Seeking a temporary escape from city life and a mad modern world, Alan Brown plots out a personal challenge: an epic coast-to-coast trip through the wild and lonely interior of the Highlands. He traverses paths historic and new, eschewing creature comforts and high-tech cycle gear, trusting his (mostly) serviceable mongrel bike. Armed with the essentials and a sense of adventure and curiosity, he discovers more about nature, history, people, his country, the concept of risk, and himself, than he ever thought possible.
Alan traces a route from Argyllshire's Loch Etive across remote Rannoch Moor, the beautiful glens of Perthshire and dramatic Grampian terrain to reach the Moray Firth at Findhorn. Ready for all weathers and obstacles, he succumbs to the hypnotic daily routine of ride, eat, sleep, repeat. He's savouring the landscapes, the wildlife and the solitude, and relishing the self-reliance. He is also picking up clues to past lives, and discovering how the land has been altered for game sports - or conserved for wild- and birdlife.
It's a route where Alan gets to spend time with nature and himself, where he takes his time, wild camping under the stars, on a journey of discovery in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Industry Reviews
"An outstanding debut, brimming with charming anecdotes, helpful advice and poignant discussions about Scotland and the UK today, making it a timely read." Chiara Bullen, The Great Outdoors; "The perfect read for cycling and adventure lovers." Kenny Smith, Scottish Field; "Filled with enticing descriptions of extraordinary terrain, basic refuges, wonderful wildlife, colourful characters ... An enjoyable account of an epic journey." Julie Rand, Cycle magazine;"A challenging cycle through near-wilderness ... [Alan Brown] returns with a laudable vision to see the Highlands criss-crossed with cycling paths that would reconnect an increasingly isolated urbanised population with the natural world." Helen Moat, BBC Countryfile magazine; "Cycling and walking are the best ways of truly appreciating a place. In Overlander, Alan Brown has written a hugely readable account of what he hears, sees, smells and thinks of the present and the past in a traverse from west to east coast by bike. His sensitive, personal and culturally informed observations on the landscapes, wildlife and people he encounters is an eloquent reminder of the wonderful country we live in and how much it has to offer our bodies and our souls. Time to get on my bike." Andy Wightman MSP; "If this book convinces me of anything it is this. Riding a bike across Scotland's byways offers endless possibilities for exploration, adventure and fun and most importantly, offers the opportunity to read the small print of our highland landscape. Overlander is a remarkable book, the tale of a strenuous mini-adventure and a clarion call to those who manage our upland areas." Cameron McNeish; "Overlander cheerfully debunks much of the off-putting preciousness of the hardcore cycling fraternity to return cross-country cycling to what it should be ... Alan Brown traces a new/old Scotland through a network of coffin paths, estate tracks, drove roads, military roads, disused railway beds and sheer bog. It's an uplifting account ... A very timely reminder that inactivity and loss of contact with nature are bigger threats than most small accidents." Lesley Riddoch
