Book info

• Title Caingorm John
• Author John Allen
• Year 2009
• Genre Memoir

The Cairngorm mountains in Scotland are a magnet for climbers and walkers. John Allen spent more than thirty years in the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team saving the lost and injured. Filled with stories of life and death alongside discussions of hypothermia, first aid, new technology and rescue dogs, Cairngorm John is a must-read for anyone who spends time in the great outdoors, whether as a casual hillwalker or as part of a mountain rescue team.This special anniversary edition of his mountaineering classic includes additional photographs and new chapters discussing how mountain rescue has developed over the last decade.

Thoughts

It took me a while to get on board with this. I like memoir books but getting through the early part with life history can be difficult. This one wasn’t too lengthy but there was a tone in there that I couldn’t put my finger on. Reinforcing that his children had been brought up right, and that the new digital age isn’t necessarily a good thing didn’t sit right with me.

Nevertheless, I’m really glad I continued as once he joined the rescue service it was hugely informative, entertaining and moving. I didn’t really realise the rescuers were volunteers, or that their funding was so limited. Equally, the chapters that involved press coverage really opened my eyes as well. Those that were in need of rescue often ended with tragic circumstances, but I think they’re stories that need to be told.

Overall, a solid book with some really enlightening tales to tell.

Rating: 3 / 5