Cottages Scotland

Walking Beinn Tulaichean Crianlarich December 2011

2011-12-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

Walking Beinn Tulaichean, Crianlarich, December 2011.

A nice walk on snowy Beinn Tulaichean on 9th December 2011. Arriving on the ridge to sunny views over the Crianlarich hills was a real bonus!

Summit Cairn of Tom Dubh Cairngorms National Park

2011-10-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Summit Cairn of Tom Dubh, munro top of Braeriach in the Cairngorms National Park.

One for the dedicated top bagger only, Tom Dubh requires a fair detour from the main munro of Braeriach! On 14th October 2011, we climbed Tom Dubh from Glenfeshie, to give Susan that elusive tick! With the mist down around 2500 feet, most of the day was spent in the clag, although the approach walk was superb, with Autumn colours providing a splendid backdrop. An enjoyable day in the Cairngorms National Park!

The Cobbler Arrocher Scotland

2011-10-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Cobbler, Arrocher, Scotland

One of the most easily recognised hills in Scotland, The Cobbler or Ben Arthur provides a splendid walk from Arrocher.

Taransay from Oreval Isle of Harris

2011-10-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Taransay from Oreval, Isle of Harris.

Glamaig Isle of Skye from Raasay Ferry

2011-10-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

Glamaig, Isle of Skye from Raasay Ferry,

Walking Pic Carlit from Lac Des Bouillouses Pyrenees 21st September 2011

2011-09-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Walking Pic Carlit from Lac Des Bouillouses, Pyrenees 21st September 2011.

A superb walk in the sunshine climbing Pic Carlit in the Pyrenees on 21st September 2011. The blue skies were only made hazy by the numerous jets high overhead.

Starting from Lac Des Bouillouse, we wound our way through the numerous glacial lakes of the Carlit massif in the Eastern Pyrenees. Although I've travelled by car and rail through the Pyrenees, it's only when you walk in the hills that you get the stupendous views of this wonderful area. The plants are so familiar, with juniper, pine, mountain ash and silver birch reminding me so much of Scotland.

The approach to the mountain is a real pleasure before reaching the hard climbing albeit on a good path. We came off the 'tourist route' before the summit to enjoy some easy scrambling, and rested on top for some time taking in the views.

A wee swim in the lakes on the way back to the Hotel de Bones Hores and a refreshing pint on the terrace. A great end to a great day!

Lakes en route to Pic Carlit.

On the approach to Pic Carlit.

Looking back on lakes from Pic Carlit.

Scramble up to Peak Carlit.

Summit Views from Pic Carlit.

Summit Pic Carlit.

Looking back on Pic Carlit.

Memories of Walking in Scotland - Paps of Jura

2011-09-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Paps of Jura June 2010.

Walking the Langdale Pikes 19th August 2011

2011-08-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Walking the Langdale Pikes, 19th August 2011.

Enjoyed a walk on the Langdale Pikes on 19th August 2011. Having seen the hills from a distance on a previous visit to the Lake District, I'd always wanted to take a closer look. Excellent paths make for easy access and we enjoyed a nice round taking in High Raise and Sergeant Man. It was only the lack of midges that reminded me that I wasn't in Scotland!

Walking through the Lairig Ghru

2011-08-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

A very enjoyable walk through the Lairig Ghru, from Linn of Dee to Coylumbridge on Saturday 30th July 2011. Camping the night before, we enjoyed an excellent display of shooting stars and satelites as the sky cleared and the milky way appeared. The morning mist soon burned off to leave a superb sunny day - almost too hot at times.

Cairngorm Club footbridge.

Wild mushrooms from Rothiemurchus.

Walking on Slioch Scotland 14th July 2011

2011-07-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Walking on Slioch, Scotland, 14th July 2011.

We left Torridon on a perfect morning with a clear blue sky heading for the majestic mountain of Slioch. Although the day gradually clouded over, we were still rewarded with wonderful views of Torridon, Fisherfield and of course the beautiful Loch Maree.

Slioch is a straightforward walk with plenty points to stop and admire the views. I would urge you to return by the tumbling waters of the Abhainn an Fhasaigh and enjoy the scots pine clinging to the cascades of white, foaming water.

I had often wondered why Loch Maree had Kinlochewe at one end and Poolewe at the other. The interpretive sign at Kinlochewe confirmed that it had indeed been Loch Ewe but was changed in the 17th Century to honour the Saint who brought christianity to the area. You live and learn!

Approach to Slioch.

Torridon from Slioch.

Loch Maree.

Fisherfield and An Teallach from Slioch.

Loch Maree from Slioch.

Ben Nevis 20th July 2011

2011-07-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Nearing the summit Ben Nevis 20th July 2011.

Michael Anderson, ably assisted by Meg and Lucy as he approaches the summit of Ben Nevis on 20th January 2011. Michael has the slight disadvantages of being deaf and blind, but these and the other minor inconvenience of being 70 years of age didn't put Michael off climbing the highest mountain in the UK on behalf of DeafBlind Scotland.

Organised expertly by Nina and Fiona, the party was led superbly by Lucy @snoweider. Other volunteers Meg, Phil and yours truly helped out in what was truly a memorable day!

Michael completed the climb in 17 hours 40 minutes and I confess to being humbled in his presence. Not once did I hear a word of complaint in spite of occasional bumped shins and wayward instructions. A truly exceptional man.

The side story was that Jim from Erskine, who joined us along the way to celebrate his 76th Birthday had a wee turn near the summit and was helped down the hill by Meg and myself before we reached the top. Never have so many offers of chocolate been given by so many to so few! Just as well that Nina wasn't providing the assistance!

I enjoyed a tremendous day in great company with kind people. I also managed to squeeze in sightings of heron, baby owls and a pine marten near the Visitor centre before we even started! There's definitely something to be said about getting up at 4am! Finished off the long day by visiting Loch Arkaig, Loch Ness and Glencoe as tourist guide to couple who helped get Jim down the mountain. Man that beer tasted good in the Kingshouse!

Liathach Torridon Scotland July 2011

2011-07-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Liathach from Ling Hut.

We were fortunate enough to enjoy some sun on a walking break in Torridon in July 2011. Based at the Ling Hut, we walked for four days out of five, climbing the fantastic hills of Beinn Alligin, Liathach, Beinn Eighe and Slioch.

Torridon really is one of my very favourite parts of Scotland. The mountains themselves are classics, with superb paths giving way to some great scrambles. The proximity of the sea, high lochans and rushing waters make for great scenery. The wildlife is stunning and we enjoyed close encounters with deer, ptarmigan, ring ouzel and enjoyed being piped home by the sand piper every evening.

The Ling Hut itself was perfect, nestled beneath the 'Corrie of a thousand hillocks' it provides basic facilities including an excellent drying room. It is one of the Huts run by the Scottish Mountaineering Club which can be hired by Climbing Clubs and members of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.

Beinn Dearg from Liathach.

Upper Loch Torridon from Mullach an Rathain.

Beinn Eighe from Liathach.

Looking West over pinnacles to Mullach an Rathain, Liathach.

On the Am Fasarinen pinnacles.

Spidean a' Choire Leith, Liathach, Torridon.

A friendly deer on the Torridon hills.

Ling Hut, Torridon, Scotland.

'Corrie of a thousand hillocks' above Ling Hut.

Magoo's Bothy Coire Mor 24th June 2011

2011-06-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Magoo's Bothy, Coire Mor, 24th June 2011.

It constantly amazes me that we have so many wonderful places in Scotland that see so few visitors. There can't be many better spots to enjoy some relaxing time as the Bothy in Coire Mor, beneath that wonderful mountain Seana Bhraigh. Even better, the Bothy provides free accommodation thanks to the sterling work carried out by the Mountain Bothies Association. They deserve the support of anyone who enjoys walking the hills.

The approach via Strath Mulzie to climb Seana Bhraigh is an absolute pleasure with the thrill of the mountain apparent from Corriemulzie Lodge. It is possible to drive a vehicle from Oykel Bridge as far as the Lodge, but although the potholes have been filled in, it is still a bumpy ride! I would definitely recommend this route rather than from Inverlael on Loch Broom, purely for the magnetic draw of this shapely mountain.

Highest climb of the day, June 24th 2011.

Creag an Duine from inside Magoo's Bothy, Coire Mor.

Creag an Duine, Seana Bhraigh above Loch a' Choire Mhoir.

The Corbett of Carn Ban above Loch a' Choire Mhoir.

Strath Mulzie approach to Seana Bhraigh

Seana Bhraigh from Corriemulzie Lodge.

Walking on Arkle 1st May 2011

2011-05-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Walking on Arkle 1st May 2011.

A delightful walk on Arkle, that beautiful corbett on 1st May 2011. Every trip to Sutherland provides so many hidden gems and when combined with great weather is unbeatable. If you have never visited this fantastic County of Scotland, please make a date to visit and walk these unique mountains.

Easy ridge walking culminating in fantastic views to the majestic Foinavon, Ben Stack and even the most Northerly munro, Ben Hope, make this walk a top destination for hillwalkers in Scotland.

Summit of Arkle from ridge.

Scree slopes on Arkle.

On the ridge of Arkle.

Foinavon from Arkle.

Loch Stack and Ben Stack from Arkle.

Jan Birse last Munro Ben Hope 30th April 2011

2011-05-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Jan Birse last Munro Ben Hope 30th April 2011.

Fantastic day on Ben Hope on 30th April 2011 to see Jan Birse compleat her munros. A large crowd of fifty in attendance to witness this special day. Well done Jan!

Jan approaching summit of Ben Hope 30th April 2011.

Summit Trig Point Ben Hope.

Ben Loyal from Ben Hope.

Cliffs on Ben Hope.

Ascending Ben Hope.

Starting point for walk up Ben Hope.

Sailing through the Sound of Mull 25th April 2011

2011-04-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

Sailing through the Sound of Mull 25th April 2011.

Walking on the Isle of Rum April 2011

2011-04-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Walking on the Isle of Rum.

A fantastic three day trip with a Duke of Edinburgh Award group on the Isle of Rum in April 2011. Rum really is a must see destination in Scotland. The expedition saw the young volunteers discover the whole island from North to South, seeing some of the hidden gems like Loch Papadil. An unforgettable experience.

Harris, Isle of Rum from Ruinsival.

Mausoleum at Harris, Isle of Rum.

The Rum Cuillin from Harris.

Dibidil Bothy, Isle of Rum.

Bloodstone Hill above Guirdil Bothy, Isle of Rum.

Natural Sea Arch, Guirdil, Isle of Rum.

Loch Papadil in the South of Rum.

Kilmory, Isle of Rum.

Walking in the Beinn Dearg hills 24th March 2011

2011-04-01T03:09:00.000-07:00

Track from Inverlael to Beinn Dearg hills.

The Beinn Dearg hills offer great walking on stalkers paths and their close proximity means that you can choose however many to climb in a day. On 24th March 2011 with the help of a willing driver, we climbed the four in the Beinn Dearg group and finished on Am Faochagach, a hill viewed by many as a boggy trudge!

The forestry track from Inverlael finishes as the trees make way for open ground and a decent stalkers path. It really struck me that on closing the forest gate, you are leaving behind man made influences and entering real wilderness.

Although the weather was mixed, we enjoyed a super day on the hills, seeing as far as some of our favourites - Stac Pollaidh, An Teallach and Seana Braigh providing marvellous three sixty views.

Eididh nan Clach Geala above Lochan a' Cnapaich.

Meall nan Ceapraichean.

Cloud curtain from Beinn Dearg.

Cliffs of Beinn Dearg above Loch a' Choire Ghranda.

Cona' Mheall from Loch Prille.

Am Faochagach.

Walk to An Socach 11th March 2011

2011-04-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

Cairnwell, 11th March 2011.

Perhaps not the shapliest hill in Scotland, but a stiff walk nonetheless to bag the munro of An Socach. On 11th March we chose to start from the Glenshee Ski Centre and return via the Baddoch burn. Not many skiers, but enough snow to make for a tiring day out.

Walking on Loch Vrotachan.

An Socach, 11th March 2011.

Lonely Glen Ey, Cairngorms National Park.

Cairn beneath An Socach.

Summit Cornice Sgor Gaoith 29th March 2011

2011-03-31T04:04:00.000-07:00

Summit Cornice Sgor Gaoith 29th March 2011.

A lovely walk on Sgor Gaoith on 29th March 2011, with the summit snow providing a superb climax to a gentle walk in the Cairngorms.

At the start of the walk through the forest, we met the local forest ranger who was downloading pictures from the hidden cameras trying to locate the elusive wildcat. Although not too much success on that front, he was amazed at the number of badgers, pine marten and capercaillie appearing regularly on film. Best of all, an otter had been picked up in the burn by the side of the track.

Sgor Gaoith makes for an excellent short walk in the Cairngorms National Park and is one of the more accessible munros. Best of all, we didn't need a jacket on until reaching our snowy destination! The views over to Braeriach and the frightening drop down to Loch Einich make this a wonderful viewpoint.

Dreaming of the Cairngorms

2011-03-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Cairngorm from Loch Etchachan.

Dreaming of backpacking trips in the Cairngorms! August 2010 was very special.

Loch Morlich and the Cairngorms 14th March 2011

2011-03-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

Loch Morlich 14th March 2011.

A lovely March day in the Cairngorms, with Loch Morlich at its best and the mountains tempting you to the slopes.

I'm looking forward to another weekend at the end of the month staying in Creag Mhor, a cosy Self Catering Cottage in Aviemore.

Loch Morlich and the Cairngorms.

Ben Wyvis 29th January 2011

2011-01-31T05:51:00.000-08:00

Cornice on Ben Wyvis, 29th January 2011.

Having previously climbed Ben Wyvis on a horrible day with no visibility, I'd always wanted to return and do the mountain justice. Although 29th January 2011 wasn't perfect weatherwise, a walk over Ben Wyvis and the tops revealed what a massive, sprawling mountain this is.

A lot of work has been done on the path, making it a pleasure to walk and giving swift access to the mountain. The steep ridge to An Cabar is a stone stairway to gain the summit plateau, where some easy walking beckons.

On this visit, we took our time to enjoy all the tops on the mountain seeing literally another side to it, with the cliffs on the Eastern flanks hidden by the normally benign appearance of Ben Wyvis from the West.

If transport could be arranged, a vehicle at Loch Glass would make the perfect thhrough walk. The return to Garbat which we faced however, provided an exciting descent with ice axes assisting a glissade off the hill.

A most enjoyable walk completed in just under seven hours.

Ben Wyvis from the East.

Fiaclach and Meall nan Braden Leethan, Ben Wyvis.

Tom a' Choinnich, Ben Wyvis.

View from An t Socach, Ben Wyvis.

An Cabar, Ben Wyvis.

Stairway on Ben Wyvis.

Loch Treig from Beinn Teallach 30th January 2011

2011-01-31T05:30:00.000-08:00

Loch Treig from Beinn Teallach 30th January 2011.

Loch Ness 30th January 2011

2011-01-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

Loch Ness, 30th January 2011.

Falls of Foyers, Loch Ness.

Cruising on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

2011-01-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Caley Marina, Inverness.

If you can't view Loch Ness from the mountain tops, then the next best place is from a Cabin Cruiser on the Loch itself. We enjoyed a charter in June 2010 from the excellent Caley Marina.

After professional tuition we were ready to take on the various locks on the Canal and bound in no time for Loch Ness. In spite of an afternoon start, we made good time through the Canal and along Loch Ness to berth for the night at Fort Augustus.

A memorable experience in more ways than one, but that's a story for another day!

Locks on the Caledonian Canal.

Cruising on Loch Ness.

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness.

Caley Cruisers.

Fort Augustus.

Cairngorms Ski Centre 5th December 2010

2010-12-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

Cairngorms Ski Centre, 5th December 2010.

Skiing and snowboarding conditions in Scotland don't come much better than at the Cairngorms Ski Centre on 5th December 2010. Looks like it's going to be a great year!

Cairngorm mountain December 2010.

Skiing in the Cairngorms, December 2010.

For self catering accommodation in Aviemore, try Creag Mhor (sleeps 4) or Lochan Mor (sleeps 8).

A wintry walk in Perthshire

2010-12-02T02:56:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed a lovely wintry walk in Perthshire yesterday. The trip from my Office at Perth Airport to my home in Guildtown shows off Perthshire at its best and backs its claim as 'Big Tree Country'.

Enjoy the walk!

Grounded at Perth airport 29th November 2010

2010-11-29T05:52:00.000-08:00

Grounded at Perth airport, 29th November 2010.

Unseasonal November weather causing chaos in Scotland and no hope of anyone flying at Perth Airport!

Grounded!

Calm before the storm.

Going nowhere!

Certainly glad that's not my car!

Walking Cul Mor 13th November 2010

2010-11-18T02:07:00.000-08:00

Walking Cul Mor 13th November 2010.

How can I describe two excellent November days walking in Sutherland, Scotland. We climbed the corbett of Cul Mor on the Saturday providing great views of one of my all time favourite hills in Scotland, Suilven. We then couldn't resist getting a different perspective of this iconic mountain, so we enjoyed a super Sunday on Canisp. If you haven't tried walking in this part of Scotland, you really should!

Our accommodation at the Naismith Hut was first class. Thanks to the SMC for maintaining this superb facility.

Suilven from Cul Mor, Sutherland.

Suilven from Canisp.

Summit rocks, Canisp, 14th November 2010.

Canisp, 14th November 2010.

Cottages Scotland

Walking Beinn Tulaichean Crianlarich December 2011

Summit Cairn of Tom Dubh Cairngorms National Park

The Cobbler Arrocher Scotland

Taransay from Oreval Isle of Harris

Glamaig Isle of Skye from Raasay Ferry

Walking Pic Carlit from Lac Des Bouillouses Pyrenees 21st September 2011

Memories of Walking in Scotland - Paps of Jura

Walking the Langdale Pikes 19th August 2011

Walking through the Lairig Ghru

Walking on Slioch Scotland 14th July 2011

Ben Nevis 20th July 2011

Liathach Torridon Scotland July 2011

Magoo's Bothy Coire Mor 24th June 2011

Walking on Arkle 1st May 2011

Jan Birse last Munro Ben Hope 30th April 2011

Sailing through the Sound of Mull 25th April 2011

Walking on the Isle of Rum April 2011

Walking in the Beinn Dearg hills 24th March 2011

Walk to An Socach 11th March 2011

Summit Cornice Sgor Gaoith 29th March 2011

Dreaming of the Cairngorms

Loch Morlich and the Cairngorms 14th March 2011

Ben Wyvis 29th January 2011

Loch Treig from Beinn Teallach 30th January 2011

Loch Ness 30th January 2011

Cruising on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

Cairngorms Ski Centre 5th December 2010

A wintry walk in Perthshire

Grounded at Perth airport 29th November 2010

Walking Cul Mor 13th November 2010

Bishop Hill and Loch Leven from Vane Farm walk

Birnam Hill from Newtyle Hill 17th October 2010

View to Loch Morlich 23rd October 2010

Enjoying the Cairngorms National Park

Walking Creag Mhor Cairngorms Scotland

Osprey by Vicki Ross

Sanna Bay Ardnamurchan Point Scotland

View from Lochnagar

Bunessan Isle of Mull

Fingals Cave Staffa May 2009

View from Creach Bheinn Isle of Mull

Cuillin Ridge Skye from Elgol

Walk Bodesbeck Law Scotland

Walk Hart Fell Scotland

Blaven on the Isle of Skye

Great Stone Chute Sgurr Alasdair Isle of Skye

Can you guess this mountain in Scotland

Winter conditions on Stob Binnein

Ben Vorlich February 2010

Summit Ben More 20th February 2010

Autumn in the Cairngorms National Park

Suilven Sunset from Naismith Hut

Walk the Fannaichs Scotland

Horses by Victoria Bridge River Dee

Morrone from Memorial Park

Walk Corserine Scotland

Loch Doon Castle Galloway Scotland

Mist on Loch Doon 30th August 2010

View to Talla Cleuch Head Scottish Borders August 2010

The Kings Seat Sidlaws Perthshire 25th August 2010

Walk Ben Ledi The Trossachs Scotland

Walk Carn Eighe Scotland

Walk Mullach na Dheiragain Scotland

Strawberry Cottage Glen Affric

Walk Beinn Fhionnlaidh Scotland

Loch Affric Glen Affric Scotland

Walk Tom a' Choinich Glen Affric Scotland

Loch Etchachan

Carn a' Mhaim Cairngorms National Park

Loch Etchachan Cairngorms National Park

Loch Etchachan Cairngorms 15th August 2010

Cramalt Craig Scottish Borders

Talla Reservoir from Talla Cleuch Head

Fun and frolics at the Guildtown Bluegrass Festival 31st July 2010

Walk Birnam Hill Perthshire Scotland

River Tay from Kinnoull Hill 31st July 2010

Marsco Isle of Skye 27th July 2010

Austin Seven Rally Guildtown 25th July 2010

Austin Seven Rally Guildtown Scotland 23rd July 2010