The Wild in Me: Helen Mort
The Wild in Me series of films celebrates wildness and the relationships between people and wild places. In this first film, poet Helen Mort finds inspiration for a new poem The Wild in Me among the striking scenery of Quinag in Assynt, and at Sandwood Bay, one of the UK’s most awe-inspiring beaches.
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Watch it againDiscover the locations featured in the film
A walker’s paradise, the North West Highlands boasts some of the most dramatic and wild landscapes in Scotland.

Quinag
A dramatic range of peaks, Quinag lies within the North-West Highlands Geopark, amongst the most incredible mountain scenery in the UK. Hike to the top of one or all three of Quinag’s summits for incredible views.
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Sandwood Bay
At the end of a 4km path from Blairmore, remote and beautiful Sandwood Bay is guarded by sea-stack Am Buachaille (the shepherd). The walk is rewarded by golden sands, spectacular scenery and rich wildlife.
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Assynt
The landscape of Assynt was formed by some of the most ancient rocks in Europe, and is where you’ll find some of Scotland’s most distinctive mountains, including Stac Pollaidh and Suilven. Don’t miss the dramatic ruins of 15th century Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt.
Discover Assynt
Northwest Sutherland
With the cliffs of Cape Wrath at the north-west tip, the landscape of northwest Sutherland boasts panoramic mountain views, sandy beaches, tranquil lochs and fascinating history – an ideal destination for walkers, photographers, wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Discover Northwest SutherlandPlan your trip to the North West Highlands

WalkHighlands
To plan your own trip to discover the wild places of Scotland's stunning northwest, visit the WalkHighlands website which features a huge choice of great places to stay as well as all the best walks to do.
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Wilderness Scotland: North Highland Coast
Each day you'll set out to hike the peaceful mountains, beaches and islands of Sutherland. Walking through wild and spectacular scenery with your Wilderness Scotland guide. Their exceptional knowledge of the nature, culture and history of the area will bring the landscape to life, immersing you in your surroundings and giving you memories to last a lifetime.
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Absolute Escapes: North West Highlands Walking Holidays
Absolute Escapes are specialists in self-guided walking holidays in Scotland and proud members of the John Muir Trust. Our packages include carefully selected accommodation, guidebooks/maps, information pack, and our emergency contact details. Discover the spectacular North West Highlands with our centre-based walking holiday.
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HF Holidays: Cape Wrath Classic Guided Trail
This route takes a selection of the best bits of this fantastic wilderness, walking from Cape Wrath to end in the fishing village of Lochinver. Enjoy a genuine wilderness experience coupled with warm highland hospitality and a chance to see a fantastic range of wildlife. Visit Cape Wrath and Sandwood Bay, ascend the spectacular pyramid of Ben Stack, visit the bird reserve on Handa Island and walk beneath the majestic Suilven.
Find out morePromoting and protecting wild places
The John Muir Trust owns and cares for some of the finest wild places in the UK, including Sandwood Bay and Quinag. In acting to promote and protect wildness, we encourage sustainable land use that will allow future generations the opportunity to experience and benefit from the wild. It is important therefore that communities can thrive in and around our wildest locations, and that’s why we advocate slow tourism, where attention is focused on encouraging visitors to contribute to the preservation of a destination.
About Helen Mort
Poet Helen Mort was born in Sheffield. Her first poetry collection Division Street won the Fenton Aldeburgh First Collection Prize in 2014 and was shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards.
The Wild in Me: Dave Cuthbertson
In the second film in the Wild In Me series, renowned climber, photographer and mountain guide Dave 'Cubby' Cuthbertson explores Steall Gorge and the slopes of Ben Nevis as he reflects on a life shaped by the mountains.
