Drew reflects on his Journey for Wildness

Fundraiser Drew reflects on the final leg of his Journey for Wildness walk from Loch Tay to Knoydart, and how it has highlighted the importance of wild places for him.

Former ranger Drew McNaughton has completed his epic four-week trek across Scotland. He followed in the footsteps of his ancestors, reaching Li and Coire Dhorrcail in Knoydart and fundraising for the Trust’s Journey for Wildness on the way.

When we last spoke with him, Drew had reached the halfway point of his journey that started in Kenmore at the beginning of July. He was taking a few days to rest his legs and stock up on supplies at Fort William, before embarking on the last stretch.

Drew shared that he was expecting the final stretch of his journey to be the most unpopulated. He was proved right, with his hike from Fort William to Kinloch Hourn and beyond to being almost deserted of other walkers. This gave him the motivation to reach Li and Coire Dhorrcail faster, with time and space to reflect and his finish line clearly in sight.

On the way he passed a dwelling where his ancestors had once lived in Glengarry.  This was a “huge” moment for him, acting as both a checkpoint and a reminder of his motivations behind his Journey for Wildness.

Being able to walk among wild and rugged landscapes of Kinloch Hourn, the Great Glen Way and Glengarry solidified the importance of these areas for Drew. He was able to literally travel in the footsteps of his ancestors, appreciating the wild places that provided food, shelter and a home for his family.

There were several moments in his journey when he was able to marvel at the natural beauty that our wild places possess. He mentions crossing over Loch Quoich into Kinloch Hourne and being “awestruck” at the landscape of waterfalls and mountains.

Drew finished his journey at Knoydart, making it to John Muir Trust land and beginning his climb up Mam Barrisdale to reach Loch an Dubh Lochain. He was met there by a local ranger, Callum Wilson, who drove him to his final location on the back of a quad bike.  Drew described his journey to the campsite as “euphoric” with the knowledge that he had made it at last.

He shared that he has been inspired by many of the places he saw along his journey and would like to revisit, including Glen Nevis.

• You can still donate to Drew’s Journey for Wildness through his JustGiving page where he has posted updates on his progress and people he met along the way.