Climbing the Mountains: the tourist ascends....
The Cobbler Needle, Loch Long. A James Valentine photograph, issued by the Scottish Youth Hostels Association.
Until the 19th century, the mountains of Scotland were viewed with fear and trepidation by the visitors. However, they were there to be climbed, and attitudes gradually began to change.
On the continent, Alpine climbing had become popular by the mid-1800s, not least with British visitors.
A pair of well-equipped Continental climbers, French or Swiss on the left, and German on the right.
A Scottish hill-walker, photograph "taken at Pitlochry on the last day of the tramp."
The Victorians relished the thought of a holiday in Scotland, inspired partly by the example of their Royal Family who were regularly visiting Balmoral from the 1850s onwards.
A Royal Deer Stalking Party, by Carl Haag, taken from the Illustrated Times, 1858.
Victorian magazines are full of lighthearted accounts of holidays and expeditions, seen through the eyes of their artists.
"Mountaineering: Up and Down Ben Lomond", by W. Ralston. The Graphic, September 1874.
"The Tourist Season in Scotland: The Ascent of Ben Nevis", by W.G. Kemp. The Illustrated London News, July 1881.
Ben Nevis was, of course, a favourite, though the ascent often climaxed in cloud.
"The Maid of the Mist!! - Top of Ben Nevis." From a 1936 photo album, photographs by Molly Findlay.
Some expeditions were more serious than others, especially those on Skye.
"West Ridge and Gendarme Sgurr-nan-Gillean, Skye. A photograph by G.P.Abraham.
Anyone wanting to bag all the Munros had to face the Inaccessible Pinacle, though with the help of a guide, it is accessible to most.
The Inaccessible Pinnacle, Skye. A figure can just be made out at the bottom of the rope.
Another attempt, this time on a Valentine photograph, 1932.
It wasn't just the men.
Unknown female climber, rope at the ready.
I can't resist adding this image, though it is taken in the Lake District.
Mrs Burton, on the Harrow Buttress.
No matter how easy or tricky the ascent, there is nothing to beat the sense of achievement once the summit has been reached...
The Summit of Schiehallion. From a glass negative, photograph possibly by Howie.
I shall add these images and more to a photo album page, "Mountaineers" on this website.