Shieldaig Peninsula

We left the Torridon Inn at around 9.30 and drove the five or so miles West to Shieldaig.  We had awoken to another promising day and decided that this coastal walk would finish off our break nicely - besides, we had never been to Shieldaig before.

We parked at the waterfront overlooking Shieldaig Island, a mound of trees and a haven for wildlife apparently.  We walked up the road to the small Primary School and onwards along a stony and muddy path.

We passed quite a few ruined crofts which were right on the stony beaches - indicating a hard existence for fishing families in years gone by. 

We reached Loch Torridon with views of the Inveralligin and the Diabaig peninsula.  There was a small house nestled in the rocks here - home to a fisherman we thought.

This was a circular route and we carried on around the rocky tops and back to the village - 3 miles.

We were impressed by the village - it looked good in the autumn sunshine.  We stopped for coffee and started for home at around 12.  Realising we weren't too far from home we decided we would definitely be making return journeys to this part of the Highlands - there are many more walks to do and we can't wait!

Triple Buttress of Coire Mhic Fhearchair

After our first night at the Torridon Inn we drove the few miles to park at the foot of Liathach.  This was to be our longest walk at just under 9 miles and we were really looking forward to this as it promised wonderful views of the Beinn Eighe and Liathach ridges.

Again, this was a well constructed stalkers path and the ascent was reasonably easy going.  The views of the imposing Beinn Eidge were dazzling, particularly as the first snow of the year had reached the mountain tops overnight.  As we walked on we heard the eerie bellowing of the stag and the sounds echoed through the valley as we continued on to Coire Mhic Fhearchair (540m) - labelled as one of the most finest corries in Scotland.  Here we took in the view of Baosbheinn (the Wizard's Mountain), Beinn an Eoin and Beinn a Chearchaill as they stood sentinel over the flat and empty moors and bogs.

The weather was stunningly clear and warm and we were the only walkers which made the walk even more peaceful and enjoyable.  Apart from the sounds of the stag, we were surprised to see no wildlife.  Tried as we might we couldn't spot the stag.

On the approach to Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair we passed two crystal clear waterfalls.  Up through the rocky path we caught our first glimpse of the Triple Buttress.  We didn't hang about too long as it was reasonably windy and cold.  We turned back to walk the same route back and marvel at the views that we had our backs turned on when we started off.  On the way back we met a few other walkers and it was clear to see why this walk was a popular one.

Meall a'Ghiubhais, Loch Maree

The forecast for our three day trip to Torridon was promising and we left home early to start the first of our planned walks.  We parked at the Coille na Glas Leitre Trails car park on the banks of Loch Maree and started our ascent at just before 10am.  The climb was a steady one up a rocky path and we kept looking back at ourselves to marvel at the views of Loch Maree and to Slioch on the other side of the Loch.

It was warm and sunny (and no midges at this time of year!) and we were very impressed with the effort that had been put in by the estate management who built the path.  The path was well marked with plenty of opportunities to sit and take in the view - which we happily did on various occasions.

As we reached the top of our climb and to Lunar Loch, the weather changed dramatically and the heavens opened.  We donned our waterproofs and decided not to make the final ascent up Meall a'Ghiubhais (we were happy to make a return journey at another time).  Besides, we had another two days of walking ahead of us. 

We started to make our descent - not as steep as the climb up - and again took in the views as the weather cleared.  We reached the car park at around 12.20 and stopped for lunch at a picnic bench on the loch.

This was a lovely location for a walk and as its such a short distance from home we will definitely be back to complete the climb.

The Seven Bridges Walk, Ballater

On our second walk of the day we headed out of Ballater to follow this 6.5 mile circuit which was taking in seven bridges around Ballater.  We passed the Posties Leap (a small wooden bridge named after a jilted postie leapt to his death on the eve of his planned wedding).  The route ran above and parallel to the A93 and as we walked I helped myself to the raspberries that were in vast quantity in the hedgerows.

We finally crossed the A93 and made our way to Polhollick Bridge over the River Dee.  The bridge, built in 1892, is in need of some repair and was a wee bit shoogly as we walked over!

Safely over the other side, we came out at an expanse of native Scots Pine and continued on a well maintained track that seemed to go on for miles. The sun shone through the trees and it was so peaceful.

Out of the plantation we turned left to join the road that would lead us back to Ballater via the Royal Bridge, the last bridge of the walk. 

Burn O'Vat and Culblean Circuit, nr Ballater

After a more restful nights sleep and a good breakfast we headed off on a 4 mile walk which took in the Burn O'Vat - a geological wonder where we climbed through pink granite boulders to a watery pool.

It was another sunny day- we have been so lucky with the weather this past week.  Leaving the Burn O'Vat we continued up the path to join the Culblean route and made our way through some lovely woodland strewn with Dragonflies.

Eventually we came out at the road and glimpsed Loch Davan.

We got back to the car after about 2 hours walking.  As it was Blair's Birthday (39 today!, 39 today!) we went for coffee and cake before starting off on our second walk of the day.

Around Craig Leek, nr Braemar

We left Melrose at around 8.30 after another hearty breakfast. We drove North, via the Edinburgh bypass and stopped off at the Pillars of Hercules for coffee. We had read about this organic cafe in a book when at Windlestraw Lodge the night before and decided we would visit to see why it had been given such good write up. As well as the coffee we ordered take away sandwiches for our lunch later on in our journey to the Cairngorms. The weather all the way from Galashiels to Braemar was pretty much clagged in with fog so we didn't get to appreciate the views on the drive up.
 
We stopped at Braemar briefly to stretch our legs and reached the destination of our next walk at around 2pm. After a quick lunch we headed off on the well waymarked route around Craig Leek. Although the sun tried to break through, the fog really won the day and we didn't get to marvel at the promised views back to Braemar and over to Lochnagar. Instead, we marvelled at the copious amount of butterflies that fluttered backwards, forwards and around us for most of the walk up through mixed woodland.

Making our descent to the valley floor and whilst looking out for the large green wood shed that was mentioned on Walk Highlands, we spotted some bee hives.  Blair decided to take a picture but hastily made a retreat when he came under attack!  I'm sure those bees were making lovely heather honey! 

We were out for around 2 hours (5.25 miles) and drove on to the B&B in Ballater.  The exertions of the past week were taking their toll on us and we were pretty knackered when we headed across the road to the Station Brasserie for beer battered fish and chips.

Around Melrose

After a wee sandwich lunch we headed off for a tour of Melrose.  We started at the Harmony Gardens and had a good look around at all the plants and vegetables - I managed to recognise some that we had back home.  From there we sat outside and had a coffee before heading to Priorwood Gardens, another garden that once belonged to Melrose Abbey - this garden had a large orchard of over 70 varieties of apple.

We didn't succumb to our desire for ice cream and instead bought some expensive fruit from the wee veg shop.

We finished off our stay in the Borders with a slap up meal at Windlestraw Lodge near Walkerburn.  With no expectations, we were very pleasantly surprised with an excellent feed. After a quail egg and caviar canape, we sat down to a spinach and basil espresso mini-starter. This was followed by our starters proper, Lynne with an Aga-baked cheese souffle and me a whole quail with bacon and black pudding. Mains were Aberdeen Angus fillet and perfectly cooked veg (which Lynne tasted!!) and sea bass. We ended with cheese and port with a honeycomb accompaniment.

Still slightly full the next morning, we managed to eat a FULL breakfast before starting our journey north to the Cairngorms.

The Three Brethern, near Selkirk

After a hearty breakfast, we headed off at around 9.30 for the last of our Border's walks.  The Three Brethern are three cairns, each standing around 10ft and which mark the connections between the three local estates.


It was another glorious day as we made the ascent along some good paths with open views across some heathery fields.  Very little wildlife was seen but there were plenty of sheep, and they didn't run away from us!  As we steadily climbed, we eventually saw the tops of the cairns and looking around us we could see the Eildon Hills (which were very distinctive amongst the low lying landscape).

 Retracing our steps for a short time, we joined Peat Law to make our return back to the Philphaugh Estate car park.  Again, the paths were in good condition and we marvelled at the views around us as we continued the descent through some grassy fields and farm tracks.  The walk took us around two and a quarter hours (5.25 miles).

Eildon Hills, Melrose

After bidding farewell to my parents we headed off to continue our holiday in Melrose.  We arrived there around 12.45, changed into our walking gear in the car and headed off on the first of our planned Borders walks.  The start of the walk was up through a very slippy clay mud path.  Better terrain was reached and we continued up a scree path to reach the top of Mid Hill (477m) - this gave us wonderful views back down to Melrose and you could see for miles.

Back down Mid Hill, we headed for the second of the Eildon's - West Hill.  We took a slight (and unplanned) detour through Broad Wood and after realising our mistake headed back and up the correct path to the summit.

Leaving West Hill, we headed to the last of the Eildon's - North Hill - the second highest of the three hills.  We steadily made our decent from there, again along a muddy path to reach the edge of some trees before coming out at Rhymers' Stone.  From there we re-joined the St Cuthberts Way and arrived back in Melrose to check into the B&B.  We finished off the night with a good pint (or two) of real ale and some pub grub from the Kings Arms.

Tank Wood and Gallow Hill walk

Another glorious day in Moffat and Blair and I went for a walk up Gallow Hill.  The hill lies just above my old High School and I bitterly remember cross country runs up there as part of PE classes.  More pleasant memories are of me taking my long dead companion, Sheba, on a walk and of me playing hide and seek with her behind the trees.

We approached Gallow Hill via Tank Wood and the sun was shining through the trees.

When on the Hill itself, the path was quite badly eroded in some parts and there were many fallen trees that we had to climb over or clamber under (we wondered why the paths hadn't been cleared). 

We collected some lovely pine cones which we plan to dry and use at Christmas.  I hoped to point out the Gallow Tree to Blair when we were making our return but I couldn't remember where it was - or whether it even still existed.   

Once off the hill we continued the walk by taking a detour along the waterside and met Mum at Ariete for coffee.

Lochmaben Castle

A week long break away started at my parents in Moffat.  The first day of the holiday commenced with a drive to Lochmaben Castle courtesy of a ghostly tale Mum had read in the Moffat News.  The tale told of ghouls and vampires but I doubted, that on a visit during day light hours and in full sun, that we would see any nightly terrors!  Mum was quite disappointed that she didn't get the shivers.

Moy via Strathpeffer and Loch Ussie

Another new route, pieced together from bits we know and bits we've seen way-markers for. On a Sunday morning with sun and showers, we began our adventure from the Moy junction on the A835, just after the Marybank turn off. The aim for the day's walk was simple: find a circular route from Moy to Strathpeffer via Catherine's for brunch.

It all began well, with clear way-markers pointing us in the right direction, but as conditions underfoot worsened so did our path choice. Do we turn left or right? Did you see a sign post? This path looks ok I think. Fucking hell it's boggy!

Anyway, we persevered and eventually found ourselves in the familiar territory of Cnoc Mhor, after taking in a minor detour of Jamestown! Brunch turned into lunch by the time we reached the old railway cafe, but having skipped breakfast were rewarded with a delicious cooked meal (Lynne had scrambled egg on toast and I had a fried breakfast).




Our return route was thankfully a lot drier, although no less adventurous! Taking in new territory round the edge of a sun-bathed Loch Ussie we agreed that this area was quite stunning. Following tracks the whole way back we found our way back onto the Moy road and back along to our starting point.

About ten miles.

Rogie Falls Circuit, via Achterneed, Strathpeffer and Loch na Crann

On a sunny Saturday morning we did a brand new ten mile walk composed of a handful of sections that I'd run along. The route began from the Rogie Falls car park.

After crossing the new suspension bridge and climbing up to join the main forest track between Contin and Garve, we turned left and followed a gently undulating route for about two miles. At this point we'd just passed the farm with the antisocial geese and turned right to make our way up and across the railway line.

Continuing right, we joined a second forest track East for two miles, eventually exiting at an old bothy (which is currently used as a power station) and joining a rough overgrown quad bike track that runs parallel to the railway line. For more than mile, we struggled with pesky flies buzzing round our heads and pretty boggy conditions underfoot, but eventually we re-joined a larger forest track, turning left towards Achterneed and back round to Strathpeffer.

Skirting the upper edges of the old Spa town, we climbed, twisted and turned our way along the forest track down towards Loch na Crann. Before long we were back on the main Contin to Garve track again and making our weary way back down towards Rogie Falls.

Beinn Enaiglair, Braemore Junction

Starting from the car park at Braemore Junction we followed the walker's path steadily uphill towards Home Loch. From there we took the long clockwise circuit of Beinn Emaiglair continuing to climb towards the rocky North face of the hill.

With the top being clagged in, we decided not to venture all the way up, but the atmosphere as we skirted round the upper sections of the stalkers path was haunting and memorable.

With great views to the East towards Loch Glascarnoch, we continued round the rather bleak and desolate landscape, through a strangely old-feeling valley, where we had fun shouting and listening to our echoes.

Completing the circuit we found ourselves back at Home Loch where we saw some wild goats and wild orchids. With about 9 miles and 1800 feet climbing we felt quite tired by the time we retraced our footsteps back to the car. Our reward? A pint of real ale and some fish and chips in Ullapool, what else?

River Beauly and Lovat Bridge walk

After a long lie in at the Struy Inn we had a good breakfast and left at 10am to do a 5 mile walk along the River Beauly and up to Lovat Bridge and back.  We had originally planned this as a run but our legs were just too tired after the efforts of the past few days (well I speak for myself at least!).

This was a level walk so wasn't too challenging and again the scenery was lovely. The River Beauly in particular is very picturesque and peaceful and fishermen were positioned at various points. The woodlands that we skirted and passed through were lush and the woodland floor was carpeted with bluebell, gorse and cow parsley.

The walk took us around 2 hours as we were going at a reasonably relaxed pace. Following that we headed to the Beauly Gallery for a cuppa and then on home.

Loch Affric Circuit

What had originally been planned as the Glenfarrar Munro circuit became the Loch Affric circuit when it became clear that the weather wasn't to be too good.  Still, it was an 11 mile walk along good paths, across streams and through some wonderful views of Lochs and Munro's - a promise of what was on offer on a more clear and sunny day.

The low lying cloud gave the area a bit of mystery and atmosphere.  We couldn't quite see the peaks of most of the hills but later discovered that the ones we were marvelling at were all Munro's.

Half way round the walk we stopped for a well deserved cheese and pickle sandwich at Strawberry Cottage (a Walker's Hut). Our legs were quite weary after a 10k run the previous day and it was quite a long trudge back to the car park. Still, it remained dry and the birdsong, scenery and smells of the undergrowth and gorse kept us in high spirits.

We completed the walk in around three and a half hours and made our way to the Struy Inn where we were booked in for the night. We headed for a pint of local brew and had a good bar meal in front of the fire before heading to bed for the longest sleep we have had in months!

Loch an Iasaich, Attadale

This was a weekend of extreme exercise for us. After yesterday's events at the park run followed by Dunglass Island, we decided to make the most of the beautiful weather and go for another mid-length walk. This time we ventured West to Attadale by Strathcarron.

The 7 mile walk was mainly an out-and-back (never my first choice to be honest) but there was a looped section towards the end of the route which helped to keep things interesting.

Beginning at the walker's car park inside the Attadale Estate, we followed first a road then a track up into the hills. It was mostly forested with some open hill views now and then. The looped part took in the peaceful setting of Loch an Iasaich, where we stopped for tea and a banana.

Continuing on, we soon rejoined our original path and headed back to the car. On the way down Lynne saved a slow worm by tickling it off the road; it was just about to be squashed by the farmer coming down behind us in his truck!

Afterwards we headed over to Kishorn and treated ourselves to lunch in the wonderful fish restaurant. Lynne had "a taste of salmon" while I had a mackerel salad.

Dunglass Island

After both setting new PBs at the Inverness Park Run on the morning of Saturday 19th May, we headed to Conon Bridge and Maryburgh in search of an island!

Our walk for the day was a circuit starting in Maryburgh, via Dunglass Island (a stretch of farmland separated by the mighty River Conan) and the Brahan Estate.

Winding our way through houses we eventually found our path alongside the railway and riverside and before long we had reached the bridge over to Dunglass Island.

As the weather was dry and bright, everything looked very pleasant, especially the well-maintained fishing spots round the "coast" of the island. We stopped and had cheese and pickle sandwiches and tea next to a weir.

Eventually looping back to the bridge, we rejoined our original riverside path and continued West. There was lots of lovely old oak trees along this section of the walk. We eventually climbed up towards the Brahan Estate and into a lovely tree-lined avenue which lead us back to Maryburgh.

Approximately 8 miles.

Strathpeffer Circuit

A local walk for us this weekend: a 9 mile route with almost 1700 feet of climbing.

We started at Catherine's, the Museum cafe, knowing that when we finished, we could stagger in and regain our spent energy with lovely home made soup and scones.

The walk started steeply, heading up the hill directly behind the old railway station, to the Stone Maze. From there we headed East, in an anti-clockwise direction, to the tiny top of Knockfarrel before descending the fields below back to the main road and over to the hamlet of Achterneed.

Picking up the forest path above the Cromartie sawmill we followed a line through the recent deforestation for the full length of the village. This led us to the beautiful Loch Kinellan, where we looped round and back to the main road again.

The last stretch of the walk took us into Blackmuir Woods and back to the Stone Maze, where we returned to our starting point, exhausted.

Hartfell

An earlier than intended rise (6:08am - I read the time on my phone upside down) and we were on our way to climb Hartfell via Blackshope Farm and back via Moffat Well.

We climbed Saddle Yolk and we contoured around Hartfell Rigg to reach the summit of Hartfell (approx 808 metres).  It was a steady climb all the way to the cairn and it consisted of good grassy paths all the way to Swatte Fell.

From here we started the descent which was a hard slog down a boggy, heathery and tussocky Hind Hill. I was so relieved to eventually reach a farm track (negotiating a herd of cattle) and the last stretch of the route back home, via Moffat Well.

This was a walk of mixed feelings: wonderful views of the valley on the climb up to the summit but twisted ankles and frustration in making our way through the tussocky descent.


Later on, we took a walk over the town and had a mediocre meal at Ariette.  Another coffee later we headed home.

To finish off we had a great meal at the Italian and then an early night.

Inver Lodge Weekend - 22nd April

A breakfast of kippers started the day for me and we departed Inver Lodge mid morning on a detoured return home via Achiltibuie.

Before we hit the tiny coastal village we stopped off for another circular walk: Achnahaird Bay circuit.

The start of the walk was along a sandy beach before climbing upwards and across more boggy ground.

We lost the path a bit and ended up taking a more boggy path than was intended but we made our way to Garve Bay and sat for a while admiring the view out to sea.

The route took us back to the single track road for a mile or so walk back to the car and lunch.
We drove on to Achiltibuie and had coffee in the Hotel before turning back on ourselves and heading to Ullapool and the drive home.

Inver Lodge Weekend - 21st April

Our second day in Lochinver and we woke to a bit of mist that scuppered our plans to climb Suilven.  Instead we took a drive to Stoer Lighthouse and took off on a circular route with views out to the Atlantic and the Old Man of Stoer.

The route was a bit boggy but the weather cheered up a bit and we had clear views of the rocky landscape in the distance: Cul Mor, Suilven, Quinag and Ben More Coigach.

The drive out to Stoer was lovely, very remote and isolated along a single track road.

On the drive back we took a detour to the Little Assynt Estate for a 6 mile run along, what appeared to be newly constructed paths.  I was absolutely knackered and had to keep stopping on the more hilly parts of the run. 

I felt as if I truly deserved my meal that night:  white onion soup, fish stew and sorbet.  A hot bath and an early night.

Inver Lodge Weekend - 20th April

My long awaited birthday treat weekend started with us driving North and stopping off at Ardvrek Castle. It was quite cool and breezy here overlooking Loch Assynt.



We continued the drive to Lochinver and arrived at about 11.30am. We started with a coffee at a local bistro/local homemade pie shop. Thankfully, Friday was a warm and dry day and we eventually managed to do a planned walk following the River Inver and out to Glencanisp Lodge - the Lodge being bought by the community in 2005 and now used for luxury accommodation.