#1 Best seller. Stories of the folk who populate the remote bothies of the Highlands
John Burns' books have been consistent best sellers among hillwalkers and climbers. His books have been shortlisted for awards and given five star reviews by his readers. For the generation who began exploring the hills in the 1970s they are the classics of an era, capturing the experiences of an outdoor community that began by using army surplus gear and spent their winters drenched in condensation from bright orange nylon cagoules.
Gortex and plastic boots issued in a time of unheard of luxury as more and more folk headed for the hills driving old bangers and shivering in Force Ten tents. Burns' books not only capture that time but bring us the humour and passion of a man who has loved the hills all his life and never ceased exploring wild places.
Bothy Tales is a great book, had me laughing out loud at times, yet at other times was quite moving. I particularly like the chapter about the encounter with Munroists, matches my sentiments about peak bagging.