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 Outdoor Capital of the UK @ 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 Outdoor Capital of the UK @ 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 Outdoor Capital of the UK @ 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 Outdoor Capital of the UK @ 11:57 AM  0 comments