posted by ocuk @ 3:47 PM  0 comments

Dougie Lampkin launches World trials in Fort William

Sunday 3rd May saw Britain’s twelve times World trials champion Dougie Lampkin officially launch the UK round of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, which will be hosted in the Outdoor Capital at Nevis Range just outside Fort William, Scotland in June 2010. Lampkin who is currently competing in, and leading the World famous Scottish six days trial that is taking place around Fort William throughout this week, took time out from his event preparations to add his support to this exciting project.

Thirty-three year old Lampkin who sits in sixth place in this year’s World series at the moment, and who won the Scottish six days trial twelve months ago performed in front of a packed Fort William High Street on Sunday afternoon to declare the build up to the initial event in 2010 to be officially open.
Dougie stunned the waiting crowds as he leapt his factory Beta machine up on to the roof of the carefully positioned gondola, which had been provided by Nevis Range. With the applause still ringing loud Lampkin only paused briefly before then causing another similar reaction, as this time he jumped from his elevated position back down on to the street below. Not content with his one safe passage, Dougie then repeated the incredible feat twice more before signing off, much to the delight of the crowd.

The spectacular and scenic setting at Nevis Range just outside Fort William will be the home of World class trials for the next three years, with the first of these events being a round of the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship taking place on 26/27th June. The fabulous venue at the foot of the famous Ben Nevis mountain will then welcome the Trial des Nations in September 2011. This will be the first time ever that this inter countries team competition has been hosted on the UK mainland during its entire history. The initial three year plan will then be brought to a close in June 2012, when the Scottish Highlands enjoys yet another round of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship.

Tickets for the 2010 event will be on sale from late June this year. For full details of these forthcoming World class competitions please visit the official event website – www.ukworldtrial.com

posted by ocuk @ 10:34 AM  0 comments

The North west of Scotland has had a run of fantastic weather over the last week, whilst not always warm it has been bright and sunny. All those up on holiday in the Outdoor Capital have really lucked out!

Determined to make the most of it before heading for the office today I took an early stroll up Glen Nevis this morning. Starting at the Lower Falls car park I walked on Mamore Grazings. Some forestry regeneration work is going on there with new planting evident. It's a lovely stroll (about an hour or so) along the river past the Lower Falls - I turned round when the path hits the road but it is possible to walk a short distance on the road and then continue onto to Steall Falls. This makes a longer walk.

Anna

posted by ocuk @ 11:01 AM  0 comments

We have had some great weather over the Easter 2009 break, recovering from nasty virus and nursing a knee injury that I hoped had responded to physio treatment I decided to make the most of the sunshine and head out for some easy walks. On Sunday I did an easy stroll around Kinlochleven, starting at the Grey Mare's Waterfall car park and walking up to Mamore Lodge and back down. Spring was in the air and the birch woods lower down and coming into leaf. Higher up any snow left on the mountain tops is in retreat.

On Easter Monday I ventured further afield using a Hallewell Pocket Walking Guide for North Argyll. The walk started at Bon Awe quarry, and followed Loch Etive. The start of the walk is confusing as the right of way is signed through a working quarry. I would recommend going when the quarry is shut and driving through and parking just beyond. The quarry is not an area you would want to take young children. After that you can walk as far (or not) as you want along a good landrover track. There are beautiful views over Loch Etive to the back of Glencoe and Beauchaille Etive Mor, Ben Starav and across to Ben Cruachan. There are little beaches and fishing spots along the shore and lovely indigenous woodland. I walked for about 2 1/2 hours in shirt sleeves and shorts!

On both days I had a great afternoon out, getting great views with not too much effort - both walks could be done by everyone in the family - except babes in buggies.

Anna

posted by ocuk @ 10:48 AM  0 comments

I'm currently researching walks for a new Homecoming leaflet which will highlight routes with a historical flavour, be it industrial, military or cultural. As the weather in the Outdoor Capital is gorgeous today, I decided to try out a leisurely stroll from the site of the old fort around which Fort William/An Gearasdan grew, along the River Lochy to Inverlochy Castle, which dates from the 13th century. Along the way I spotted many different birds and the ubiquitous rabbits, especially around the stretch of land where the Battle of Inverlochy took place during the Civil War. The castle itself is remarkably intact, given that it was abandoned soon after the afore-mentioned battle in 1645. On the way back, I took General Wade's Military Road which runs alongside the railway tracks - I can imagine you'd get a great view of the Jacobite Steam Train from here in the summer.

posted by ocuk @ 4:45 PM  0 comments

Last weekend, the 28th and 29th of March, were great days up here in the Highlands and Outdoor Capital. Friends and I went over to Ardnamurchan via the Corran Ferry. From there it is a beautiful drive through to Strontian. All around are the Sunart Oakwoods, famous for being beautiful, ancient remnants of temperate rain forest and being internationally important for the diversity of lower plant forms such as mosses. We turned right after crossing the river in Strontian and headed up to Ariundle and to the car park at the end where we set off on a short but very scenic walk that followed the river (tip don't take the first right turning off the main track - this leads to a ford and is only really suitable for those with waders or on horseback.)

Afterwards we treated ourself to lunch at CozyKnits cafe in the Ariundle Centre just back down the road - well known for the quality of their local baking.

Anna

posted by ocuk @ 11:57 AM  0 comments

Isn't the weather great! I think the whole country has been enjoying an early spring, not just us up here in the Highlands. Despite what seems to be never ending trouble with dodgy knees I couldn't resist an easy cycle last night around the village where I live, Kinlochleven. The sunset over Loch Leven was pretty special, but it's been so long since I was on my bike I need to take it in to Off Beat Bikes for some repairs!
Anna

Labels: Highland, loch, sunset

posted by ocuk @ 12:04 PM  0 comments