Few places in Europe are better suited to experience the forces of nature than the Scottish highlands. The whole land has been carved and molded by massive glaciers thousands of years ago. Although small in altitude compared to the Alps, the highlands can be subject to arctic temperatures and icy winds in winter.

In summer, the land is green and lush, often covered by moss, meadows and gorse. The hills stretch for miles in every direction, the only apparent life a solitary stag, a herd of tough mountain sheep, the odd startled grouse or a circling raptor.

ActiveEarth/EasyDay is based on the shores of Loch Tay in the central highlands of Scotland. Our camp looks out across the Loch to the rolling summits of Ben Lawers and Tarmachan ridge. The lands here hold a special power that has attracted people for thousands of years. Ley lines are said to cross here. Standing stones and ancient stone circles remain of cultures and civilisations long gone. The area is rich in folklore and packed with landmarks telling the story of some highlander’s antics. Even life is older here and deep rooted: with an age of more than two thousand years, a Yew tree in the village of Fortingall is the oldest living organism in Europe.