crazy and I often find myself thinking this isn't the world I was born into. Many of us have found escape, and a certain amount of freedom in wandering the hills and wild places and for many city-bound individuals, the wider countryside has become an oasis of peace.
The countryside also provides an unparalleled outdoor classroom but research suggests that eight in ten British adults believe that children are missing out because they are unable to spend time outdoors whenever they want. The National Trust is calling for out-of-classroom learning, a process that allows children to experience nature first hand, to be an integral part of every child's education.
I would fully endorse that. In Scandinavia the "outdoors life" -frilutsliv, is part and parcel of being a Scandinavian. It's as natural as eating or drinking. Here in Scotland many of us have divorced ourselves from the land to such an extent that very few of us actually care for it and we tend to evaluate it purely on financial grounds rather than any aesthetic or philosophic grounds. What great opportunities there are to re-discover the hills, coast and glens around us.
My hope is that Scottish Walks might help you do that and in this summer issue we've unashamedly concentrated on some of our marvellous hills and mountains. Ben Lomond, Ben Vane, Beinn Mhanach, Mount Keen, Carn na Caim, Beinn Alligin and Sgurr nan Clach Geala are all Munros, Scottish mountains over the height of 3000 ft/914 metres, but we haven't completely ignored our smaller hills and lower levels walks. Hart Fell in the Scottish Borders and Dumyat in the Ochils are popular and well loved hills that are well within the capabilities of most of us.
I've always believed that mountains have more to offer us than just a good day out with nice views. My own experience has convinced me, over a long period of time, that regular visits to wild areas, particularly mountainous areas are healing, re-creational, spiritual and give a sense of proportion. A free and natural Health Service indeed. Let's get out there and enjoy them. Have a great summer!
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