The Press and Creatives at Fort William Mountain Festival 2025
Fort William Mountain Festival 2025 is just around the corner and we’ve got another fantastic programme of talks and workshops lined up for you! We’re launching two exciting books which will see us step into new genres, offering a sneak-preview of a much-anticipated release coming later in the year, and hosting a television personality to talk all things hill tracks. There’s also the chance to get out into nature with in our Creatives workshops and explore making art in the mountains.
Outside of the events we’ll be loitering in the foyer alongside the Highland Bookshop and with books and work from our series of flash comps which are underway as you read this. We’d love to see you there, so drop by and say hello.
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TALKS
Northern Horizons – Book Launch with author Will Herman
Friday 14 February, 5:30pm
We’re thrilled to be launching our very first mountain running book at this year’s festival!
Northern Horizons is the story of one runner’s lifelong love affair with the mountains of Scotland and Cumbria. It is also a guidebook, and therefore an invitation to join a growing community that finds both solace and thrill in moving fleet-footed through the hills.
Join author Will Herman and editor Deziree at the launch, where you’ll hear extracts from the prose and see the fantastic imagery that makes this brand new guidebook such a literary delight. Prepare to be inspired!
Saturday 15 February, 3:30pm
This year saw the launch of the sixth edition of Scottish Hill Tracks, and the response has been fantastic. The guide covers 350 routes through Scotland’s wild and varied landscapes, many of which are heritage paths connecting modern day walkers, cyclists, runners and equestrians with the past, keeping alive routes which are part of our cultural heritage.
In this Discovery Session, join Scottish television presenter Paul Murton to explore and celebrate these wonderful journeys through some of our favourite places.
Exclusive Preview: The Great Mixed Climbs of Scotland
Saturday 15 February, 4.00pm
The Great Mixed Climbs of Scotland, compiled by Guy Robertson and Hamish Frost, is the much-anticipated celebration of the modern history, the routes and the personalities of Scottish winter climbing. This event – ahead of the book’s publication later in 2025 – offers an exclusive preview.
I Don’t Do Mountains – Exclusive Book Launch with Barbara Henderson
Sunday 16 February, 11:00am
‘Adventures are good things for people in books. But I am not a person in a book. I am Kenzie. I like to READ about adventures, not actually have them.’
Join us for the launch of our very first children’s book: an exciting adventure story set in Scotland’s mountain wilderness. Four eleven year-old pupils head into the hills with a mountain guide. However, when the adult disappears without trace, the youngsters have to rely on their own wits to survive – especially when they come across evidence of a terrible crime.
An interactive session for families and children aged 7+.
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WORKSHOPS
Drawing the Mountains with Jack Spowart
Saturday 15 February, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Join Scottish Highlands based mountain artist Jack Spowart on a morning hike and learn the fundamentals of landscape drawing. Jack will explain how he approaches a new piece of artwork, the tools he uses, how to spot a strong composition and how he managed to turn a fun hobby into a full time career as a freelance illustrator and artist.
All creative materials will be provided, but please wrap up warm with appropriate clothing and footwear for whatever conditions the day may bring. In the event of terrible weather (February can bring all sorts!), we will be indoors for some or all of the workshop.
This workshop is held in collaboration with Wild Roots Guiding.
Painting the Mountains with Phoebe Sleath
Saturday 15 February, 9:00am – 1.00pm
Join geologist and artist Phoebe Sleath on a morning walk through Glen Nevis to learn about the fundamentals of geological interpretation through sketchbook painting. Phoebe is a PhD student in Structural Geology at the University of Aberdeen.
All creative materials will be provided, but please wrap up warm with appropriate clothing and footwear for whatever conditions the day may bring. In the event of terrible weather (February can bring all sorts!), we will be indoors for some or all of the workshop.
Writing the Mountains with Merryn Glover
Saturday 15 February, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Go for a wander with author Merryn Glover to gather words and ideas for writing about nature. We will explore Glen Nevis and draw from our senses to craft poetry and short descriptive pieces. No experience necessary.
All creative materials will be provided, but please wrap up warm with appropriate clothing and footwear for whatever conditions the day may bring. In the event of terrible weather (February can bring all sorts!), we will be indoors for some or all of the workshop.
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Many thanks to The Highland Bookshop, ScotWays and Wild Roots Guiding who are supporting the events and workshops that will feature in the festival.