by Natalia Equihua
If you have never experienced the Scottish mountains, you might as well consider yourself unlucky. Although surprising, not too many people in the world know about the wonders that Scotland’s mountains have to offer.
This is why the Fort William Mountain Festival has taken on the task of letting the rest of the world know what mountain culture is all about. And this year was no exception. Travellers coming from as far as Southern England and the Shetlands, as well as locals, gathered last week to take part on what has now become a tradition.
The 2013 Mountain Festival was not merely a celebration, it was a wave of inspiration that came through all the senses, for the already experienced adventurer, to those feeling curious about starting their first experience in the mountains.
Love Comes In At the Eye
The first thing that strikes you as you drive deeper into the Highlands is its stunning views of mountains covered in golden grass that glows below the sun, and uneven snow tops which reveal the rocky surface underneath. Yet, if you take a closer look, these mountains are the stage of a variety of activities that we possibly didn’t even suspected that existed.
For this reason, the main attraction of the festival are its film events, which aim to reveal how people enjoy these natural places not only in Scotland, but all around the world. One of the main events is the Mountain Festival Film Competition open every year to any outdoors lover willing to share their outdoor passion through film.
This year’s winner in the “UK Capital of the World” category was a collection of breath-taking photographs documenting Glencoe’s ski history combined with sounds in a film titled Meall a’ Bhuiridh (Hill of the Bellowing), and in the “Rest of the World” category the winner was When an insight at how people use outdoor activities as a break from routine life.
Like every year, the most popular evening of the Mountain Festival is a taste of some of the best mountain culture films presented at Canada’s Banff Mountain Film Festival. And after being promised a night of “images that will become everlasting because of their intensity” by the host, we were in awe after admiring the precision of parachute skiers; felt moved by a pair of friends who reached the South Pole despite the adversity; and got sweaty hands while watching a man climb some of the tallest rocks in California without a rope.
So if being in the Highlands wasn’t enough to jump off the seat and have an adventure in the outdoors, these two film nights were bound to make anybody reconsider what it truly means to be passionate about mountains.
Listen… It’s the Sound of Adventure
After she uttered the first word, everyone in the audience stopped blinking for the next two hours. It was almost impossible to believe that the woman in the stage was not only a Paralympic medallist, but had also crossed Greenland from South to North regardless of her disability. Karen Darke was one of the 10 guest speakers for this year’s Mountain Festival who shared the excitement, the fear, and the adrenaline of “becoming one with Nature,” as Darke explained.
Other speakers included Felicity Aston who has ventured in several expeditions to the North and South Poles. Most recently, in 2009 Aston gathered a group of women from countries in the Commonwealth who had barely ever had an encounter with snow. Their mission? Reaching the South Pole together. To Aston, this was a way to prove that drive is the only thing a person needs in order to achieve any goal.
And to wrap up the event, local climber Andy Cave, a former miner, explained what makes climbing in Scotland so unique. “Because of the weather and the natural conditions of the area, Scottish climbing is very traditional,” he said. “It was until the 70’s that the rest of Europe caught up with what has been done in Ben Nevis.”
It was not surprising to hear that climbers from around the world choose the Scottish Highlands to prepare for big climbs in the Himalayas and the Andes. After all, and for those who still overlook 
Scotland because of the weather, Andy concluded “I guess we always go in bad weather. If not we would never do anything.”
Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands
Evening after evening the festival inspired us with images and stories of adventures. But we know no experience is complete without getting hands on and having our own adventure. With this in mind, and to encourage guests to have a taste of outdoor activities, Fort William local adventure companies offered a selection of their best excursions at special prices.
The organizers made sure there was something for everyone. Activities ranged from ski lessons at Nevis Range, outdoor emergencies first aid courses, ice climbing sessions, and winter walking journeys for those looking to gain or improve their mountaineering skills in and around Ben Nevis.
But there was also the chance to experience the mountains from art and Gaelic language. Activities offered photography courses in hidden and marvellous corners around For William. On the other hand, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, organized a one hour course in which Cailean Maclean understand the meaning and origin of Gaelic names for mountains, lochs and other natural areas.
Although the Mountain Festival is over for this year, its end is in fact an invitation. For those who attended the Festival it is an invitation to come back to the Scottish Highlands; and for those who missed it, to make room in their agendas to experience the unique beauty of this area all year long.
If you missed this year’s Festival, take a look at the activities offered this year. All workshops run most of the year, and often times they are life-changing experiences. But be advised: Scottish mountains can become addictive.