Why everyone should climb a mountain

To the seasoned climber, Ben Ledi (879 m) may seem a little tame.

Nevertheless, it is an impressive giant of a rock, a very popular hill-walk, and its position on the edge of the Scottish Highlands makes it an excellent viewpoint from which to take in some spectacular and diverse scenery.

It also happened to be our Day One destination during a summer Walking Coach retreat weekend.

Earlier in the day, as we contemplated what lay ahead, aspirations within our group were mixed. A certain amount of trepidation was in the air.  Most were unaccustomed to ‘taking on a hill.’

Concerns over weather, fitness, aptitude, stamina, inexperience, safety and a genuine intolerance to insect bites, seemed to hang over us, almost as dark and foreboding as the rain-filled clouds above.

It looked unlikely, therefore, that we’d make the summit today.  The easier, circular route around the hill’s lower reaches seemed like a wise choice - and just as satisfactory for most.

Nature's soothing balm

Setting off alongside Loch Lubnaig, we chatted lightly and feeling into our group’s walking rhythm. We began the gradual climb through the forest. With its apothecary of colours, smells, sounds and sensations, the woodland’s work soon took effect, opening all our sense receptors and infusing us with its pleasing, sultry presence.

Emerging above the treeline, we were suddenly met by a massive amphitheatre of green covered mountainside, facing outwards and behind us to the flatlands of distant urban life. Like a kindly grandfather, it seemed to welcome us into its heart whilst we, small humans, stood diminutive and dwarfed by the sheer beauty and magnitude surrounding us.  

Miraculously, the skies had begun to clear. It was turning into the most gorgeous day and we decided to eat lunch. As spectators both to the wilderness and to ourselves, an incredible sense of well-being, joy, peace and aliveness had truly arrived.

Onwards to the top? Or circle back?

By now, we had reached an important choice point in our journey: to press on to the top, or circle back?

To my amazement - and delight - there was no hesitation.

We were going for it! Unanimous.

With euphoric gusto, happy hormones pumping through their systems, the walkers turned into adventurers.

Walking in nature: the mind-shifter extraordinaire.

We continued the ascent. As clouds swirled around the peak above, they teased, playing mind games with perceptions of height, distance, challenge, possibility and ….. Self.

There was a good slog of a climb still ahead of us. Not for the faint-hearted.

Yet, on a typical weekend on this popular mountain, it is not unusual to meet young children, pensioners, babies on piggy-back, three-legged dogs, - even sedentary office workers -  challenging themselves to scale its slopes!

Eventually we made the summit.  For once, the wind was in no hurry to chase us off the top. So we hung around, recovering our energies and basking in exhilaration.

There’s no denying the sense of accomplishment and the sheer elation felt by taking on such a feat - and succeeding. And let's not forget the close camaraderie found through shared ‘suffering’ and bonding with a supportive bunch of peers.

But, to see this simply as a test of personal endurance or some ‘conquer the mountain’ kind of challenge, would be missing the point.

Higher understanding

Mountains have always captured the imagination of humans, and as we stood silently, in awe of the panorama spread out before us, it was easy to see why.

The experience was nothing short of humbling.

If we ever thought that we humans were in charge of this planet, then the perspective that’s offered from the top of a peak, forcing us to see beyond our immediate vicinity, must surely bring a much-needed re-set for our ego’s.

But rather than diminish us, this reminder that we are mere specks on the landscape of life, can also be liberating, inspiring and empowering.

Throughout history, many a person has climbed to the top of a mountain in order to connect with a higher source of understanding. And many have come back down feeling stronger and wiser.  

So whenever you feel trapped, stuck or limited in your vision, a trip to your nearest mountain may be just what you need to realise you can do anything.

You just need to take your first step. And carry on.