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  • The Way of the Hermit

  • My 40 years in the Scottish Wilderness
  • By: Ken Smith, Will Millard
  • Narrated by: Dean Williamson
  • Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (68 ratings)

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The Way of the Hermit cover art

The Way of the Hermit

By: Ken Smith, Will Millard
Narrated by: Dean Williamson
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Summary

Could you leave behind the bustle of modern life and spend a lifetime immersed in nature? In The Way of the Hermit, Ken Smith recounts a life he has chosen to spend alone with the wilderness.

Seventy-four-year-old Ken Smith has spent the past four decades in the Scottish Highlands. He lives alone, with no electricity or running water. His home is a log cabin nestled near Loch Treig, known as 'the lonely loch', where he lives off the land: he fishes for his supper, chops his own wood, and even brews his own tipple. He is, in the truest sense of the word, a hermit.

For the first time, Ken shares the story of his life. From his working-class origins in Derbyshire, to the formative years he spent travelling in the Yukon and finally how he came to be the Hermit of Loch Treig. Looking back through decades of diary entries, Ken reflects upon the reasons he turned his back on society, the vulnerability of old age and the awe and wonder of a life lived in nature. The Way of the Hermit is a humourous, transcendant and life-affirming memoir.

©2023 Ken Smith and Will Millard (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

What listeners say about The Way of the Hermit

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Great fantastic story

shows if you really want to you can achieve great things. old lad does more work that most half his age

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Simply brilliant

I listened to this in just a few days. Such a thoughtful book that was read beautifully. I'm inspired to get into nature more often & learn a few survival skills myself now. What a fascinating life Ken has had.

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Wow

This was such a moving and humbling account of Ken's life and beautifully narrated. What a wonderful soul Ken is. Can recommend this book with no hesitation.

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Wow

Not what I was expecting. Very deep and moving tail, but was unusually honest. He had such an interesting life, but beyond the physicality, I particularly enjoyed his philosophical views on living in today’s world.

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Best book

this is one of the best books I've heard
wish it was longer very good narrative will definitely listen to it again

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Very honest tale ,

liked the details that maybe seem mundane to most.
Inspiring , but not overly preachy or grandious. Perfect balance

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Mesmerising

The wise and humble words of this remarkable man are mesmerising. A must listen for those who feel there's another way, a different way, a better way. Loved every minute

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Original and authentic

Great read. Dynamic, genuinely interesting, fruity and unpretentious; like a good wine !
The memoir is humble, informative and emotive. The author is a wise and generous human being with a superb gift for telling stories.

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Really enjoyed.

Very inspiring listening to how one man chose how to live his life and did just that.

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Laugh, cry and just be in awe of a wonderful life

A truly outstanding tale that chronicles a life filled with achievement, hardship and love. Ken and Will's beautiful storytelling made me laugh uncontrollably and cry happy tears. They have a remarkable talent for creating vivid details, whether it's a chapter dedicated to building the perfect fire or the suspense of coaching a fish onto the hook.

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