In the shadowy depths of Scotland’s western Highlands, lies the towering peak of Ben Nevis. Its awe-inspiring slopes house a folklore tale etched deeply into the annals of Scottish history. Known as the ‘Hermit of Ben Nevis’, the tale originated in the 19th century, during a period of heightened interest in the spiritual. At this time, a man known simply as ‘the hermit’, having grown dissatisfied with urban life, relocated to the solitary wilderness of Ben Nevis. He resided in a makeshift stone hut near the summit. The hermit practised a life of solitude, contemplation and asceticism, devoting his existence to the pursuit of wisdom and closeness to nature in its rawest form. According to local accounts, he had chosen this life voluntarily, desiring to escape the superficiality of city life. The locals would often see him trekking down the mountain to gather supplies, his presence always causing a ripple of interest. Over time, the figure of the hermit became iconic – emblematic of the harsh yet alluring nature of the Scottish Highlands. Although a recluse, he was known to have a friendly, warm demeanour towards those he encountered, often sharing profound insights about life and nature. His story became the stuff of legend, serving to inspire others of a more thoughtful, less materialistic life. The hermit’s existence highlighted the smallness of personal ambitions in the face of raw natural grandeur, a reminder of our place in the universe. Today, the Hermit of Ben Nevis continues to inspire echoes in Highland folklore, an enduring testament to the draw of the wild, the quest for inner peace and the power of simplicity.