Charlie, Meg and Me by Gregor Ewing sampler

introduction
Jacobites. He also lacked due regard for the consequences for the
people who supported him. When things went badly, as they ultimately
did, then the Highland Clans would pay a high price for supporting
him. Having spoken to a quite a few people from the Highlands during
research for my trip I was surprised, perhaps naively, by the strength
of feeling that the Jacobite Rising of 1745 still generates. I determined
to find out during my journey how Charles was viewed amongst the
descendants of those who rose for the Prince and who suffered in the
aftermath of Culloden as the Government dispensed fire and sword
amongst the clans.
With my trip still some way off, I started to work on my fitness
regime and took up running again. Using canal towpaths, old drove
roads or forest tracks, I always tried to head off-road for clear air,
better scenery and so that my dogs could run freely. The next step in
my plan of action was to get out on the hills again. Having notched
up about 150 Munros over the years, I had lost interest in doing many
more as I was spending more time in the car to reach them than I
was on the hill enjoying them. However, this time round I headed for
the Ochil Hills, just a short drive away, refreshing map reading skills,
getting used to carrying a pack again, and reminding my legs of the
joys of going uphill.
With my wife, Nicola, and three young daughters to consider,
disappearing for six weeks on a self-fulfilling journey seemed slightly
selfish to begin with, particularly as Nicola also worked full time.
Perhaps if I explained my reasoning I could just about make it fly. So
one Friday night, whilst watching TV with Nicola, I gathered enough
Dutch courage to blurt out my plan as fast as I possibility could.
‘I am going away for a six week walk.’
‘What!’
Slower this time, ‘I am going away for a six week walk.’
‘When?’
‘Next year.’
‘Who with?’
‘Meg.’
‘Where?’
‘The Highlands.’
‘Why?’
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