Hiking in Scotland: this is how not to do it when you're going as a couple

Hiking in Scotland, we've probably all considered it at some point. But has the rain—we Cheeseheads believe it rains even more there than here—been holding you back for now? There's even more to contend with: your hiking partner. Just look at the rather strange (we'll explain shortly) film The North .

Metro regularly features articles on the latest films in its Film Review of the Week . The Dutch drama The North is currently in theaters, so this story fits perfectly. But it's also a good tip for those planning to travel , because hiking in Scotland is simply stunning when you're watching this film. Well, yes, the rain thing is true, but you'll just have to accept that for now.

In The North, you see two (ex-)friends who, you guessed it, go hiking in Scotland. Ten years ago, they were roommates and best buddies who enjoyed knocking back beers together, but the current thirty-somethings haven't seen each other in all that time. Despite this, the two embark on a 600-kilometer hike through the Scottish Highlands. They followed the West Highland Way and the Cape Wrath Trail, spending almost thirty days together in nature. The goal: to revive their friendship, but ultimately, they face harsh realities. About themselves and their friendship. And oh yeah: they also go on a journey of self-discovery (yawn, we can already see you doing that, but that aspect is easily handled in The North ).

Honestly, Metro initially thought they were watching a documentary about hiking in Scotland (well, it seems long). But no, it's actually a made-up story with two actors. This viewer didn't recognize Carles Pulido (Lluis), but Bart Harder (Chris) is a familiar face from films like The Battle of the Scheldt and Mocro Maffia .

The two play—in a wonderful way—two complete opposites. Chris is still busy with home (and his worried girlfriend) and is regularly bothered by work. He desperately wants to be a father. Lluis is a former wedding video cameraman, but no longer works. He's looking forward to what life and those 600 kilometers of walking will bring. Children? He doesn't want to think about that. While one often has his smartphone in his hand, the other's device sits unused in his bag. Chris wants to follow the route using modern technology, while Lluis, after a few days, starts talking about the charm of the old-fashioned map.

We'd explain that "strange" part. A film about two guys hiking 600 kilometers, lying next to each other in a tent, talking to each other (with veeeeery long silences in between) for 2 hours and 11 minutes (!)… that seems at first glance to be the most boring thing you can imagine, right? But we have to admit, the rather dull subject matter works remarkably well. This isn't just due to the fantastic visuals (hiking in Scotland is a real tip, just accept the rain). The story also turns out to be more interesting than you'd expect. If you can handle a hint of awkwardness, you'll find it so too. If we had to sum up the entire, lengthy film in one word, it would be ir-ri-ta-tion.

There are low-budget films, and then there's The North . Director Bart Schrijver, who also made a film about hiking 700 kilometers in Norway, had €75,000 at his disposal. Other directors would have cried foul over such an amount and wouldn't even get out of bed for it. Schrijver set off to Scotland with two actors and a small crew (if we're to believe them, they actually covered 300 kilometers on foot). For those curious: here's the making of .

That budget, among other things, led to the makers of The North personally calling our editorial team months ago to recommend the film. It was somewhat casually filed away. However, something happened recently. The title premiered online, and the British newspaper The Guardian got wind of it. The reward: four stars. What followed was word-of-mouth, international interest, and now the Dutch film has even been sold to New Zealand and Australia.

Hiking in Scotland: do it, is Metro 's tip. Or watch The North if you need a boost. The other tip: know who you're going on such a month-long trek with; this film certainly shows you what not to do.

"Nothing reveals the truth more than walking in nature," says an older Scot who's also out walking. Well, we got to experience that with The North .

Next time, in the Film Review of the Week, you'll read about Freakier Friday. It's the comedy sequel to the beloved film from… 2003. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan return to their original characters after 22 (!) years.

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