Beyond Adventure - An Inner Journey

This guidebook looks beyond the excitement of adventure and, through the author's own inner journey, investigates the relationship of man and nature. It draws lessons for the modern world, and will appeal to all who love the outdoors and believe there is a unique wisdom to be found in the wild.

‘I first read Colin Mortlock’s work in 1980 as an undergraduate grappling with the philosophy of taking young people into the outdoors. His small booklet ‘Adventure Education’ was essential reading for students of Outdoor and Environmental education. In 1984 he published ‘The Adventure Alternative’, which likewise became a standard text for numerous courses.
    His latest book “Beyond Adventure” will no doubt be lapped up and quoted in thousands of student dissertations, but it is a very interesting book for all outdoors folk, whatever their area of work or study. For this book explores the deeper reasons for wanting to head outdoors in order to seek adventure. In particular this book looks at one man’s changing reasons for going to the wilder places, from the attitude and beliefs he held as a youth, through his different adventures and activities, to his deeper philosophical thoughts he now holds in his older years.
    Beyond Adventure is a small book that can be quickly read, but the writing is meaningful and should not be rushed. It may well be a book that many will choose to read twice in order to enable the thoughts to sink in.
    In a country where our contact with adventure can be taken over several days, but is quite often grabbed on days out from home, before going home for tea, this book is well worth a read, because it describes the feelings that can easily be missed in the busy lives that so many people lead. So, whether it is looking for a concise quote for that essay, exploring your own motivations for seeking adventure, or just reading about the impact Scotland has had on a great adventurer, then this book is well worth picking up and absorbing.’

(Mike Dales, Scottish Mountaineer)