The Hidden Fires: A Cairngorms Journey with Nan Shepherd

by Merryn Glover

Merryn Glover’s The Hidden Fires is not just brave, it is remarkable' – Sir John Lister-Kaye

Elemental, fierce and full of wonder, the Cairngorm mountains are the high and rocky heart of Scotland. To know them would take forever, to love them demands a kind of courageous surrender.

In The Hidden Fires, Merryn Glover undertakes that challenge with Nan Shepherd as companion and guiding light. Following in the footsteps and contours of The Living Mountain, she explores the same landscapes and themes as Shepherd’s seminal work. This is a journey separated by time but unified by space and purpose, a conversation between two women across nearly a century that explores how entering the life of a mountain can illuminate our own.

An Australian who grew up in the Himalayas, her early experiences of the Scottish hills and weather left her cold. But gradually acclimatising and with an approach like Shepherd’s, that is more mountain wandering than mountaineering, she discovers the spark that sets the hills and herself on fire. Through Glover’s deepening encounter, the wild majesty and iridescence of the Cairngorms is revealed in this beautiful evocation of landscape, place and identity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Scotland, Nature

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2023

Reviews

[Bernard Hylands · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought this might just be a simple commentary on Nan Shepherd's famous book, The Living Mountain, hanging on the coat-tails of that author, but I was wrong, it is so much more. For me, this went far beyond Nan Shepherd's work, relating many personal experiences in the Cairngorms in a way that I could relate to directly myself, having spent much time there over many years. The style is very readable, of the "couldn't put it down" type, and having finished it, I find myself wanting to start it again. Whether you have ever been to the Cairngorms or not, if you want to read the inner feelings of one person's experiences coming to know and explore the outdoors, and through that, herself, this is the book for you. Some people may find the spiritual references a little off-putting, but for me they only added to the enjoyment. If you love the outdoors, read this book.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

In responding to Nan Shepherd's ground-breaking classic of nature writing, 'The Living Mountain', Glover has crafted a unique and enjoyable contribution of her own.

While the brilliant appeal of 'The Living Mountain' is emulated through Glover's thrillingly poetic writing, immersing readers in the sensations and splendour of the Cairngorms, 'The Hidden Fires' enters fascinating new territory with her insight into the role these mountains play as a political and historical feature of Scotland, as well as the Cairngorms' place amongst other infamous mountain ranges, like the Himalayas of Glover's youth.

One's present-day experience of the Cairngorms, including its heightened influx of walkers and tourism, not to mention the effects of the pandemic, is also brilliantly parsed by Glover.

Although this book is a must-read for fans of Nan Shepherd and 'The Living Mountain', 'The Hidden Fires' will appeal even to those lovers of nature and travel writing who are yet unfamiliar with Shepherd. Either way, readers are in for a treat.

(My bookseller review.)

[Felicity · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Fires is captivating and best taken slowly. I read it a chapter at a time, as I felt that it deserved to be savoured. I believe that Nan Shepherd would have been delighted to read it as a response to The Living Mountain. It reflects and enlarges on her themes with a wonderfully light touch, while comparing it to a contemporary woman's experience.

Merryn Glover has done a tremendous job in writing it – if I had been able to produce such a deep and well researched response to Nan Shepherd’s work I would be over the moon. It is a book that may well change how you view and engage with the natural world. I think it will prove to be a lasting and valuable addition to Cairngorms and mountain literature.

[Morag Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Hidden Fires' is a beautifully written book. I found it evocative, sensory and honest. Usually I race through books but found myself slowing down, savouring each chapter for itself. And, as a long-time admirer of Nan Shepherd's, Merryn Glover's text has brought fresh insight into 'The Living Mountain' for me.
Even if you're not into mountains, there so much more to this book.

[Frantiska]

"i remind myself that i have not come to prove anything or pit myself against the elements, but to find a measure of healing. for now, it is enough to be here ... now i don't know which season i love best, but i do know the sky of Scotland no longer sits on my head; it fills it ... to see and express how such magical and lovely light fills the earth is a driving force in my life"

[Dr. des. Siobhán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: My PhD is about Nan Shepherd and I've (briefly) met Merryn Glover at the Edinburgh Book Festival. I can see why "Hidden Fires" is put on the same pedestal as "The Living Mountain" and while I enjoyed the book and Merryn's personal take on the Cairngorms based on her background, I do not think that "Hidden Fires" could or should be compared to "The Living Mountain". Sure, Glover's book is well written, the personal experiences relatable, funny even, but it does not transcend Shepherd or the holistic / philosophical approach of "The Living Mountain". Glover's text is too episodic for me, and yes, that is rich coming from me having also published a text about following in the footsteps of Nan Shepherd, but it is more lengthy anecdotes inspired by Shepherd than a work of its own (no hate please). "The Hidden Fires" is a sweet contemplation inspired by Nan Shepherd and it is a short yet enjoyable read. If you like "The Living Mountain", if you'd like to know a bit more about Shepherd and her non-fiction text, go pick this one up. 4 Stars

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can think of few better evocations of place and of the concept of 'Duthchas' (the powerful link between people and nature) than these 240 pages. In 'The Hidden Fires', Merryn Glover captures the essence not only of the Cairngorms National Park - a rare feat in itself - but also our human connection to it. From the breathtaking quietness of the plateau in winter to the terror of flesh-eating midges on a beautiful summer's afternoon, this is the Cairngorms as it is: unadorned, unpretentious, but majestic all the same. Highly recommended.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve finished reading The Hidden Fires and savored each chapter. Enjoying discovering cairngorms through a different lens. Also plenty of insights and it also encouraged me on a journey within. To enjoy walking the mountains without this pressing need to achieve a goal. Much food for thought.

I’m glad the author Merryn wrote the book, thank you. Love her authentic heart voice that radiates through.

[Mark Steell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Nan Shepherd's 'The Living Mountain' a few years back and this journey revists it for a modern day adventure and reappraisal. I attended an event where the author read passages with accompanying visuals and music to good effect and as a hillclimber myself, much of the appreciation of nature resonated with my own experience. Very enjoyable and life affirming.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plods along where Nan Shepherd had previously danced. If the blurb had explained that much of the book was going to force religion onto Nan Shepherd's Cairngorm writing, I would have known better what to expect from this book.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed Merryn Glover's previous books but just couldn't get into this one. It follows Nan Shepherd's book 'The Living Mountain' in Scotland's Cairngorm mountains. The reading is slow, or perhaps I just wasn't in the space for this one, I gave up after a few chapters.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

All that I have loved about mountains and walking is epitomised in this book plus the added pleasure of appreciating the amazing Nan Shepherd. I no longer climb so high or hard so it was wonderful to share Merryn’s adventures.

[Natasha Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merryn Glover takes Nan Shepherd as a walking companion through her journey of knowing the Cairngorms. It is not just a response to ‘The Living Mountain’, but a celebration and continuation of the conversation Shepard began.

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful in its ekphrasis but also lovely in itself!

[John Boyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent companion price to Nan Shepherd's original. Thoughtful, luminous, numinous and inciteful.

[Readerjems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this and made me long to be back with the mountain. <3

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Merryn Glover's fictional works so I was excited to read this. It wasn't the same page turner as her other books but still well written and a short but enjoyable read.