Undiscovered Scotland

 

You'd have thought that every conceivable type of Scottish mountain had been classified and categorised - and in many cases reclassified and recategorised - to the maximum possible extent. Many books have been written about the Munros, individual Scottish mountains that are at least 3,000ft high; and a good number about Corbetts, Scottish mountains that are between 2,500ft and 3,000ft high with a prominence of at least 500ft. Books have also been written about Grahams (2,000ft-2,499ft in Scotland with a drop of at least 150m), and Marilyns (hills anywhere in the UK of any height, but with a prominence of at least 150m).

What else could there possibly be? "Hughs" is the answer, according to Andrew Dempster. The Hughs are a category of Scottish hills, with the name derived from "Hills Under Graham Height". All are under 2,000ft, but beyond that are defined subjectively as "hills with attitude". The author goes on to define "attitude" in terms of a hill's prominence, its position and its panorama. This book is volume two of a two part set. It covers the 100 island Hughs. The first volume was published by Luath in 2015 and covered the 100 mainland Hughs.

From a reader's point of view, the key question is whether inventing a new category of Scottish hills really adds anything to what had gone before: and whether a book about Hughs is worth adding to your bookshelf and your rucksack. The answer to both questions is an emphatic and unqualified "yes". Many of the hills in this book have featured in previous books about Scottish walking and hills, but the act of defining a particular type of especially rewarding hill, giving it a name, and then setting out to show how all of the hills of that type can be climbed, works very well indeed, and appeals to the "bagger" in many of us.

The book takes a geographical approach to its subject, beginning with the firth of Clyde and Kintyre and working clockwise around the island and island groups surrounding mainland Scotland. There are, it turns out, 50 Hughs in the Southern Isles and Inner Hebrides; and 50 more in the Northern Isles and Outer Hebrides. To get a sense of the coverage, the first four Hughs are The Cairn on Ailsa Craig; Mullach Mor on Holy Island; Meall nan Damh on Arran; and Island Davaar Summit, off Campbeltown. There are then four on Islay, three on Jura, one on Scarba and one on Colonsay. To describe some of these as paths less trodden seems an understatement.

The book is beautifully produced and comes complete with well-written descriptions, attractive colour photography throughout, and helpful sketch maps that allow you to make sense of the descriptions and locate the Hughs. It's a book that should be essential reading for everyone who loves Scotland and ever donned a pair of walking boots.

The publisher's description gives a good idea of the content: "Discover the charm of Scotland’s lesser-known peaks with The Hughs: Vol 2: The Islands by Andrew Dempster. This eagerly awaited sequel to The Hughs: Vol 1: The Mainland invites readers to explore the stunning landscapes of Scotland’s islands, showcasing hills that may be under 2,000ft but are rich in character and beauty. With over 40 years of hillwalking experience, Dempster expertly identifies these hidden gems, each offering rewarding climbs and breathtaking views. This guide highlights hills that cater to all ages and skill levels, proving that adventure isn’t solely defi ned by height. Accessible and diverse, The Hughs captures the essence of Scotland’s natural beauty. Perfect for avid walkers, casual hikers and those seeking to connect with Scotland’s landscapes, this book is a heartfelt celebration of exploration and discovery. Embrace the journey and uncover the treasures of Scotland’s wee hills."