In the first week of October there is no better place to be than on the hill in Sutherland. That’s just where I was this time last week. Sun, blue sky and breeze after a clear, cold night enhanced the promise inherent in the moment and place. Beasts could be seen on the skyline and stags were to be heard roaring

A last kit check had me ticking off the essential items – bolt, moderator, bullet pouch, spare correct calibre bullets, knife, piece and stick – and then we set out on the climb towards the shoulders of Cnoc Bhat. Now and then we stopped and spied, taking our time