A moving and mesmerising account of a man stepping out of society for the life and lifestyle he has chosen.

This is the story of an ordinary man who was dealt some tough blows in life and decided to step away from a world which seemed to want to harm him. He took time out in the Canadian wilderness but wanted to be nearer home, so worked out how he could replicate the lifestyle in Britain.

Told to Will Millard this is an amazing and moving account of a man living alone, 'off grid'.

Apparently Ken's story has been told as a tv documentary. I was near the end of this book before I realised - but I haven't yet seen it and am currently wanting to retain the images created from reading the book rather than watching the film.

Ken is an impressive character and he shares something of what he's learned about living away from society, urging us all to think about how we might step away for a moment, a day, a month or a lifetime like him.

He's not strict about it - it's not about keeping to rules - he's happy to take help and kindnesses, particularly as he's now elderly and with health issues. He's not making a point, he's living the best life for him. And it's incredibly inspiring.

This is a book I want to return to and I urge you to read it for the escape it offers, for the change of pace, for the different perspective and for how we meet this extraordinary man.

This book was a breath of fresh air to read. Ken Smith is authentic, honest, funny and has led a fascinating life living ‘off-grid’ in the Scottish Highlands. Now in his 70s this book explores his life so far (he plans to live to 102 so hopefully on day there might be a sequel!) charting his adventures in a childhood in Derby, walking adventures in Canada and spending time wandering around Scotland before building his home and life at the side of Loch Treig.

Written in a conversational style this book is filled with wisdom, humour and plenty of good stories. I felt a bit like I was sitting next to the fire listening to Ken himself speak with the pine martens, birds and a hooded crow just outside. A book that makes you stop and reflect about your own relationship with the natural world and want to go after and follow your own dreams, wherever they may lead.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Way of the Hermit is the witty, fascinating and riveting autobiography about Ken Smith's experiences living at Loch Treig in the Scottish Highlands without running water or electricity for forty years. His reliance on the land, common sense and reading nature signs are learned and brilliant. He describes his life before Loch Treig including his childhood collecting bits of nature, spooky experiences, fascinating jobs, his horrendous industrial accident, Yukon and Northern Canadian adventures, dealing with deep grief, foraging for food, being attuned to nature sounds, log-pile management, wild animals, living with ticks (I have Lyme...you don't want it), neighbours and how he built his cabin.

Smith is deeply reflective and doesn't worry about the small stuff. His writing style is conversational and a pleasure to read. This book is also a bit of an insightful social commentary packed with wisdom and insight into human nature. One of the many ideas which stood out to me most is that it is not the hermit who is "weird" but rather living on-grid full of debt like sheep caving to the whims of the government. In his view being a hermit means choosing to meet people on his own terms and controlling his days as much as possible. Another profound description which resonated with me is living where you are meant to be, comfortable and at peace with indescribable well-being. I have had the fortune to discover such a place with a deep connection to a country other than where I was born and raised. The feeling is beyond description!

As a nature fiend, this book really connected with me on so many levels. Though not a "hermit", I am happiest fully immersed in nature and can understand Smith's passion for living the lifestyle and thereby learning multitudinous life lessons. His descriptions are stunning and his lifestyle while a hermit (he is now in his 70s) was clearly worth sacrifices and hard work, as all things worth pursuing are. The adventures he had! I'm thankful he wrote them so people such as me can enjoy them.

If you hanker for peace in all of its forms, do read this inspiring book with gorgeous wilderness descriptions and compelling anecdotes.

My sincere thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this wonderful, wonderful book.