Heading to the Highlands
My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart’s in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe.
My heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.
On Burns Night, which is tonight, the opening verse of Robert Burn’s poem My Heart’s in the Highlands offers inspiration for us this week as we’re headed north for an adventure – will you join us?
The gateway to the Highlands
Fort William is considered a gateway to the Highlands – and that’s where we’re headed this week. Or just south of there to the beautiful Ballachulish Hotel with its stunning views out across Loch Linnhe. There’s no end of choice when it comes to walks in this area – with Ben Nevis towering above you and Glencoe a short distance away if you fancy taking to the piste! We’re going somewhere with a more sedate pace – the Caledonian Canal. Connecting Inverness and Fort William – our walk takes us along the first 8 miles of it from Fort William and includes the impressive “Neptune Staircase” which raises the canal by 64ft over a quarter of a mile through a series of locks.
And breathe …
If there’s one thing in life you possibly take for granted it’s your breath. You take somewhere close to 20,000 breaths a day – but when did you last pay attention to your breath? I mean before reading that line? The breath is not only our life force – it also has the ability to help you become fitter, stronger, increase concentration levels and mental focus and calm you in times of stress.
If you’ve read Walk Yourself Happy then you’ll know this already as there’s a whole chapter about it written in conjunction with breath work expert Patrick McKeown. We’re really excited that Patrick will be joining us for the Walk Yourself Happy Retreats this year – and we expect that his session will take your breath away (at least it will encourage you not to over breathe – something too many of us are guilty of!). If you can’t wait until then – Patrick has written a fantastic blog for us on the power of the breath and getting out of your head.
A healthier alternative
Is 2024 the year that you’ve decided to make some changes in your diet? Our friends at Sow & Arrow specialise in low sugar, low carb products, high-quality and food-sourced supplements that are not only good for you but also delicious. It’s a win win!
We’re excited that co-founder of Sow & Arrow, Pauline Cox, will be joining us for the Walk Yourself Happy retreats this year too!
