Some people discover Scotland's landscapes later in life, but for Alice, the outdoors has always been part of who she is.
From childhood camping trips in the garden and family holidays on the west coast to solo road trips around the NC500 and weekends chasing Munros, her love for adventure has never faded. When she's not working as a nurse, you'll usually find her in the Highlands with a backpack, a drone and a new route to explore.
We caught up with Alice for the latest Seashell Spirit feature to chat about the places she keeps returning to, the lessons she's learned on the hills, and why Scotland's wild landscapes continue to inspire her.
Where did your love for Scotland’s outdoors begin?
Definitely my dad. He had me camping in the garden when I was tiny and as I got older he taught me bushcraft and how to build shelters, fish and read maps. He is big into his munros and always my go-to for advice. Our family holidays were always on the west coast, so I grew up exploring Scotland. After finishing sixth year, I moved to Inverness to be closer to the Highlands. Once I’d passed my driving test I think I did the NC500 solo about seven times, I was completely hooked on the freedom!
If someone had just one weekend to experience Scotland, where would you send them?
Hands down, Assynt. The mountains, the lochs, the beaches… the whole place just screams Scotland. Every corner looks like a postcard and it’s somewhere I never get bored of going back to- especially with the drone!
What’s always in your backpack that people might not expect?
A pack of smokes and a swimsuit! I’m also forever getting accused of packing everything bar the kitchen sink (you should see the boot of my car…). Weight limits don’t exist in my world.
You’re a nurse during the week and an explorer at the weekend. How do those two worlds shape each other?
Fortunately for me I only work four days a week, so my weekends are mine to get outside. Nursing can be full on, so the hills are where I switch off before another week.
It actually overlaps more than you’d think too. Loads of my patients have connections to the outdoors, whether that’s hillwalking, fishing, wild swimming, camping or just spending time outside. We find common ground really quickly and end up having some great conversations, swapping favourite places and stories. I always end up adding somewhere new to my list, and I think having that shared interest helps build a really good therapeutic relationship.
What’s the toughest route you’ve completed?
Honestly… Lochnagar! It was one of my dad’s favourites so I knew I wanted it to be my first Munro. At the time it absolutely humbled me. I wasn’t a gym goer or a fitness fanatic, it was my first Munro after only doing Bennachie ages before. It was about 12 miles, 25°C and I thought 2 litres of water would be enough. I’d never walked more than five miles in one go before. Safe to say it was a bit of an eye-opener… maybe not the smartest place to start!
Highlands or Islands—which wins?
The Highlands, always. I absolutely love the islands—I spent months training in Shetland and Orkney and they’ll always be some of my favourite memories—but the Highlands just feel like home. No matter where I go, that’s where I always want to come back to.
Thank you for sharing your Seashell Spirit with us, Alice! Follow her weekend adventures on Instagram here.
Now get off the internet and get outside.
