Outdoor Capital of the UK Blog
Want to know the latest about your favourite outdoor activities? Get an inside look at what's happening in Lochaber with our blog.
Lochaber's historic High Bridge
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I've always had a hankering to see the famous 'High Bridge' outside Spean Bridge, and I've finally made it there this week after much pestering of my partner, who knows the area well.
The 'High Bridge' is the famous spot where the first shots of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion were fired on the 16th of August. Two companies of redcoats were waylaid by a small number of Highlanders, who frightened the redcoats off with a combination of gunfire, bagpipes and shouting that belied their small number.
It is a very atmospheric area, accessed from a small road signposted 'Brackletter' off the main A82 between Fort William and Spean Bridge. There is a formed trail down from the road ( a commerative plaque by the 1745 Association marks the start), with a recently added boardwalk over boggy ground, but to get a really good view from river level, we scrambled down over the steep mossy rocks to the water's edge. It is a stunning and dramatic spot, with the water thundering through the gorge, and the ruined bridge towering precariously overhead. Well worth seeking out if you fancy a quiet day exploring.
Lochaber's landscape is about so much more than just the fantastic range of outdoor activities we enjoy now, the landscape is also steeped in intriguing Highlands history and there are loads of interesting places to visit to find out more and to get a feel for past events.
It's also a top spot for the making of films - from beautiful Arisaig beach, which had a starring role in the classic 'Local Hero', to Glen Nevis, which surely deserves a mention as 'Outstanding Landscape in a Supporting Role' for its part in Rob Roy, Braveheart as well as the Harry Potter films.
Radio 4 broadcast a programme about Glen Nevis in film as part of its 'Lights, Camera, Landscape' series yesterday (24 Sept). To hear this programme use the BBC's 'listen again' facility at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/lights_camera_landscape/pip/83j16/
posted by ocuk @ 11:36 AM 1 comments 
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Buachaille Etive Mor Scramble
Monday, September 24, 2007
With the weather in the Outdoor Capital being a bit unpredictable a friend and I opted for a safe bet yesterday (Sunday 23rd September). With Glencoe on our doorstep we were spoilt for choice and chose a grade 1/2 scramble up the Buachaille. It was just what the doctor ordered. Easy enough that we didn't need to worry about the weather spoiling our fun - we knew we'd get up it by hook or by crook, and short enough so that we didn't get thoroughly miserable if it did lash it down. In the end we lucked out with it starting to properly rain on our way down. I was glad we had a rope though, as the rock and turf was unsurprisingly wet, and on two steps I was glad of the added protection it gave.
Noel William's book Scrambles in Lochaber is full of good value routes up old favourites - even though I had 'done' the Buachaille before I'd never gone up this way, and was glad I did. We did a traverse of the mountain in about 4 hours and were back in time for tea and cake!
Anna
Outdoor Capital Project Director
posted by ocuk @ 3:15 PM 0 comments
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Mountain Bike World Champs has officially started
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Action started in earnest up at Nevis Range today with the first race of the Mountain Bike World Champs the relay, with the USA, Switzerland and Poland getting medals. For the latest results go the UCI webpages
Later in the day Fort William gave a warm Highland welcome to dozens of international teams at the official opening ceremony. A procession with local children in Highland costume carrying the teams flag, worked it's way up the High Street followed by a re-enactment of a clan battle and then fireworks.
The action will get faster and more furious as the week progresses and with tickets and accommodation still available there is no excuse not to be here....
posted by ocuk @ 11:31 PM 0 comments
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Blas hits Ballachulish
The annual Blas Festival is in full swing and on Monday 3rd September Ballachulish in the Outdoor Capital had a real treat. Capercaillie singer Karen Matheson and the Scottish Ensemble played together. Blending Karen's haunting voice with the full sound of the SE proved a winning combination. Hearing this calibre of music and such an innovative collaboration was a real treat.
For more on events in the area go to the Outdoor Capital home page and click on Events
posted by ocuk @ 11:07 PM 0 comments
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Ben Race 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
The 2007 Ben Nevis Race took place on Saturday, and despite the weather being a little windy and rainy, all seemed to go well. An Outdoor Capital director, Steve, was running it for the first time so a couple of us offered to act as support and stand in strategic places with energy drinks. Our first stop was where the the Red Burn crosses the path, which is halfway, and we had great fun watching the racers come up. After administering Lucozade Sport we legged it further down to where the runners rejoin the main tourist path after coming down what is locally called 'the grassy bank'. Watching the runners descend you realise just how hard this race is. The run up must be a killer and descending takes great skill.
Steve posted a time of 2hrs 19 mins and is already talking about next year....
What is great to see is how many women run this race, especially from the local club Lochaber Athletic
For more info on local events go to the Outdoor Capital website
Anna
posted by ocuk @ 9:48 AM 0 comments
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Hello
Great picture of the old High Bridge. I too have been meaning to get down there and your visit has spurred me on. I alway think the location should have more recognition as a fairly significant and interesting historical site.
What do others think?
All the best
Peter, Distant Hills Guesthouse