Walking Beinn Tulaichean Crianlarich December 2011

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

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

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

Taransay from Oreval, Isle of Harris.

Glamaig Isle of Skye from Raasay Ferry

Glamaig, Isle of Skye from Raasay Ferry,

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

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

Paps of Jura June 2010.

Walking the Langdale Pikes 19th August 2011

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

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

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

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!