Sailing through the Sound of Mull 25th April 2011

Sailing through the Sound of Mull 25th April 2011.

Walking on the Isle of Rum April 2011

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

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

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

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

Cairngorm from Loch Etchachan.

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

Loch Morlich and the Cairngorms 14th March 2011

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.