Irresponsible driving at Bealach na Ba Applecross

Irresponsible driving at Bealach na Ba, Applecross.

One of the classic car journeys in Scotland over the Bealach na Ba, the pass of the cattle, out of Applecross.

The Corbett of Sgurr a'Chaorachain can be easily climbed from the top of the pass, but a far better walk is to start at the Bridge over the Russel Burn at Grid Ref 814413. The day we climbed it, it lived up to its name, 'the peak of the little field of berries', as we gorged ourselves on the plentiful blaeberries!

Its neighbour, Beinn Bhan, another corbett is another classic mountain in the Western Highlands which offers some splendid scrambling on the Eastern approach.

If you've never made the trip to Applecross, you must make the effort! It was shown at its best on the BBC programme introduced by Monty Hall, when he 'stayed' at Big Sand for a Summer season!

Pier on River Tay at Inchyra

Pier on River Tay at Inchyra.

Tuesday 9th February - A lovely day for a short walk by the River Tay down by the pier at Inchyra. The Tay has the largest volume of water in the UK and it certainly looks impressive as it reaches Inchyra. The River is tidal above Perth and with the tide in this morning, a large vessel makes it's way up to the harbour at Perth.



River Tay from Inchyra.


Reed beds on the River Tay.

Ben More viewed from Bunessan Harbour

Ben More viewed from Bunessan Harbour.

From a walking viewpoint, the Isle of Mull is a fantastic destination, with so much more to offer than the highest peak of Ben More. Ben More (Big Hill) is the only munro on the island and provides a challenging walk in all seasons. Climbed from sea level at Loch Na Keal, you certainly know that you've climbed 3169 feet by the time you reach the summit! Be warned that the summit has magnetic rock and thus can affect compass bearings. When we climbed the mountain one April, a benign day at sea level turned into an Arctic storm above 3000 feet, forcing us to retrace steps rather than take a direct bearing off the hill.

The two corbetts on the island bring back fond memories of warm summer days. Beinn Talaidh provides a super walk from Glen More and makes a fantastic viewpoint. I can still remember the smiles on the faces of two young children who had made the summit. Memories they will never forget! Dun da Ghaoithe (Fort of the two winds) rises immediately above Craignure and makes for an excellent round walk! Don't make the mistake of taking a short cut back to Craignure! The forestry has been felled and left in situ, for the benefit of the wildlife! It makes for particularly difficult walking as I found to my cost!

The seven grahams on the Island of Mull provide some of the most difficult terrain of all the hills. Having climbed them all in different weather conditions, I can testify that they provide all the challenge that a walker in Scotland could desire!

Apart from the main summits, there are an endless combination of walks with the Islands of Iona and Ulva being particular favourites! I would thoroughly recommend a trip to the Isle of Mull for a walking holiday!

The Old Stables provides superb self catering accommodation, centrally situated on Mull, ideal for touring the Island.


Yacht in Sound of Mull.


Isle of Mull Ferry.

Action Scotland France Feb 2010

Action Scotland France, Feb 2010.




Scotland France, 7th February 2010.




Ally enjoys a beer at the game!

Buachaille Etive Mor Glencoe from Kings House

Buachaille Etive Mor, Glencoe, from Kings House!

The Macallan on Ice

The Macallan on Ice!

Walking on Isle of Mull Scotland

Walking on Isle of Mull, Scotland.