~ Field Notes ~

A short hike in the Hindu Kush: scaling mountains in Kabul, Afghanistan.
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A short hike in the Hindu Kush: scaling mountains in Kabul, Afghanistan.

We meet in a quiet corner of Kabul, a neighbourhood that’s largely untouched by the security issues. I know the city moderately well and so this eases my apprehension well. Although I do understand that If I’ve misjudged anything about my plan to get alternative perspectives of the beautiful mountains, the consequences could be severe.

It’s winter and the whole city is covered in a blanket of snow, meaning that movement is much slower, but the city does appear quieter than when I was last here.

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Attempting the special forces, ‘Fan Dance’, with adaptive athlete, Justin Oliver Davis
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Attempting the special forces, ‘Fan Dance’, with adaptive athlete, Justin Oliver Davis

I was lucky to hang out with adaptive mountaineer, Justin Oliver Davis, on his ten-year ‘bang-iversary’ (the day he was blown up whilst on overseas operations), to be part of his hugely impressive attempt to finish the ‘Fan Dance’, one of the hallmark fitness test for entry into the British Special Forces.

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What it’s like to traverse the Aonach Eagach ridgeline in Scotland
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What it’s like to traverse the Aonach Eagach ridgeline in Scotland

My research told me that the Aonach Eagach ridge is considered one of the most difficult and exposed scrambles in Scotland, and requires a high level of fitness, experience, and proper equipment. It also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys that you can find emblazoned across Instagram. That was enough for me to give it a go!

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