The weather forecast for Saturday 26th July looked good, so after some texting and calling we organised two ropes of two to go and climb the classic Hard Severe climb Ardverikie Wall near Laggan.

The weather held out, the climb was great and on our descent we picked lots of blaeberries which were delicious. The climb was made more entertaining by the party behind us - they had a radio ham in their midst. Adrian, an orthodontist at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, did the route whilst carrying a radio and talking to various other radio enthusiasts. Apparently there are 'radio hills' where 'enthusiasts' lug radio's to the top of and then call each other. Beinnnen Shuas, on which Ardverikie Wall is situated, is a recognised 'radio top' hence Adrian's ascent with a large heavy rucksack full of radio gear. If nothing else it gave us quite a bit of entertainment on the belays as we heard his squeaks as his various arials etc got caught on the rock.

As we are enjoying long days up here in the north we also got another route done, Kubla Khan. We rounded off a perfect day with a dip in the loch and then drove back to Fort William for a quick pint in the Grog and Gruel.

Anna

We have been having great weather up here in the Outdoor Capital so one night after work I took a short walk from where I live in Kinlochleven. I walked up from the Grey Mare's Waterfall car park via Mamore Lodge onto the West Highland Way. It was a beautiful warm evening and the views down Loch Leven were spectacular. This walk took a couple of hours and is listed in the Walks in Kinlochleven leaflet.

Anna

Nevis Range got it right when they picked last Friday for the first of its Late Night Openings! The ride up on the gondola on such a bright and clear evening was stunning, with quite breathtaking views back across Fort William and Loch Eil as well as down the Great Glen. Once at the top, the Snowgoose Restaurant & Bar had opened late and was serving a selection of hot meals. There were several tempting options, but I plumped for the vegetarian curry at £7.00 and a glass of red wine, and then succumbed to chocolate cake and a coffee for desert. At the back of 8, the accordionist started warming up, and the staff cleared the tables from the centre of the restaurant. The mixture of locals and holiday makers was about right, and in no time at all, the floor was full of a number of 'experts' as well as a number of energetic and enthusiastic 'learners'. I think we danced almost every dance I knew, and there was always someone wanting to dance! I really should have left my heels at home, but I survived! It was such a warm evening that the restaurant balcony was also full of folk sitting and enjoying the evening, and the sunset at 9.30 was amazing. The dancing finished at about 11 with Auld Lang Syne, and I'll say it again ... I really must learn the words! It was pitch black by the time we got the gondola down; I've never been on a gondola in the dark, and the lights of Fort William flickered in the distant darkness. All in all, a fun and friendly Scottish evening! There's 3 more in the summer calendar, so if you get the chance, give it a whirl - Fridays 1, 8 and 15 August.

Words adapted from a traditional song by Rabbie Burns (1759-96)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,

For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,

And surely I'll be mine,

And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,

For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pou'd the gowans fine,

But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,

Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn

Frae morning sun till dine,

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,

And gie's a hand o thine,

And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,

For auld lang syne

Yesterday we had glorious weather in the Outdoor Capital so, to escape the stifling heat, I too headed out on the water in the new Sea Xplorer. It was lovely and cool out on Loch Linnhe, and we were lucky enough to spot common seals and their pups, guillemots, cormorants, oystercatchers and a rather elusive porpoise. The trip also offered up some less frequently seen views towards Ballachulish, Glen Coe and Ben Nevis. A highly recommended trip!