Category: Writing and Musings

The Rugged Country of Coire Garbhlach

According to the LearnGaelic dictionary, Garbhlach apparently means rugged country. And this was where I was heading for a bluebird weekend with some of the boys, a roam around the rough corrie and the wider expanse of Glen Feshie, one of my favourite glens. Coming from different parts of the country, we all converged on … Continue reading The Rugged Country of Coire Garbhlach →

Scarred

After a tough week at work and the world political situation moving into some kind of parallel universe, a day in the outdoors was a necessity. And after first planning a walk along the River Tweed, I spoke to Mr Clyde who was continuing his mission to stride along the Southern Upland Way from East … Continue reading Scarred →

Loch Laidon Living

As the number of vaccines administered hits the millions, the end might just be in sight. I say that with one eye on a future that is still very much unknown. As one sage-like fellow said: "Anything can happen, and often we are wrong. The best we can do with the future is prepare and savour the … Continue reading Loch Laidon Living →

Do you take your swimming goggles for a walk?

This is a question you won't often ask yourself. Although stranger things do happen I suppose. My mum used to take her cats for a walk (yes, all 4 of them) and it was always a thought that made me smile, the somehow odd idea that felines needed a lead to leave their home. One … Continue reading Do you take your swimming goggles for a walk? →

Grid Square Journeys no. 3 – NN 7941 (Meall a’ Choire Chreagaich and a Swim!)

For the third of my Grid Square Journeys, I needed to do some tweaking. I've used the same number of steps since I was first taught to navigate properly by Rich. But either old age or maybe too many injuries has meant my stride has started to change. The last two squares has seen me … Continue reading Grid Square Journeys no. 3 – NN 7941 (Meall a’ Choire Chreagaich and a Swim!) →

Grid Square Journeys no. 2 – NO 1314 (Balmanno Hill)

Fort William has Ben Nevis. Pitlochry has Ben Vrackie. Auchterarder has Craig Rossie. Even the smallest of village usually has a local hill, even if it's pimple sized, which stands guard over the population. Bridge of Earn has a few. Which is handy as we are still unable to travel for leisure much beyond 5 … Continue reading Grid Square Journeys no. 2 – NO 1314 (Balmanno Hill) →

Grid Square Journeys no. 1 – NO 1114 (West Dron Hill and Pitkeathly Loch)

The coronavirus lockdown of the last 10 weeks has finally started to ease a little. On Thursday, 67 long days after it started, Nicola Sturgeon signalled the start of phase one of the lockdown relaxation. I can go to a garden centre (not unheard of, they usually do awesome cakes), play croquet (unlikely but if … Continue reading Grid Square Journeys no. 1 – NO 1114 (West Dron Hill and Pitkeathly Loch) →

Insulating Bernie’s Floor and Walls

I appreciate good insulation. I have plenty myself which means I'm usually too hot rather than too cold. Even on a mountain top in winter, my layers of body fat, combined with some forward motion, keep the fingers and toes cosy and warm. I finally had some time to start turning Bernie into a more … Continue reading Insulating Bernie’s Floor and Walls →