
A sound journey through Scotland
In summer 2023, Jenny Sturgeon set off on a 864km walk through Scotland from Kirk Yetholm on the border with England to Cape Wrath Lighthouse at the far north west of Scotland’s mainland. Running the length of Scotland mainland, The Scottish National Trail combines sections of many of Scotland’s official walking routes including Southern Upland Way, West Highland Way, Rob Roy Way and Cape Wrath Trail. This route, devised by outdoors writer Cameron McNeish, is an unofficial walking route that charts the lowlands and highlands of Scotland, passing along old drove roads, coffin roads, farm tracks and canal ways, as well as sections without paths or marked trails.
Recording a sound diary everyday en route, Jenny captured snippets of the journey. From the sound of a song thrush’s dusk chorus, osprey chicks begging for food and the call of short eared owls, to resonant tunnels under motorways and heavy downpours on the tent canvas.
Each track is named for the what3words location where it was recorded. What3words have divided the world into 3 metre square areas, which are identified by a unique combination of three word, making it easy to share and find exact locations. Alongside the paths.made.walking album, listeners can also read a daily postcard that Jenny wrote and sent as a memory of the trip. For the best listening experience use headphones and listen at a volume which mirrors ambient sounds outside. We hope you enjoy the journey.
