
Walking, one of the most basic of human activities, has long been both inspiration and subject of exploration for artists. Walking is a way of measuring, a way of encompassing a territory; its pace and rhythm creates a frame in time and space which is delegated by the person walking. In his walks Hamish Fulton actively tests himself and his body: he has undertaken a full week of walking without sleep; he has walked from one side of the country to the other; he has refrained from talking for a full week while walking. The physical involvement of walking creates receptiveness to the landscape and this accessibility opens the potential for any individual to take part; to make one aware of the environment, and of oneself.
The Cairngorms are one of the last wilderness areas in Europe. Few other places offer the possibility of several days of walking without human interaction or interference. The Cairngorms as Hamish puts it ‘have a special place in my heart’. Huntly is situated on the foothills of the Cairngorms, but regrettably to some not within the geographic and political the boundaries of the National Park.
Exploring Huntlys motto "Room to Roam" Hamish seeks to highlight the thought process of both mental and physical room to roam and make a geographic link between Huntly and the Cairngorm national park. The walk will encompass 21 days of walking and roaming around the Cairngorms with one rucksack only. No shops, no B+Bs, just Hamish himself, his rucksack and tent. The walk starts on 18 April from Huntly and will end on 8 May at Glenmore Lodge.
Can walking be art? A walking festival with Hamish Fulton. Including walks, discussions, exhibitions and other events. Special guest Shadow Curator Mary Jane Jacob.
Saturday 17 April
Can walking be art? Arts breakfast: Hamish Fulton in conversation with Mary Jane Jacob
10 am Ex-Servicemens Club, Huntly; tickets £10; booking recommended
Two hour walk around the block: a choreographed walk with Hamish Fulton that changes perceptions of familiar neighbourhoods
2 pm The Square, Huntly
Sunday 18 April
21 Days in the Cairngorms
10 am Start of walk towards the Cairngorms; join Hamish for the day (approx 5 hrs);
tickets for bus return £6; booking recommended
The walk will take ca 5 hours. A minibus pick up can be arranged (£6) on the Mytice road.
We recommend you bring: walking boots waterproofs, sandwiches and drink. If the weather is bad also gloves and hat.Optional: Compass, First Aid kit,Toilet paper/match, Walking stick, GPS/spare batteries, mobile, map, Camera, Suncream, Sunglasses
Sunday 9 May
12 pm One hour walk around the car park; Cairngorm Railway Car park
7 pm 21 Days in the Cairngorms: artist's talk; Glenmore Lodge Aviemore
For more information click here
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