When in doubt, head for the hills

Tracking Back: In the latest in his series of reflections on the meaning of place and pathways, Will Gore revisits a distracted trip to Montreal

The view of the city from Mount Royal, where the bustle of streets and roar cars were soon forgotten (Rex)

Given half a chance I’ll grab the moral high ground. After all, who doesn’t like the smug view from up there?

But physically high places can provide similar certainty: more, in fact, since they can be climbed without implying judgement on others. In unfamiliar cities or towns, I find myself seeking out hills. Tall buildings might do the job, but they offer a constrained viewpoint: in strange territory it doesn’t do to feel cornered.

Eleven years ago, I had travelled to Montreal to give a speech about media regulation (as you do). It was the kind of business trip people dream of – decent hotel, a relaxed agenda and in a country I’d never been to before.