The Way of the Hermit

My Incredible 40 Years Living in the Wilderness

By: Ken Smith, Will Millard

Narrated by: Dean Williamson

Subconsciously, I pressed myself into the loch's banks as that summer inched forward. We'd got off to a rocky beginning, but I started to see Treig in a different way. There was something about this land that told me just to hold on a while longer. It might've been just a whisper at the time, but I knew it was definitely worth heeding. I just knew that was it. This was the place.

Seventy-four-year-old Ken Smith has spent the past four decades in the Scottish Highlands. 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.

From his working-class origins in Derbyshire, Ken always sensed that there was more ot life than an empty nine to five. Then one day in 1974, an attack from a group of drunken men left him for dead. Determined to change his prospects, Ken quit his job and spent his formative years traveling in the Yukon. It was here, in the vast wilderness of northwestern Canada, that he honed his survival skills and grew closer to nature. Returning to Britain, he continued his nomadic lifestyle, wandering north and living in huts until he finally reached Loch Treig. Ken decided to lay his roots amongst the dense woodland and Highland air, and has lived there ever since.

In The Way of the Hermit, Ken shares the remarkable story of his life for the very first time. Told with humor and compassion, his unique insights allow us to glimpse the awe and wonder of a life lived in nature and offer wisdom on how each of us can escape the pressures and stresses of modern life.

©2024 Ken Smith (P)2024 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

the quiet strength of a man who lives his life in a way that instructs you to know thyself

the first person narrative based on the journals of Ken Smith is red as if Ken himself is sitting next to you telling you his life story. it is truly a beautiful book to listen to.

profound

This is one of the most profound books I have read. I have never before related more to an author or human than this.

Down to earth- literally

Enjoyed candid thoughts on a life well lived. Surprising comments on everything from ticks to making tea.

adventure of a lifetime

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Who knew talking about cabins, fishing and being a hermit could be so interesting. I'm a bit of a recluse myself, so listening to Ken describe his adventures in the wild really connected with my soul.

Inspirational and funny!

Wonderful story. Enjoyed the way it was read. I slowed it down just a little.

Author is a great story teller…and hermits have a lot of wisdom to share!

Really enjoyed listening to Ken Smith, recount his stories growing up, as a young adult, his traumatic experiences that he survived, and then his 40 years living off of the woods and lakes in Canada, Alaska, and mostly in Scotland. I learned a lot of practical as well as philosophical knowledge from listening to this author, I also enjoyed his stories which not being a hermit, I’ll probably never experience firsthand myself. After reading his book, as attractive as his life sounds, now I don’t need to live it. I hope I can live some of the wisdom that Kim Smith imparts to his readers.

A lot to be absorbed here

A great read of a life that fast majority of people will never choose, but always dream of. Nevertheless, much to be learned from the simple lessons of life in the wilderness.

What a life, what a story!

Loved having the opportunity to listen to Ken Smiths remarkable life story. Inspiration to “go, and do it now”

Very good book.

Really helps you see the beauty in his journey as well as the hardships. Brings perspective to the idea of that lifestyle.

Living life his way.

Loved it all. The reader was perfect and brought the book to life. Thank you