Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Walk Druim Fada Arnisdale Scotland


Walk Druim Fada, Arnisdale, Scotland.

Delightful walk on the Grahams of Druim Fada and Beinn Clachach, near Arnisdale on the West Coast of Scotland, at the weekend. The ridge of Druim Fada provides spectacular views of Loch Hourn and the Knoydart munros, as well as the classic munros of Beinn Scritheall and the Saddle.

The walk begins at the small village of Corran, just past Arnisdale following the Rights of Way until a well constructed stalkers path makes its way up Beinn Clachach behind a remote cottage. After reaching the Cairn on Beinn Clachach, the true summit lies a kilometre further North East with little effort required to reach it.

The descent to Dubh Lochain is steep and intimidating, but the wild setting takes your mind off the pressure on your knees! A delightful waterfall and Bridge over the River await you at the foot of the hill where a rest will no doubt be enjoyed!

A brutal 700m ascent awaits to see you pop out on the summit of Druim Fada, the summit being the Easternmost cairn. The fantastic ridge of Druim Fada then begs to be followed all the way back to Corran! The views of Knoydart are unforgettable and I'll certainly be returning on a clearer day!



Rights of way from Corran near Arnisdale.


Cottage with view of Druim Fada.


Secluded Lochan on Beinn Clachach.


Ridge to summit Druim Fada.


View from Beinn Clachach to Dubh Lochan.


The Saddle from Druim Fada


Loch Hourn from Druim Fada.


Barisdale Bay from Druim Fada.


Barisdale Bay and Ladhar Bheinn, from Druim Fada.


Beinn Scritheall from Druim Fada.

Map by Bing Maps.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Enjoy April in Scotland


Enjoy April in Scotland.

Only dates left are Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010. Call 0845 1284888 for a discounted price.

Beinn Bhan and Loch an Loin from Sgurr a' Gharaidh


Beinn Bhan and Loch an Loin, from Sgurr a' Gharaidh.

A superb walk on 20th March 2010 on the Graham of Sgurr a' Gharaidh near Lochcarron. Whilst the weather was kind to us, the views would have been spectacular on a clear day.

Beinn Bhan is one of my favourite Corbetts, with the rugged corries begging to be climbed. Looking North and another classic Corbett, Ben Damph hoves into view. Following the eye comes round to Maol Chean Dearg and An Ruadh Stac, the South Torridon hills. I really recommend the hill be climbed from Loch an Loin and guarantee you'll enjoy a very pleasant half day!


Ben Damph from Sgurr a' Gharaidh.



View from Sgurr a Gharaidh.


Sgurr a Gharaidh, Rocky Peak of the Dyke.


Maol Chean Dearg and An Ruadh Stac.


Lochan near summit, Sgurr a Gharaidh.

Bernera Barracks Glenelg Scotland


Bernera Barracks, Glenelg, Scotland.

OK, so it's just a ruin that you can't even gain access to, but Bernera Barracks at Glenelg are still an important part of the History of Scotland.

Following the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719, and other uprisings associated with the Jacobite Rebellions, military roads were constructed across the Highlands and Hanoverian government troops were stationed at strategic locations including Ruthven which are better preserved than Bernera.

I always think about the Hanoverian troops that were stationed in these Barracks! Did they enjoy a posting to the cold, hostile environment that is Winter in the Scottish Highlands? Did they enjoy chasing hairy Scotsmen over the hills and mountains? Did they risk being stabbed by going for a pint in the local hostelry? Maybe not!


Bernera Barracks at Glenelg.


Bernera Barracks Glenelg.

Broch of Dun Telve Glenelg


Broch of Dun Telve, Glenelg.

I love visiting Brochs in Scotland! They really get my imagination going as to how people lived their lives many years ago. Reckoned to have been built and lived in between 1900 and 2300 years ago, it's great to see how the workmanship has lasted.

Glenelg has two of the best preserved Brochs in Scotland in Dun Telve and Dun Troddan. They are definitely worth a visit!

Map by Bing Maps.


Glenelg Broch, Dun Telve.


Dun Telve, Glenelg.


Brochs in Scotland, Dun Telve.

Steall Waterfall Glen Nevis


Steall Waterfall, Glen Nevis.

Waking up to the rain battering the windows of the Cluanie Inn this morning, we decided that plan A, a walk on A'Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire would not be taking place! To be fair, we'd a hard weekends walking, so feeling only slightly guilty, we set off for the best place on a rainy day, Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis.

The Waterfall didn't disappoint, with the force of the water making us feel very small and insignificant indeed. The weather in Glen Nevis varied from sunny spells to wintry hail! That's March in Scotland!


Heilan coo in Glen Nevis!


Lochaber Mountaineering Club Hut, Steall.


Gloomy Glen Nevis!


Hanging around at Steall Waterfall, Glen Nevis.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

April in Scotland


April in Scotland.

www.aviemore-self-catering.org

Only dates left are Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010. Call 0845 1284888 for a discounted price.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

April holidays in Scotland


April holidays in Scotland!

www.aviemore-self-catering.org

Only dates left are Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010. Call 0845 1284888 for a discounted price.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Holiday in April in Scotland


Holiday in April in Scotland.

www.aviemore-self-catering.org

Only dates left are Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010. Call 0845 1284888 for a discounted price.

Mountains in Afghanistan


Mountains in Afghanistan.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Walk the Tarmachan Ridge Scotland


Walk the Tarmachan Ridge, Scotland.

The wonderful Tarmachan Ridge including the munro of Meall nan Tarmachan, one of the best Ridge Walks in Scotland. On 14th March 2010, the walk provided four seasons in one day, not unusual for Scotland!


Ascending Meall nan Tarmachan.


Wintry conditions on the Tarmachan Ridge.


Windblown snow on Tarmachan Ridge

Monday, March 15, 2010

Cyprus Dreams


Cyprus Dreams, Lefkara.

The beautiful village of Lefkara in Cyprus is what Cyprus dreams are made of! I know that I'll be returning to enjoy my pals new villa! A weeks stay wasn't quite enough, but here are some random photos of my favourite places!


Russian Orthodox Church, Alethriko.


St Lazarus Church, Larnaka.


Mount Olympus walking trails.


Kaledonia Waterfall, Troodos Mountains.


Trout for lunch, Platres, Troodos.



Larnaka Fort.


Mikelis at Emira Pottery, Larnaka.


Aqueduct, Larnaka.


Pretty Flamingo, Salt Lake, Larnaka.


Mosque by Salt Flats.


Turkish delight, Nicosia Market.


Buyuk Han, Nicosia.


Lace Making, Lefkara.


Lefkara Church.


Roman Baths Mosaic, Kition.


Roman Amphitheatre, Kition.


Aphrodite Beach.


Aphrodite Rock.