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Gee Jackson, Near Cannich, Beauly (2026)

25/12/2025

This isn't my first Christmas alone (I'm fairly sure I'm into double figures), and it probably won't be my last.

Every year I get invited by amazing people to join them, but partaking in traditions that aren't mine sat around a table I don't feel I belong doesn't feel right. I have my own traditions now - a triathlon (usually in reverse order) followed by home made pizza and cuddles with Kat. Me and Christmas just aren't meant to be, but here we are anyway.

Normally I use December to look back at what I've achieved that year. But I don't feel like doing that. Not because I didn't achieve much; I did, including things I never dreamed of before. I have exciting plans for 2026 too. But getting here has taken over a decade of everything I am, starting from the ground up, and it feels right to take a moment to sit with that instead. With plenty of scars (physical and otherwise) to prove it, I have rebuilt my world so many times I've lost count. This time I chose it as a priority for my health and wellness instead of reacting to another curve ball. I learned to save myself.

I've always been drawn to the Highlands. My first big solo holiday was a tour of Scotland at 18 and I've been trying to find my way back since. I knew I loved it then as I love it now. A DNA test confirmed me to be 96% of sea-faring, mountain loving menace (read: basically a viking). And shortly after moving to Inverness, I discovered that in the middle of the city, there is a grave of a 'Jackson' who fought at Culloden. As the Scots say, 'whit's fur ye'll no go by ye', and I get the feeling I was meant to be here all along.

So this year after a healthy dose of fresh air I am inviting those Grinch feelings to the table and sharing my Christmas pizza. Because although on some days it might feel a bit lonely right now, it doesn't feel sad anymore. It feels hopeful, peaceful, and finally it feels safe to sit with thoughts I used to struggle with. It doesn't matter if anybody else cares anymore, because I care, and that's enough. The Highlanders in particular are known for being a hardy bunch, and if it's one thing I know, I know how to do hard things.

After all, I am a local now. 🏴󠁧󠁢

23/11/2025

The Affric Kintail Way plus 20 miles on the Great Glen Way to home; Coast to Coast number 7 over 3 days. The adventure I was dreaming of but didn't dare speak out loud. Scotland and Mother Nature heard me regardless and delivered utter perfection, yet again. 🤩

A lot can happen in a year, let alone several, and I haven't been giving myself enough credit for just how much change I've been dealing with lately. Kendal Mountain Festival is usually a diary staple for me, but this year felt different. Whilst I've missed catching up with friends and celebrating all the amazing things they've been doing (including winning awards! 🎉), I knew I needed some time to myself in the hilly, wild and remote places that feel most like home. Time to process, find peace, and just be. 🧘‍♀️

Glen Affric is often described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland, and also contains Scotland's third largest area of ancient Caledonian pinewoods. Being able to get public transport to places like this within 1.5 hours and then literally walking home to my front door was always part of the point of building a new life in the Highlands. Those that know me know that I'm not one to ever do things by halves, and this trail would be no different. Having planned it almost two months in advance, I was quietly hoping for a sprinkling of Scottish winter magic to make it really special. And my goodness did it deliver, literally in the morning I was due to set off! ❄️

Last minute kit swaps meant I didn't totally freeze, and I still can't believe my luck in getting such ideal, pristine conditions almost entirely to myself. Camping out in the snow will forever be one of life's simplest but greatest joys for me. I'm feeling more refreshed and energised than I have in a while, with yet more validation that all the years of struggling to get here were entirely worth it. 🏔️

Maybe karma truly does exist, or maybe the universe just knew how much I needed this. Call it a sign, call it luck, or pure chance. Either way and whatever you believe, know that there's magic in those hills, and my heart has never felt more at home. 💙

21/09/2025

"It's very 'you', but it wasn't what I was expecting you to say!" 😅

At the mercy of the weather, I was a fair way off of completing this year's birthday challenge of reaching the furthest point from a road in Britain. Outdoor adventure birthday challenges are a personal tradition I've been undertaking for over 10 years now, and to say my challenges have escalated is probably putting it lightly! 🙈

reliably informed me last year that the furthest point from a road is about 344m west of Loch Beinn Dearg and 667m east of Cadhachan Riabhach. It's around 9.1km WNW from the nearest road (which is restricted), and you'd have to cross Fionn Loch to get to it that way! The nearest numbered road is A832 about 10.6km ENE, but that's as the crow flies. The reality is that it takes multiple river crossings and about 20km of walking to get there sensibly. 📍

I was hoping to get there and back in a day - making it a marathon - but instead only ended up completing a 20km loop from the A832 because the recent rain had other ideas regarding my passage across the rivers feeding Loch na Sealga. It was still a beautiful day (thanks to for keeping me dry!) and I always feel refreshed after spending time in the hills, so I didn't mind too much. But I'm pretty determined to come back and finish my challenge when the days are longer and the rivers aren't as risky! 🌊

For most of my life I've been told that people find me intimidating. In part because challenges like this are my normal, and all in my spare time. As a 5'1 lass, being told I'm intimidating felt like a bit of a joke at first, but then it happened a few too many times for me to keep thinking that people were just exaggerating. And I can see it now - I know I can be difficult to keep up with. I've always got multiple mad ideas on the go, and a never-ending list of things I want to experience. But isn't that part of the point? 🤔

Trying to reach the furthest point from a road isn't what people expect someone to say when asked how they are planning on celebrating turning 32. Yet not a single person I told questioned it either. So here's to another intimidating lap around the sun. 🥳

10/05/2025

Sea to source: ✅
Source to summit: ❌
Summit to sea: ✅

Not quite the adventure I had hoped for or planned, but an adventure all the same! 😅

I combined multiple goals of mine, perhaps foolishly, into one big challenge. To walk coast to coast of Scotland but by combining a sea to source trip with a summit to sea trip; the Speyside Way combined with the East Highland Way, and a minor detour up Ben Nevis. ⛰️

Honestly the Speyside Way isn't as nice a walking trail as I had hoped. In about 100 miles of walking, probably about 80 of those miles were on tarmac or hard pack, and often with obscured views of the river Spey. Averaging 25 mile days carrying almost 15kg, this made for sore soles. With very few good options for wild camping either, an adventure which I had dreamed of being pretty wild, instead felt a bit tame at times. 🫤

But the further I went the bigger the boost I was getting from seeing just how far on the map I had come. Suddenly, after completing the Speyside Way and joining the East Highland Way into Laggan and Glen Roy, the source of the Spey, loch Spey, gave me the taste of wilderness that I had hoped for on this challenge. I think that section has ended up being my favourite of the whole thing. 🏞️

But by this point the heat and exposure in the valley got to me a little bit. My feet were swollen and this caused pinch blisters on my little toes. With another 20 miles of tarmac walking in front of me to make it to the foot of Ben Nevis, I opted not to punish myself unnecessarily, and took a bus instead. My own reminder to practice what I preach. Challenge is relative, and adventure is always what you make of it. 👣

Adapting to this decision, with some moral support and pack carrying from , we summited Ben Nevis together and made it back down to Fort William; summit to sea. In total I walked about 250km and about 3000m of ascent, carrying no less than 12kg. After the stress of a new job and a new house, as well as hormones and giving blood recently, I think I can say that my body and mind needed the break, and that's ok! I'm happy to still take that as a win. 🙌

That'll do, little feet. That'll do. 🥰

07/04/2025

Any excuse for getting outdoors with good people! 🥰

When sent me this beautiful new guidebook to Short Walks Made Easy in Aviemore and the Cairngorms, I knew exactly who I wanted to test out some of the routes with: the two ladies who have helped make my new home feel like home. 🫂

As a group we chose the third route in the book - a flat 5km with one set of short steps and a mixture of interesting things to see along the way around Abernethy National Nature Reserve. 🌲

Starting with a pretty river walk from the Nethy Bridge community centre where we admired the daffodils, the trail quickly turned into beautiful pine woods and a carpet full of heather. We loved the number of scenic benches to stop at, and all agreed that the tree in picture 8 would be an ideal picnic spot! 🥪

did a fantastic job of navigating for us and apart from a slight hiccup at step 7 of the route (left instead of right!), the guide used clear landmarks and directions were pretty easy to follow. Whilst we didn't spot any Capercaillie, we did enjoy spotting the next waypoint and we were sure to read all the information signs about the old logging that took place in the area. It's hard to imagine the noise of the Steel Mill in the late 1800s now though. We were treated to nothing but birdsong and our own chatter. 🎶

Returning back to the community centre (which has great facilities and a really interesting exhibition about the local history), we continued across the bridge to where a fabulous lunch and obviously some cake rounded off the perfect morning with friends. 🍰

Queen of logistics .oco very kindly dropped me back off at the nearest train station (a couple of miles away) and I couldn't help but think how wonderful it is to have such beautiful, largely accessible walks in an area where most people only really think of climbing mountains. 🏞️

I can see these routes quickly becoming a regular feature when catching up with the people I love. 🥰

14/01/2025

"That's not flying, that's falling with style!" 🤠

A soft landing certainly helped, but it was impossible not to smile at 2025. Conditions were brutal but beautiful, and it was clear that everyone was finding it a bit tough. The event has somewhat of a cult status and as my first puffer (and a solo entry at that!), it was immediately clear why people come back to suffer through a 24 hour endurance mountain bike race in the Highlands of Scotland again and again. 💪

It was -13 degrees overnight and didn't get above freezing during the day. Snow had been on the ground for about a week and just was not compacting out on the 13km course. There weren't really any lines to follow as a result and in some places the trail turned to slush and ice. 17 hours of darkness in Scottish winter conditions is no small feat, yet I didn't come across a single person that wasn't just happy to be there, messing around with bikes in the snow. 🔥

After a Le Mans start, the aim is as many laps as you can in the time, dibbing in at the end of each lap. There are multiple entry categories and just about every strategy to the race that you can think of. I'm not and never will be a fast rider, but I'm average technically and I'm pretty good at keeping going when things get tough. I loved my first few laps, chatting to riders, spectators and support crews, soaking in the stunning scenery, vibing to DJs and collecting a couple of bruises! 🤩

When darkness fell, I had a call to make. There were less riders out on course now and most of them were competing, not just there for the fun of it like me. I was even slower in the dark with conditions deteriorating further, and though I was still having fun and feeling fine, it didn't feel worth the risk of a potential injury to keep going much longer (especially as I'm moving house in the next few weeks!). None of the riders pressured me to pass on the single-track and everyone who did pass made sure they said hi and checked I was ok. I didn't want to spoil what was already an incredible experience, and so I decided to take the bruises I already had as a win, and stop. 🙏

Maybe see you there next year?! 🚵‍♀️

28/10/2024

The 55th Medium Score Course, Glen Artney. ✅

Imagine two days of self supported, extreme mountain orienteering in the southern Highlands over the final weekend in October. Score courses consist of a start and finish point, multiple control points with varying scores associated with them depending on difficulty of access, which you have to insert a digital fob into in order to confirm reaching the mark, and a time limit with an associated penalty for exceeding it. The aim is to collect as many points by visiting as many control points as possible (or strategically, the control points with the highest scores) that you can within the time limit. There are three options to choose from: a short course, a medium and long course with longer times but more difficult and less frequent control points. You only get the map at the start line (no GPS allowed!) and the location changes every year to keep things interesting and sustainable too. 💨

Largely the weather was kind, and the views were stunning. I've barely had any time playing in the mountains since last year, and my race buddy has never done anything quite like the Original Mountain Marathon before. Getting used to the scale of the map and how we as a pair were moving over the terrain meant a few missed marks and reassessing of our route on day 1. But we had the strategy dialled by day 2 and ended well within our time limit and on positive points. Finishing with positive points was always the aim for our first go, and upon setting the tent up for the overnight camp, the rain poured down and the wind howled in true OMM style. Once darkness fell the skies cleared, and a very chilly night brought us through to a beautiful 6am alarm call by the only thing appropriate - the bagpipes. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

For safety reasons the OMM is a pairs event, and because of that it's a race I've been waiting a very long time to do. Thanks to for saying yes again to my slightly intimidating adventure goals! We sprint finished over the line, inhaled the warm drinks and free meal before heading back home to de-kit and de-bog. But I can't wait to sign up to do it all again! 🏃‍♀

23/09/2024

Day 2 of the - the one that didn't go to plan! 😬

After another early wake up to cross the start line in Fort Augustus (the previous day's finish line) at 7am, the goal was to make it to the finish line of the Great Glen Way (Caledonian Canal) some 42km later at Neptune's Steps close to Fort William in the following 9 hours. 100km of paddling some wild water over 2 days. 😱

The canal reminded me again what special and important places they are in the UK, and it was beautifully calm and still. Portaging twice and crossing Loch Oich, I was feeling good and I'd spotted Nessie twice at this point (once in a topiary, and once in a canal side mural!). The third portage of the day was the beginning of the section I thought would be the toughest of the day: Loch Lochy. It was beginning to feel like the finish line was in sight. 💪

However, the winds were higher than the forecast and before long, my paddling buddy and I started to get thrown about a bit. Although there weren't conflicting wave sets like there was on Loch Ness the day before, there were even more white horses and even bigger waves to contend with. We pulled in at a small beach to briefly take stock and put some more layers on, as the wind was chilling and there wasn't much opportunity for respite. The thought crossed my mind at this point to pull out as it was starting to get a little risky, but I knew that as long as we stayed together we would be ok. 🙏

Unfortunately not too far after setting off again and just over three quarters of the way from Inverness to Fort William, my paddling partner capsized. I had waves washing over the entire length of my 12'6 Sport board from behind, and I was being so blown about it was difficult to do much more than just watch him struggling to get back in his boat from the cold water, and shout words of encouragement. 😔

I spotted a tiny beach another 100-150m upshore, and got myself onto the beach to call for support, whilst encouraging my friend as much as I could. I knew that the worst thing I could do right now was put myself in more danger too. [Continued in comments...]

17/08/2024

Spontaneous runsploring is back on the menu! 🥳

I've always loved following my nose and today I had an urge to see where my feet would take me. 20 miles and 6 hours later, I'd ended up on a 'pilgrimage' of sorts to explore one ancient church, one modern church, and the only living medieval Abbey in the whole of the UK. Plus a delicious scone squeezed in just before closing time from the lovely team at to make sure I didn't bonk on the way home. 😋

The idea of pilgrimages has always inspired me. I'm not religious but I find sacred places and places of worship both peaceful and fascinating. The concept of slow travel between multiple places that have significant meaning to you, and spending time reflecting along the way, I think can be powerful to any individual, regardless of belief. 🧘‍♀️

On numerous occasions I have been asked how I manage to be able to just go and casually smash a 20 mile make-it-up-as-you-go-along run. And aside from gamification such as turning the route into a kind of pilgrimage, unfortunately the answer is very much a 'do as I say, not as I do' one! 🤦‍♀️

The truth is that I have literally spent decades building up an always-adventure-ready base level of fitness. My body has spent many years adapting to the cycle of long periods of rest before really intense intervals of exercise, and often in different formats. In a way (it wasn't conscious!), I have trained my body to be ready for semi-regular big days out. 😅

I've always been super grateful to my body that it is capable of doing such things, and I'm amazed every time at just what I can achieve. But I'm also trying to be more sensible about it now that I'm getting older, and trying to be more consistent and structured in making sure my always-adventure-ready base level of fitness is good enough to keep me going for another 30 years. 🙏

If anyone wants to help keep me consistent by joining (enabling!) me every now and then, I'd love to make some weekend plans with you. 🙌

28/07/2024

The light just hits differently here. 🔦

I've still been struggling lately with energy and motivation, for various reasons. I am simultaneously energised and exhausted by people, regardless of how much I love them. I'm overstimulated by music and lights and textures and flavours but at the same time they grab my curiosity and awe and wonder. I feel an urgency to do everything right now in this exact moment because otherwise when would it ever happen, and yet I'm paralysed by choice and where to start. Not to mention the DNA and blood tests happening right now to get to the bottom of some other stuff. 🤦‍♀️

I moved north to help me manage this better. I moved north to lower the number of inputs, to reduce the choices available, to slow down the clock. It's never going to be perfect. There's been a lot happening over the last few months across all of those things that I realise can put me in a bit of a spin. But I also realised a long time ago that getting active in big natural spaces was like a mental reset for me. The decision fatigue lifts a bit. The sensory overload rebases. The joy and wonder return. And it's like I'm seeing everything for the first time again. 🤩

There is so much beauty and brightness here that even when it's raining I find it difficult not to see the amazing in the detail. Of how the clouds glow. Of how the heather hold the drops so carefully. Of how the air feels heavier and the nostalgic smell that puffs upwards with every splash. 💦

There is an abundance of things to see and be and do. There is so much opportunity and variety and life. I'm so grateful that I get reminded of that every day now. That I chose to do hard things so that I could be reminded of it. That I decided that my own wellbeing was more important than the expectations that society placed on me. That I decided to love myself enough. 💙

I know it sounds crazy when I try to explain that to me, moving to somewhere like this wasn't really a choice. To me, if I ever wanted to do more than just survive, coming here was a necessity. Here, I no longer see in black and white. 🕳️

Here, I can see everything in colour. 🌈

17/05/2024

"Sunrise or sunset?" 🌅

I looked at as we walked on the beach, golden rays dancing above us. "You know that's a hard question! I like them both, but if I had to choose..."
"And you do!" Sue grinned at me.
"It would be sunset. Because it's more accessible to people. Because the light hits differently, you get better colours. And because if I'm watching the sunset, it's normally because I'm having a great time outside in a beautiful place, and I love the feeling of closure that it gives me on a day. It just makes everything better." (Scroll 👉 for a behind the scenes with Sue 🙈) 🧡

As the sun sets on week, this year's theme of 'movement' is something I have always felt strongly about. I often get asked or it's commented upon how I 'do so much', in terms of different outdoor activities and adventures. In reality a lot of that is down to my mental health. Movement - and especially prolonged, repetitive movement in the outdoors - is the only thing I've truly found which helps quieten the neurodivergent noise. The truth is though, I probably wouldn't be here and do what I do and have the experiences I have had without it. 🤫

Movement gives so many people freedom they wouldn't have otherwise, and the positive physical effects it has on us are widely known. Sue and I chatted about how wonderful cycling is for people for example, and I love that I have met so many incredible beings (like her!) through - and because of - movement in the outdoors. We are all connected through it, and for me, it forges bonds with an understanding of each other on a deeper level. Because I know what it feels like. Because I've been there. And because we are in this together. 💪

Movement for mental health is one of the key reasons I have since moved to Scotland. Being here inspires me to move in nature more. Chasing sunsets is a habit for me now. Barely an evening goes by where I don't head to the top of the hill to catch the last of the day's light. 🌄

And I never, ever regret it. 🙌

10/05/2024

Strapped to the top of a 1940s Boeing Steerman biplane, reaching speeds over 100mph under the guidance of a team that has 40 years of experience and is the only professional formation wingwalking team in the world. My brother and I grew up watching (then known as the Utterly Butterly Barnstormers) when they performed at Shoreham Airshow every year, and I've always loved the idea of one day giving it a go myself. 🤸‍♀️

It was such a privilege to be able to create another fantastic memory together, in a mission to tick off bucket lists and share wild experiences. Cruising over the beautiful Cotswold countryside with a series of close passes, dives and other manoeuvres was pretty special. I loved being able to see him next to me in the air as we waved together at people, cars, a combine, some deer and even a passenger plane as we passed by. ✈️

I don't think either of us stopped smiling. A nice problem to have, it is becoming increasingly more difficult though to top some of the experiences and memories we have made together already! It is thought that fewer people have done formation wingwalking than have stood on Everest, and honestly I would happily go back for more. 😅

How amazing it is to be alive. 💙

Gee Jackson