Awe on the mountain

me hillwalking near Kinlochleven in Scotland (30th October 2021)

I stumbled and slipped over the crest, leaving the stalker’s track that had become a stream onto the shoulder of the mountain.

I felt a sense of relief barely noticing any sense of achievement. Recognising the risk from my lack of experience and wondering where I was on the spectrum between foolish and fun.

As I walked slowly and pondered whether to continue up or go back down, I felt the fear. I…