The book is divided into several sections, which could all be read separately if desired: mountain climate; geological foundations; shaping the mountain landscape; vegetation; invertebrates; birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish; the effects of humans; and the future.

Each section starts with a description of the geology/animals in general terms, and all but the first (climate) finishes with several pages showing examples of the subject matter of the chapter, with notes on how to identify them. So the geology chapter ends with photos and identification notes for different rock types to be found in the Highlands, the landscape chapter ends with photos of different landforms, and so on.

I found the main parts of the chapters fascinating. The identification sections were useful as well, but the book is a hardback and so not really likely to be carried up into the mountains (and at hardback prices, you don\'t really want to get it wet, either). However it could be useful as a reference once you are back in the dry. The mammal identification pages often include photos or drawings of footprints, and photos of droppings, so even if you don\'t see the animals themselves you might be able to work out what you might have seen had you been there at a different time!

Worth a read for anyone who spends time in the Scottish Mountains and takes an interest in how they came to be as they are.