Les Smith

Les and Elizabeth Smith originally trained as a scientist and a geographer, and spent many years pursuing sensible careers. Their outdoor interests encouraged them to adopt a less secure but more flexible lifestyle, which allows more time for exploring the Scottish hills and travelling further afield.

Their trips often take them to less publicised areas, where a walking trail can provide an excellent way of seeing the country and meeting local people. They firmly believe that travelling and enjoying the outdoors does not depend on having a generous budget.

The Smiths are easily distracted during their walks by efforts to glimpse local wildlife, photograph the landscape, or make some sense of the history of the area. Home is a Perthshire smallholding, where writing finds a place alongside other projects.