Cairngorm John: A Life in Mountain Rescue

by John Allen, Robert Davidson

For over 30 years John Allen was an active member of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team & for most of them acted as team leader. In 'Cairngorm John' he recalls the challenges of mountain rescue & the many changes he has both witnessed & been a party to.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mountaineering, Outdoors, Nature, Biography, Scotland, Memoir

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Macbishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into mountain rescue teams and much good advice. Very readable.

[Lucy Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An great insight into the functioning of Cairngorm Mountain rescue team. I enjoyed the storytelling nature of this book. A great read for those adventuring in the hills of Scotland.

[Mariella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving account of the lives of those in the Scottish Mountain Rescue that balances out the seriousness of the topic with personal anecdotes and humour. Allen also brings forth the challenges that modern mountain rescue faces with the ever growing popularity of hillwalking and smartphones. He also reminds that while these mountains are breathtaking in their beauty and are capable of awakening an adventurous spirit even in people that aren’t otherwise keen towards outdoor sports, they can be cruel and lethal to the inexperienced and under certain circumstances.

Some of the stories of winter rescues are particularly harrowing but at the same time this books is a testament to human resilience and the bonds that these mountains can forge between people. At its heart, it is a beautiful tribute to one of Scotland’s most beloved (and in my humble opinion, most beautiful) mountain ranges, the Cairngorms.

[David Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was fantastic. A really good life story and an excellent account of mountain rescue. I've helped on a rescue and seen many but never been in need of one. But I've always known they were there if needed. I've much respect for all those who dedicate their lives to helping other climbers. The yellow helicopters around the hills are a very reassuring sight. They will be missed.

[Kieran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encompasses the emotional rollercoaster of being in mountain rescue in my favourite place in the UK. At times exciting, at times tragic and poignant, at times downright hilarious, I’d recommended to anyone wanting to venture into Britain’s hills.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this - a very human memoir, unexpectedly funny in parts and overall very moving. John tells his story in a clear, honest and straightforward way which seems to mirror his character and ethos. A legend!

[Ginni Brinkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very worthy.

Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost admiration for mountain rescue, and for the author, they do an amazing job. The book was hard going though, and gave me nightmares about my husband and daughter's ascent of The Old Man of Coniston, where they got rained on heavily (I could hear CJ's voice telling me they were underprepared for bad weather) and my H slipped on some wet, loose rock. I'm now not sure whether I want to risk taking her up Sleive Donard. So, basically this book made me want to climb a mountain less, which is a shame.

I'm sure that's just me though.

[Ron Hardwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who wishes to venture into the Cairngorms in winter had better read this book first. It's written in an autobiographical style by a man who was in charge of the Cairngorm mountain rescue team. The way Allan deals with the various fatalities and serious injuries is so matter-of-fact as to be the equivalent of writing a shopping-list, but the prosaic nature of his text, necessary, one suspects, to maintain his sanity, does not detract from the horror of reading it.The sudden changes in the weather conditions, the unpreparedness of folk to deal with the mountains (a party of schoolgirls goes up one of the mountains without any protective clothing and then complains because it took so long to rescue them and their teacher). Allen's had a very useful and rewarding life and saved many lives. He received an MBE and thoroughly deserves it. He goes into a little too much detail about the back-office tasks the team carries out, but apart from this, it's a splendid and very informative book.

[Robin Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy books about the Scottish hills and know a few folk who are members of MRTs, so have some inkling of the camaraderie and challenges involved in mountain rescue. This book gives an in depth account of the way both rescues are carried out, and just as important, how accidents can come about. Technology can help both the rescuer and the rescued, but the real emphasis of what John Allan says is that what is most important is the preparedness and skills of those who find enjoyment in the hills, so they can reduce the chances of rescue being needed. The book also shows the level of commitment by members of any SAR team, often over many years. It’s unfortunate that they also have deal with bureaucracy and perhaps there’s a little too much detail about that - John Allan clearly enjoys a confrontation, whether it’s to do with fund raising or helicopter support! However, the book is well written, well illustrated and both an enjoyable and informative read.

[Issi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given that my dad was a founder member of Braemar Mountain Rescue Association, leader of the Team from 1964-1976 and a member of BMRA for 33 years in total, I was intrigued to read about John Allen’s experiences within the Cairngorm MRT - the other side of the hill. John became Leader of the CMRT a few years after dad had hung up his leadership boots. I found ‘Cairngorm John’ to be very readable and unprejudiced - in particular as I was well aware of some of the controversies, challenges and potential prejudices. As a keen hill walker myself, I take my hat off to these men and women who give so much of themselves to save others. A good read for anyone spending time walking or climbing in the Cairngorms.

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have listened to the audio version of this book.
This is a fascinating insight into the work carried out voluntarily by the men and women of the Cairngorm mountain rescue team. Starting with a biography of John Allen aka Cairngorm John. Then on to actual cases where the team put their own lives at risk to save climbers and ramblers who get in to trouble in one of the roughest areas of the country. It's a very enlightening listen and although never having been a climber I can understand the comment that this true story should be part of every climbers reading matter. David Monteef does a brilliant job of the narration. Highly Recommended.

[Scarlett Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undeniably an incredible organisation and great work conducted by John. However, I personally wasn’t too interested in the autobiographical parts/ chapters and ended up skipping those. I also thought there was some condescending attitudes towards some of those being rescued, but overall a very interesting book with some good reminders of how dangerous the outdoors can be and how prepared you need to be (and danger can still occur!!). I’m currently cycling from Canada to Mexico and a storm was rolling in so I pulled over to put on my waterproof trousers BEFORE I got too cold!

[RunHikeBikeExplore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally, I bought this book, then discovered that it was available via my Spotify subscription as an audiobook, which I listened to while walking the dog, doing house renovations, chores, etc

I'm glad that I listened to it, rather than read it, due to the serious, factual nature of the book, as it may not have held my attention.

It was very interesting, educational, and essential reading about the rescues and recoveries of hill goers, and the time, effort, costs, etc etc. to the SMRT.

An imo, essential read for all hill goers as myself

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the life of mountain rescuers and the trials faced. Found this extremely interesting overall, felt like I learned a lot about hill craft and safety. Must get a compass.

Only downfall is that editing could be improved.

[Arusticat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book about Mountain Rescue but a book about LIFE in mountain rescue. You might think of this as a memoir about a man who found his niche and went on to build a team, fight bureaucracy, manage budgets and rescue a lot of people in peril.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cairngorm John: A life in Mountain Rescue" 4/5 🌟

A moving, modest and descriptive account of John Allen's 30 years in The Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team in Scotland. Easy to see why this has become a mountaineering classic.

[Delia Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit I skimmed through the second half after being riveted to the first half. The latter half being tangled up in politics of how these extraordinary services are provided: a worthy read however.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, a great insight into the heroic efforts that MRTs go through to help and assist people in mountain ranges. John give a great balance between knowledge of the mountains and the common sense needed to survive up there. Can't wait to get back up the Mountains again.

[James Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales from the coal face of mountain rescue

This book provides great insight into the causes, and impacts, of incidents in the mountains. The author is engaging and clearly passionate about the great work that the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team do.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read combining real rescues with operational challenges of a voluntary service.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written simply and with an unpredujiced voice by a man who has a great love of mountains and vast experience of them. Makes me want to move to Cairngorms rather than the beach :-)

[Readerjems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous book!

[Daniel Mayles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, very educational while being a page turner. Warning contains heartbreaking real life stories that prove just how fragile us humans are.

[Dave E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cracking read for all who love being in the mountains.

[Richard J Lees · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and eye opening insight into the mountain rescue service. I didn't realise it was almost totally voluntary and funded by events organised by the volunteers

[Tamara Covacevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written, a pleasure to read. Lots of knowledge, wisdom and scottish mountain love - gives great perspective.

[Nel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to join mountain rescue now

[grace saint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I have any intention of climbing a mountain? Do I fuck. But I’m chasing the uplifting and powerful feeling Raynor Winn gives me and this definitely wandered in that direction

[Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, learned so much about the mountains.

Properly gripping in places. Renewed respect for the volunteers of the Mountain Rescue Teams of Scotland and the UK. 👏🏔️

[Antonia Brydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, a real insight into mountain rescue. Really made me think about how to stay safe in the mountains.