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The Cairngorms: A Secret History
£7.99
A vivid, off‑the‑beaten‑track exploration of the Cairngorms — uncovering hidden histories, forgotten shelters, ghost stories, lost industries and the human traces scattered across Scotland’s last great wilderness.
Patrick Baker blends travelogue, history and adventure in a compelling journey through the secret places and stories of the Cairngorm Mountains.
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About the Ebook
The Cairngorms: A Secret History is a series of journeys into the hidden human and natural stories of the Cairngorm Mountains — a landscape often described as Britain’s last great wilderness.
Baker combines history with travel writing to reveal the rarely seen side of this elemental region. He tracks down the traces of past lives and forgotten ventures: elusive wildlife, ghostly sightings on the summit of Ben Macdui, long‑abandoned climbing shelters, ancient gem mines, skeletal aircraft remains and the remnants of a mysterious nineteenth‑century aristocratic settlement.
These discoveries are woven into reflections on mountaineering history, cultural memory and the enduring impact of the Cairngorms on those who walk, climb and dream among them. The result is a compelling narrative that opens up the mountains in new and surprising ways.
Critical Praise
"A vivid and compelling exploration of the Cairngorms’ hidden stories — part history, part adventure, wholly absorbing."
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- A fresh perspective on one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.
- Blends adventure, history and nature writing into a gripping narrative.
- Explores forgotten shelters, lost mines and remote human traces far from the usual paths.
- Perfect for lovers of mountain literature and Cairngorms enthusiasts.
- A standout Birlinn title in travel and literary nonfiction.
About the Author
Patrick Baker worked in publishing for many years and is now a commercial writer and content producer. A passionate outdoor enthusiast, he has walked and climbed extensively across Scotland and Europe, and served as a non‑executive director for Mountain Training Scotland. The Cairngorms: A Secret History is his acclaimed exploration of the region’s hidden past.
Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Imprint: Birlinn
Publication Date: 15 May 2014
Print Length: — (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9780857908094
Format: Ebook
Language: English
Categories: Travel Writing, Adventure & Guide Books / Literary Non‑Fiction
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