On Thursday I went out on Vertical Descents new RIB wildlife tour. It's great fun and gives a different, water based perspective of the Outdoor Capital. We had really calm water and a good clear day. All the equipment such as waterproof suits and binoculars are provided. The RIB was not as noisy as I expected and they cut the engine and let it drift when close to wildlife so as not to be too obtrusive. We saw guillimots, seals, terns and a heronry, and two lucky people saw porpoises but not me : (

To book the RIB call in at Fired Art on Fort William High Street - the non-pedestrian end opposite the police station or call 07729 937242

Anna

posted by ocuk @ 1:31 PM  0 comments

Hot on the heels of the recent Mountain Bike World Cup Nevis Range continue to host events. Last weekend saw the finals of the UK Downhill National Point Series being held there with Greg Minaar winning the elite Mens event and Katy Curd the womens.

Greg was a busy boy - the week previous to the event he hosted one of his Big Air training camps. For those who didn't make the camp or training there is a great video of Greg going down the famous course.

For those who like things a little more relaxed Nevis Range are holding a series of Music up a Mountain nights with late night running of the gondola and food and ceilidh band laid on at the Snowgoose resturant at the top of the gondola.

For more events in the Outdoor Capital go through to our events pages.

Labels: Activities, Ceilidh, Highlands, mountain biking

posted by ocuk @ 10:12 AM  0 comments

A friend was up visiting at the weekend, and although both of us were recovering from recent illnesses we got out on Saturday for a great 4 hour walk around Kinlochleven. Spencer is much more knowledgeable than me about flora and fauna and it is always interesting to walk with him.

We started walking along a good track the north side of the stream from the Blackwater Resevoir taking a left hand track just after the footbridge over the Alt na h-Eilde. This track is very good at first but gets a little wet when it joins the pipeline that runs between the Blackwater Reservoir and Loch Eilde Mor. We walked up to the Loch and then bore right to end up back in Kinlochleven.

Along the way we saw windchat's perched picturesquely on top on the pipeline vents, a great midge eating plant - a sundew - and several species of butterfly including a Fritillary.

Anna

Labels: easy walks, Highland, wildlife

posted by ocuk @ 12:29 PM  0 comments

Just as they said there was the boat Gripper waiting for us at Mallaig harbour. A royal welcome and with luggage stowed on board and we were off to Doune on Knoydart. The pictures and information on their website http://www.doune-knoydart.co.uk/ make the place look amazing but would it live up to expectation. The gripper carried us safely through the waves for thirty minutes and then rounded a rocky headland into Doune Bay. Wow, what a beautiful place, a small community with no road and a feeling of real isolation. We were shown to our excellent accommodation which overlooked the sea and our rucksacks were delivered to the room. Looking out from the terrace there was a school of Dolphins just off the headland. Time to pull the boots on and walk over the cliffs before dinner. I have previously walked up some of the Munro's on Knoydart but here at Doune I felt I was getting intimate with the landscape. Back from our walk and a quick shower before dinner. With no mains electricity or water how do they make it all work. I don't know how they do it but the shower merits a Five Star rating and dinner awaits. The food at Doune is quite simply excellent. No place to be if you are on diet. The ample dinner, breakfast and packed lunch make some form of activity between meals compulsory. Although the boats are available for guests we opted to use our legs and walk. Over the three days we saw dolphin, otter, red deer, goats and a variety of birds including eagles. We also managed a few pints of real ale at the Forge in Inverie. If your looking for a wilderness experience with luxury and great food the Doune team provide an unforgettable experience.

Labels: Knoydart

posted by ocuk @ 10:40 AM  0 comments

As the least energetic member of the OCUK team, you won't find me climbing up, jumping off or racing down various bits of Lochaber. However, occasionally I do get out and enjoy the great outdoors and, be assured - if I can do it, just about anyone can!

Yesterday, hubbie and I finally got around to doing the Corrour Station to Spean Bridge walk. It had been on our 'To Do' list for a while and, with the dry weather we have been enjoying lately, we figured that the notoriously boggy sections of the walk would be more do-able. So we caught the 1153 from Spean Bridge and set off on foot from Corrour in brilliant sunshine. The first section is lovely; wild, with lots of birds and flora, plus it's all level or downhill - perfect for someone with my level of fitness! The view down towards Loch Trieg is beautiful (see photo) and Creaguaineach Lodge at it's head is a perfect place to stop and eat your sandwiches. The next section through Lairig Leacach was a bit of a slog with a gentle incline, and by the time I reached the waterfall I was starting to flag, but the sight of Lairig Bothy (almost at the top of the pass) and the prospect of a brew was very welcome. Soon after, it's all downhill towards a choice of walking through Leanachan Forest (longer but picturesque) or past Corriechoille (by road).

posted by ocuk @ 3:19 PM  0 comments

Labels: Ben Nevis, fort william, mountain biking, uci

posted by ocuk @ 10:55 AM  0 comments

Anna

posted by ocuk @ 10:11 AM  0 comments