I am 16 and live alone in the wilderness I live alone on the Isle of Skye in a tipi almost impossible to find without detailed directions. Mum, a cookbook writer, taught us about possible dangers and how to cope with them, then let us run wild from an early age. We also travelled abroad regularly, visiting remote tribes and cultures, where we lived for weeks as Mum studied food and recipes to write about. I spent so much time with tribes who rely on the land that this became second nature to me. ...

I am 16 and live alone in the wilderness

I live alone on the Isle of Skye in a tipi almost impossible to find without detailed directions. Mum, a cookbook writer, taught us about possible dangers and how to cope with them, then let us run wild from an early age. We also travelled abroad regularly, visiting remote tribes and cultures, where we lived for weeks as Mum studied food and recipes to write about. I spent so much time with tribes who rely on the land that this became second nature to me. When I gained a place at the School of Adventure Studies on the Isle of Skye last year, I decided to live in a tipi, practising what I preach.

I wake up at 6.00 a.m. and get the fire on straight away using flints and steel. There’s usually some fire left from the previous day, so the fire is soon blazing while I have cereal for breakfast. I collect wood for later in the day, then I wash at the river. Sometimes I just jump in, especially when there’s frost on the ground. When I rush back to the tipi, it’s like a sauna. I get my backpack organised, including any food and kit I need for the day, cover the fire to keep it low but alive and walk thirty minutes to school. There are twelve of us on the course, of all ages, and we’ve just finished mountaineering. We’re about to start whitewater kayaking.

I’ve had a few hairy moments. Once I was on the hills when the weather turned bad and I became disoriented, but thanks to Mum’s training, I knew I had to keep a cool head. My classmates and I recently had a two-day test in horrible weather. A few people were exhausted and had to be taken off the mountain by the leaders, but I feel comfortable in the mountains and enjoyed the challenge. However, I’m aware that I need to keep my wits about me and be prepared.

My friends used to love coming to our home and running wild with me, so they are used to the way I live. I hope some of them will visit me soon. People ask if I miss the Internet, but I never used to use it much, or watch television. I am sociable, but I have always enjoyed my own company. I use my mobile every few weeks to catch up with friends and my mum, who I usually see once a month.

What I’m doing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it makes me happy. I’d like to see more people look after the land and not be scared of getting outside, getting wet, learning how to survive. When my studies are over, I’ll move the tent back to Mum’s house. Until then, I’m happiest sitting by the flickering fire, carving a spoon in perfect silence and watching the stars through the open tipi door.

(Adapted from English Discovery)