Last week, we wrote about the power of having one big thing to aim for — something personal, meaningful and a little bit out of reach that gives you direction, hope and a reason to keep moving forward.
For me, one of those big things is to start bagging Munros — ticking off those iconic Scottish mountains, one summit at a time. It’s been on my mind for a while, and earlier this year, I found myself chatting about it with my sons. They were up for the challenge too, and we started throwing ideas around — which ones to do first, what gear we’d need, how to make it work with everyone’s schedules.
Then, a few weeks later, during a family visit, I was talking with one of my nieces. She’s a mum of four and has been navigating an incredibly tough period following a marriage breakup. I asked how she was doing, and she said something that really stayed with me: “I need something to look forward to on the weekends when the kids are with their dad.”
That simple sentence held so much truth. With her children away, she felt unanchored — her usual sense of purpose suddenly paused. Without the day-to-day focus on her kids, she was faced with the unfamiliar task of putting herself first — something that felt out of sync with where she was in life. And yet, she knew she needed to find ways to fill that space, to reclaim time for herself, and to rediscover what brought her joy. Our chat turned to the outdoors — to hillwalking, to finding space, and how time in nature can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. I told her how, during my own divorce over 16 years ago, it was getting outside on my bike that got me through. The movement, the fresh air, the sense of perspective it gave me — it was a lifeline. I’d always come back from a ride with a clearer head and a stronger heart.
When I mentioned my Munro idea and the conversations I’d been having with my sons, her eyes lit up. “I’d love to do that,” she said. And just like that, a seed was planted.
When I got home, I created a WhatsApp group and called it The Baggies — I wonder how many other “Baggies” groups are out there across Scotland?! The chat was full of ideas — which Munro would be best for beginners, should we stay overnight, how fit did we need to be, could we even pull it off? But no firm plans were made. Weeks passed. We were all procrastinating in our own way.
So I suggested we start smaller — some hillwalking to build up our fitness and confidence before tackling a Munro. Everyone agreed, and we set a date. Last weekend, our first walk together took us to the Eildon Hills in the Scottish Borders.
Rising proudly above the historic town of Melrose, the Eildon Hills are one of the most iconic landmarks in the Scottish Borders. Steeped in myth and legend, these three distinctive peaks offer breathtaking views across the Tweed Valley and beyond.
On Saturday night, my two nieces and great-niece came to stay. We cooked dinner, played cards, laughed and chatted around the kitchen table — the kind of evening that fills your soul. Then on Sunday morning, we packed our lunches, laced up our boots, and headed to the hills.
It was blustery, and the path was steep in places, a proper challenge, but we did it. Three generations of one family walking side by side. Mothers and sons, aunts and nieces, cousins and great cousins, all connected by shared steps, windblown hair, and a sense of purpose.
That walk gave me more than exercise or a scenic view. It gave me joy. Real, deep joy. To be surrounded by people you love, outdoors in a beautiful part of the world, supporting one another through life’s ups and downs — that’s a gift.
Sometimes our one big thing starts with one small step. And sometimes, the journey becomes just as important as the goal itself. That’s why it’s so important to just begin — to take action, however small, toward whatever might feel big or bold or even slightly out of reach. Talking about it is great, but doing it is where the magic happens.
It might take The Baggies months — or even years — to bag our first Munro, but the joy is already here: in the planning, the walking, the shared moments, the laughter, and the memories we’re already making. Those are the things that shape us, that lift us up and carry us through. We all need something to aim for, something to look forward to — no matter how big or small. And when that sense of purpose is rooted in nature and shared with the people we love, it becomes even more meaningful.
Here’s to more walks, more Munros, and more shared moments that remind us how lucky we are — and to walking the walk, together, every step of the way.
Alex x
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Quote
Favourite Book
The First Fifty - Munro-Bagging Without A Beard by Muriel Gray
The First Fifty stands out for its candid and lively portrayal of mountain adventures, appealing to both seasoned climbers and newcomers interested in the unique culture of Munro-baggings a humorous and unconventional account of her journey to climb her first fifty Munros.
Favourite Song
A great song to remind you to keep going, keep moving forward and have hope.
