High and Low: How I Hiked Away from Depression Across Scotland

By: Mr Keith Foskett

Narrated by: Adam Stubbs

Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

When dealing with emotional baggage, it’s best to pack light.

An amusing and life-affirming travel memoir, concluding with tips for managing depressive episodes.

Keith Foskett refused to let his dark mood define his limitations. Unknowingly suffering with depression, he took to hiking the wilds of Scotland to face the inner demons that threatened to gnaw him to the bone. From the craggy Highlands of the Cape Wrath Trail and West Highland Way, to the canals criss-crossing the low country, 600 miles of unforgiving hiking terrain called his name.

Keith repositioned his compass to what really matters in life. As laughter became his traveling companion, he discovered that when dealing with emotional baggage, it’s best to pack light. Pushing his mind and body past breaking point, his journey could set a brave new course for coping with depression.

Battling ferocious weather, the ubiquitous Scottish midge, strange-sounding local delicacies and substandard TV sets, this is one man’s battle to conquer the wilds of Scotland, and his own psychological demons.

©2018 Keith Foskett (P)2018 Keith Foskett

Critic reviews

"Despite the challenges of the terrain and the weather, the author’s affinity with the Highlands is obvious and his descriptions of the landscape are captivating. We are introduced to beautiful glens, rivers and lochs that many of us will never have heard of. We are reminded by an experienced international long-distance hiker to not forget the quality of what we have at home in the UK. It’s hard not to admire Keith Foskett for what he achieves in this book. But he does not take himself too seriously either, and handles the weight of the subject matter with humility and a good dose of humour. This is a bold and important book which I genuinely hope will appeal to a wide audience." (James Roddie, The Great Outdoors Magazine)

"As well as the details of his walk, Keith captures the feeling of being on a long walk well - both the joys and the tribulations. His sense of humour comes through too, and he’s not afraid of laughing at himself. This makes for an entertaining book that also has a serious undertone. It’s a welcome addition to the literature of long-distance walking." (Chris Townsend, TGO Magazine)

Leaves you wanting more

Loved this book and the PCT book. SO looking forward to Keith’s others to be recorded into audiobooks! Narrator does a great job.

Different mission from Fozzy's other books

I enjoyed this one - just not quite as much as his other books on the Camino de Santiago and the Pacific Crest Trail. Those were outstanding stories about amazing hikes. This was too - but with a different mission.

Good description of depression. VERY PREACHY end.

I was rapt during the author's story. He described his struggle well, and without a load of self pity. Struggling with depression is difficult. Most authors do well describing it without self pity, but some don't. I can't describe mine without feeling like a whiner.

The problem I found, was his preachy ending. I understand that many people don't want to medicate. I know many people are against it. There are people who can combat depression without it. BUT many people do benefit and come back from the brink because they find the right medication. He postulates that we don't understand the physical part of the disease and therefore ought not medicate it. This is not entirely true.

I agree, therapy is important and I don't personally believe in taking medication but not seeking therapy. I am constantly flabbergasted by individuals who suffer from depression and yet preach to others against medication. If you TRULY understand the suffering, then don't discount a method that works for others because you don't need it and can come out the other side without it.

Another preachy part is him talking about quitting alcohol and weed. First, he calls weed a stimulant. It is not. It is a depressant, like alcohol. So, he is spreading misinformation. Aside from that he talks about friends who want a person to come partake again, when said person has found abstinence a positive change. He says, "they know it's wrong". Here he's assuming that it is wrong for everyone. Then he says tbey dont want you to quit. Well, true, nobody wants to lose something they enjoy doing with friends. True some are abusing and don't want a friend to take a higher road. Still, a person can communicate this with some modicum of grace towards others.

He redeems himself in the end by insisting he's not an expert and his suggestions are only that, suggestions. And, the suggestions are not bad.

All in all, the story is good and I was happy to listen until the end, when it became the cliche lecture about how medication is bad.

Worth the listen. But beware the end if you're in the middle of a difficult time. His suggestions can be helpful. You may find everything he says will help your deoression, but rwmeber it's not the only way. Find yours.

Very good!

Mr. Foskett is one of the last people who I would have imagined to be struggling with depression. His other books have played a large role in developing my own love of hiking, mainly in a humorous, light-hearted fashion. This book also has its fun moments, but Fozzie reveals much more about hos own inner-workings, and the result is inspirational. Listening to his account of the hike across Scotland was enjoyable from beginning to end, but the list of ways to combat depression at the end of the book will prove valuable to all readers, both as a means of getting through bad days and understanding those who battle depression every day of their lives. As usual, this is another great piece of work from the best "hiker memoirs" author out there.