It was at the turn of the 19th Century when walking became fashionable. Not just any old walking mind, like nipping down to the shops for a pint of milk, but walking with a leisurely purpose, within a scenic environ.

Late in the 18th Century, the Romantic movement enjoyed the odd stroll, so much so that their love for doing so turned walking in the countryside a popular pastime. This saw the appearance of the first guide books, such as the 1778 guide to the Lake District.

This continued into the 19th Century when walking tours around Europe become fashionable, made more so by the likes of pioneers like Robert Louis Stevenson who wrote about his travels.

And so hiking was born.

This film chronicles one such walk, as two friends head to the Scottish hills.

It’s been ten years since friends Chris (Bart Harder) and Lluis (Carles Pulido) have spent quality time together, but they put that right when they meet in Scotland. They’ve decided to spend nearly a month together, walking the Highland Way, on what will be an arduous 370 mile (600KM) hike.

With just the stuff they have in their backpacks, including the tent they will share, they set off into what can often be the harsh and testing terrain of the Scottish Highlands, that’s not only a physical trial, but one that also puts their friendship under pressure.

Dutch director Bart Schrijver embraces the power of nature with his latest film, following the walk of two old friends.

It’s a film, which he also wrote, that delivers sweeping Scottish landscapes, with the counterpoint of a close friendship.

It’s an interesting contrast, with one very much having an effect on the other, as the pair often find themselves battling against the brutal weather conditions. And it certainly takes its toll on their friendship.

The first instance comes by way of Lluis suffering a knee injury, which is the beginning of the chasm between them.

And although there are many opportunities to chat along the way, when they’re walking side by side that is, but communication isn’t that forthcoming. Although it makes the film feel even more sparse, it does highlight the issue of men known to struggle conveying their feelings to one another.

To that end, their emotional isolation is mirrored – and heightened – by their remote locale.

And to make it more apparent, there is no incidental music or soundtrack throughout, with only the sound of nature supporting the landscape.

The pace is a little slow, and the lack of dialogue a tad frustrating - although completely justified, so don’t be surprised if you feel a gooseberry tagging along behind.

The journey does end with quite a powerful finale however, that even the manliest of men may succumb to shed a tear or two, as the pair reach the end of the Cape Wrath trail.

As awkward walks go, you can’t do much better than having the stunning Highland scenery as a backdrop, whilst also proving that most friendships are often no walk in the park.