Although only a brief foray into the art of mountain survival, our trip was eye–opening and mind–expanding. Our departure was all too imminent from the second we arrived and I could see myself being quite happy there for many more days, and plenty more satisfying brews.

Fuelled by a hearty mix of porridge, dried fruit and Cadbury’s chocolate our last day of escapism was spent hiking the hill behind the bothy; tackling its savage, unforgiving and ever–changing moveable rock sections and attempting to ride with some sort of finesse – not easily done when the ground beneath your wheels is constantly opening up to expose new and even sharper rocks! The terrain ‘Up North’ is not easy to get to grips with but it creates a great bike ride for any level of rider; freshies to intermediates will enjoy the sharp learning curve (especially when aided by the expert tuition of Andy or one of his affiliate coaches from Dirt School), and even the most expert of downhillers will revel in the gnarled and weather–beaten characteristic of Highland singletrack. I thoroughly recommend a trip with Andy to see what I mean.

Leaving the idyllic setting and dream–like experience at the bothy behind was not going to be easy, and I for one took quite some persuading to put down the golf club, pack up my roll–mat and finish my cuppa. Almost as soon as we had left the van, it seemed, we were on the return journey back down the access trail. Having left some supplies behind at the hut for future passers–by and a few snacks to keep the mice happy (of course), our bags were significantly lighter but still hugely over–packed for the occasion.

Navigating a technical and rock–strewn mountain path with an army issue back–pack and sleeping kit for two is quite a challenge I have to say, and in the end my arms couldn’t take any more; over the front it was to be and hands out into a pile of coarse Scottish rock. There’s now a nice scar on my right palm to forever remind me to keep on adventuring and to take chances when they’re there; we chose to head out the door and up, up, up on what promised to be the bleakest day of the year, but oh my did we profit from it.

To learn more about bothy etiquette and to make a donation to the MBA (Mountain Bothies Association) visit www.mountainbothies.org.uk.

Did I tell you about Andy McKenna enough? Give the man a shout, he’s friendly, welcoming and level–headed, one of the best mountain guides I have met. Plus he can tell you all about his first ever encounter with a deer tick… We were in the hills behind Torridon taking in some of the riding available on Andy’s ‘Torrid Affair’ ride package. www.go-where.co.uk or call +44 (0)1896 888 096.