The Way of the Hermit

1. Embracing solitude and self-reliance in the Scottish Highlands

"I came here to find solace. A sanctuary of sorts. A deeper understanding of what this part of Scotland really is. Warts and all."

A hermit's journey. Ken Smith's decision to live as a hermit in the Scottish Highlands was driven by a desire for independence and a deep connection with nature. After a near-fatal assault in his twenties and the loss of his parents, Smith sought a life away from conventional society. He found his sanctuary on the shores of Loch Treig, where he built a log cabin and lived off-grid for nearly four decades.

Balancing isolation and connection. While embracing solitude, Smith maintained limited contact with the outside world. He made occasional trips to nearby towns for supplies and correspondence, worked seasonally as a deer stalker for the local estate, and welcomed occasional visitors. This balance allowed him to experience the peace of wilderness living while avoiding complete isolation.

Benefits of solitude:

• Deep connection with nature
• Self-discovery and personal growth
• Escape from societal pressures
• Opportunity for reflection and creativity

2. Building a log cabin and living off-grid: Challenges and rewards

"You don't have to stick up a cabin in the woods and isolate yourself forever to feel the benefits of a little time alone."

DIY cabin construction. Smith built his log cabin using traditional methods, inspired by the story of Richard Proenneke in Alaska. He felled trees, stripped bark, and notched logs to create a sturdy structure. The process was labor-intensive but deeply satisfying, providing Smith with a true sense of ownership and accomplishment.

Off-grid systems. Living without electricity, running water, or modern conveniences required ingenuity and adaptability. Smith developed systems for:

• Water collection from a nearby burn
• Heating and cooking using a wood-burning stove
• Food storage without refrigeration
• Waste management with an outdoor composting toilet

Rewards of self-sufficiency:

• Reduced environmental impact
• Freedom from bills and financial stress
• Deeper appreciation for resources
• Sense of accomplishment and self-reliance

3. Surviving extreme weather and natural disasters in the wilderness

"You have to surrender to the fact that you're not going to be the master of the land if you choose to live in a place like this."

Extreme weather challenges. The Scottish Highlands experience harsh winters, violent storms, and unpredictable weather patterns. Smith faced:

• Blizzards and deep snow
• Hurricane-force winds
• Flooding and torrential rain
• Extended periods of isolation due to impassable conditions

Disaster preparedness. To survive these challenges, Smith developed strategies for:

• Stockpiling firewood and food
• Reinforcing his cabin against high winds
• Creating emergency shelters in the woods
• Maintaining constant vigilance and adaptability

Smith's experiences, including a harrowing night when hurricane-force winds nearly destroyed his cabin, highlight the importance of respecting nature's power and being prepared for worst-case scenarios in wilderness living.

4. Foraging, fishing, and sustainable living in harmony with nature

"Catch it. Cook it."

Foraging skills. Smith supplemented his diet with wild foods, including:

• Berries: blackberries, blueberries, raspberries
• Mushrooms: chanterelles, horse mushrooms
• Edible plants: nettles, wild garlic, sorrel

Fishing as a primary food source. Loch Treig provided a rich source of fish, particularly brown trout. Smith developed expertise in:

• Lure fishing techniques
• Understanding fish behavior and habitat
• Preserving and cooking fish

Sustainable practices:

• Gardening: growing vegetables and herbs
• Composting and soil improvement
• Minimal waste production
• Respecting wildlife and ecosystems

By living in harmony with nature and developing these skills, Smith achieved a high degree of self-sufficiency while minimizing his environmental impact.

5. The importance of fire and wood in off-grid survival

"Put your faith in wood, not daylight. Wood is your true friend, for wood provides light and warmth whenever you ask it to."

Firewood as a lifeline. In the harsh Scottish climate, maintaining a steady supply of firewood was crucial for survival. Smith's wood-related tasks included:

• Felling and processing trees
• Seasoning and storing wood
• Efficient fire-building techniques
• Maintaining and cleaning the wood stove

Beyond heating. Fire and wood served multiple purposes in Smith's off-grid life:

• Cooking and boiling water
• Drying clothes and equipment
• Providing light in the dark winter months
• Creating a sense of comfort and home

Smith's deep appreciation for wood and fire underscores the vital role these elements play in wilderness living, both for practical survival and emotional well-being.

6. Encounters with wildlife: From pine martens to golden eagles

"I had survived unscathed, and so did my home (just), but among the wreckage I found an animal that hadn't been quite so lucky."

Diverse wildlife interactions. Living in close proximity to nature, Smith experienced numerous encounters with wildlife, including:

• Pine martens raiding his food stores
• Golden eagles nesting nearby
• Rescuing and befriending an injured hooded crow named Simon
• Observing deer, foxes, and other mammals

Balancing coexistence and protection. Smith developed strategies for:

• Securing food and supplies from animal intrusion
• Observing animals without disturbing them
• Providing occasional assistance to injured wildlife
• Respecting the natural order of predator-prey relationships

These experiences fostered a deep connection with the local ecosystem and a nuanced understanding of human-wildlife coexistence in a wilderness setting.

7. The art of hitchhiking and long-distance walking

"Keep moving. Keep those arms and legs pumping. Flex your fingers and toes. Keep that blood flowing and retain all the body heat you have, and all that you can generate."

Necessity of travel. Despite his remote location, Smith needed to make regular trips to nearby towns for supplies and communication. This often involved:

• Long-distance walks of up to 25 miles each way
• Hitchhiking along remote roads
• Navigating challenging terrain and weather conditions

Hitchhiking wisdom:

• Building trust with drivers
• Staying safe and alert
• Embracing unexpected conversations and connections

Long-distance walking strategies:

• Mental fortitude and positive self-talk
• Proper gear and clothing
• Understanding one's physical limits
• Appreciating the journey and surroundings

Smith's experiences highlight the physical and mental challenges of wilderness travel, as well as the unexpected joys and human connections that can arise from these journeys.

8. Brewing homemade wine and beer from foraged ingredients

"I've already told you how I cultivate a few berry and fruit species in my garden specifically for my wine-making, but I've also foraged from a fair few species in the wild for the same boozy purpose."

Foraged brewing ingredients. Smith experimented with a wide variety of wild ingredients for his homemade alcohol, including:

• Berries: blackberries, rowan berries, elderberries
• Tree sap: birch sap
• Flowers: dandelion, heather
• Herbs and plants: nettles, meadowsweet

Brewing process. Smith developed skills in:

• Harvesting and preparing wild ingredients
• Fermentation techniques
• Aging and storing homemade alcohol

Benefits of homemade brewing:

• Utilization of free, local resources
• Development of unique flavors
• Sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency
• Social aspect of sharing homemade drinks with visitors

Smith's brewing experiments showcase the potential for creativity and resourcefulness in off-grid living, turning foraged ingredients into enjoyable luxuries.

9. Dealing with illness, injury, and isolation in the wilderness

"There's pain and there's pain, but toothache has a pain of its own."

Medical challenges. Living far from modern healthcare, Smith faced various health issues:

• Dental problems without access to dentists
• Injuries from manual labor and accidents
• Illnesses without immediate medical attention

Self-reliance strategies:

• Developing basic medical skills
• Using natural remedies when possible
• Maintaining a high level of physical fitness
• Knowing when to seek professional help despite the distance

Mental health considerations:

• Coping with long periods of isolation
• Finding purpose and meaning in daily tasks
• Maintaining connections with occasional visitors and through correspondence

Smith's experiences highlight the importance of resilience, self-care, and knowing one's limits when living in extreme isolation.

10. Finding beauty and purpose in a simple, nature-focused lifestyle

"After all, as I've already said, people like me have existed within every culture on earth. We are just as much a part of human history as we are fundamental expressions of the human condition."

Appreciation of natural beauty. Smith's lifestyle allowed him to deeply connect with the changing seasons, wildlife, and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. He found joy in:

• Observing subtle changes in plant and animal life
• Experiencing dramatic weather and light conditions
• Developing an intimate knowledge of his local environment

Purpose through simplicity. By eschewing modern conveniences and consumerism, Smith found meaning in:

• Daily tasks necessary for survival
• Continuous learning and skill development
• Minimal environmental impact
• Sharing his experiences and knowledge with others

Legacy and inspiration. Smith's story serves as a reminder that alternative lifestyles are possible and can provide deep fulfillment. His experiences challenge readers to consider:

• The value of simplicity and self-reliance
• Our relationship with nature and consumption
• The potential for finding purpose outside conventional societal norms

By embracing a life closely connected to nature, Smith found a sense of peace, purpose, and belonging that many in modern society struggle to achieve.

Last updated: October 5, 2024