Meet Shahid Choudhary, local Govanhill printshop owner and trailblazing mountaineer
“Exploring Scotland’s outdoors allows you to connect with nature in a way you can’t truly understand until you experience it yourself. Every time I’m in the mountains, I feel a deep sense of peace, leaving behind stress and worries.” –Shahid Chounhary
Shahid a-top of a munro holding the Scottish Saltire
By Rebecca W Morris | Photos courtesy of Shahid Choudhary
Shahid Choudhary, a local printshop owner from Allison Street, Govanhill, is the first Scottish Pakistani Muslim to complete all 282 Munros in Scotland. Originally from Mian Channu, Pakistan, Shahid began his impressive hiking odyssey in March 2016. What started as a casual pastime soon turned into a determined quest to join the esteemed ranks of 'compleaters'—those who have summited all 282 Scottish peaks over 3,000 feet, named after Sir Hugh Munro.
When asked about the greatest challenge he faced while conquering the Munros, Shahid responds: “a significant challenge was safety concern, especially within my community. Coming from an ethnic minority background, many elders in my BME community perceived hillwalking as a risky activity and tried to discourage me. It was a major hurdle to convince my loved ones that hiking can be safe with the right preparation.”
Shahid enjoys the view a-top a munro, pointing to the clouds in front of him
However, Shahid was determined to turn a negative into a positive. He explains: “At the time, there weren’t many South Asians involved in hiking, so I often felt like a lone explorer. However, as people started seeing me venture outdoors, more individuals from my community joined in, and many others were inspired to follow in my footsteps.”
Shahid also struggled to balance his passion for the outdoors with his full-time job. Yet, he persisted, devoting weekends to his Munro-bagging expeditions, braving challenging weather and rugged terrain.
Shahid in his mountaineering gear, holding up sign which reads: ‘282 MUNRO BAGGED’ Won’t stop exploring’
Along the way, he encouraged his team members, Asrar Ahmad and Ifty Ahmed, who also achieved significant milestones during their shared adventures. Despite delays caused by the pandemic, Shahid and his team persevered, completing their ambitious goals while also tackling several Corbetts (mountains between 2,500 and 3,000 feet) and iconic long-distance walks like the West Highland Way.
Undoubtedly, he was encouraged by the camaraderie of fellow mountaineering enthusiasts. Shahid kept going with determination, fueled not only by his love of nature but his desire to give something back. With an ample tool-belt of certifications in Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, Mountain Leader, Camping Leader, and First Aid, Shahid has enhanced his mountaineering skills, but also his commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
Shahid emphasises the importance of environmental responsibility. He and his team follow the Leave No Trace principle, ensuring that nothing they bring on a hike is left behind, taking measures such as using refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.
Shahid eyes a map of Beinn Fhaba with a head-torch in the dark
Shahid is also part of a dedicated hill clean-up group, visiting local hills for litter-picking events. It is an initiative that keeps the environment clean, while inspiring others to be more mindful about littering when they see us actively protecting nature.
Encouraging others in his community to follow in his footsteps is fundamental for Shahid. Some of the initial barriers he faced were a lack of knowledge about where to hike and find like-minded walking partners. Over time, he has discovered a treasure trove of websites providing valuable information for hikers. Shahid eventually created his website, where people can access useful resources about outdoor adventures.
Beyond his achievements, Shahid is a passionate advocate for the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of outdoor activities. He believes in the power of nature to heal and inspire, encouraging others to step outside, explore, and connect with the environment. Shahid adds: “It pushes you out of your comfort zone, and you’ll often surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving.”
Shahid camping out in the Scottish highlands on a mountaineering expedition
Shahid's adventures have been filled with unforgettable moments, including witnessing the wilderness of Knoydart, experiencing cloud inversions on Beinn Alligin, enduring -22°C temperatures on Ben Dorain, and facing the challenges of Loch Mullardoch Munros. Each experience taught him valuable lessons about resilience and problem-solving.
If this doesn't inspire the community to follow in Shahid’s footsteps, perhaps his own words will: “Above all, experiencing Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes up close will make you appreciate its natural beauty even more. Being in nature not only improves your mental well-being but also encourages you to take better care of your physical health.”
