'I love the look on his face' - The mum who takes her baby on wilderness adventures
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Experienced mountaineer Morag Skelton has taken her nine-month-old son Hamish on thrilling wilderness adventures, blending her love for the outdoors with parenthood. From cross-country skiing expeditions to island-hopping camping trips, Morag has creatively adapted her active lifestyle to include her baby, ensuring he experiences the natural world from an early age. Her approach highlights the benefits of exposing children to nature, emphasizing sensory play and mental well-being.
Morag, an outdoor instructor at Glenmore Lodge in Scotland, believes that babies and children thrive in nature due to its endless opportunities for exploration and learning. She notes that Hamish is happiest when outdoors, reacting joyfully to new sights, sounds, and textures. While she prioritizes safety, her professional training allows her to navigate potential challenges, from weather monitoring to risk assessment, ensuring their adventures remain enjoyable and secure.
One notable trip involved hiking 90 minutes to a remote bothy—a basic shelter without modern amenities—where Morag and her friend Nicola spent the night with their babies and dogs. Morag shared that Hamish’s age made the journey easier, as he didn’t require solid food or crawling, allowing them to fully enjoy the experience. The simplicity of camping near ferry terminals on the Isles of Muck and Eigg further demonstrated how even short adventures can feel adventurous, away from busy roads and in close-knit island communities.
Morag’s philosophy is clear: her outdoor lifestyle doesn’t have to stop with motherhood. She finds personal calmness in nature, contrasting it with the chaos of daily life at home. Witnessing Hamish’s reactions to new landscapes and wildlife brings her immense joy, reinforcing her belief that these experiences are invaluable for
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026