Strathfarrar Munros: The Four Behind The Locked Gate

We left our B & B in Culbokie sharp as we were on the clock, the locked gate to the Strathfarrar munros being limited to specific hours for access. Although walkers and bikes are welcome anytime, cars are only allowed in at 9 am and have to be out by 8 pm in August, departure … Continue reading Strathfarrar Munros: The Four Behind The Locked Gate

Heather Bashing on Càrn na Drochaide

Decided to go somewhere different today and this saw us head for the Linn of Quoich. The forecast changed this morning and as we headed west from the city there was a cloudy haze ahead. I wondered if it was a heat haze (eternal optimist) while Bruce rightly predicted rain. As we drove there were … Continue reading Heather Bashing on Càrn na Drochaide

Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh: Low mileage, quite some effort!

Having felt yesterday to be quite a steep, tough ascent, I reconsidered this opinion on today’s hill. Known as the second munro of the Aonach Eagach ridge, most people do it as part of the ridge walk. Having previously disclosed my dislike of exposure that was never going to happen, and so we found ourselves … Continue reading Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh: Low mileage, quite some effort!

Càrn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Bheag: ‘Boring’ hills, beautiful in the winter!

First day of our holiday, we stopped off at Layby 87 (A9) on route to our destination. Unsure how conditions would be following the snow a couple of days ago, we were fully equipped for winter with crampons, ice axes and microspikes, alongside the obligatory spare gloves etc. Suffice to say the pack was heavy! … Continue reading Càrn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Bheag: ‘Boring’ hills, beautiful in the winter!

Room to Run Half Marathon (Huntly)

I signed up for this race a while back as there have been a serious lack of events on the calendar and I needed both something to aim for and a race or two to get used to running in a crowded start again. I’d heard Huntly was a tough run so figured I’d go … Continue reading Room to Run Half Marathon (Huntly)

Sometimes Staying Low Is Best: Clais Fhearnaig

Having reviewed the weather last night, we decided on a lower level walk as it looked likely to be blustery on the high tops. We discussed options: lie in and go out for an afternoon start, or go early to beat the crowds and virtually guarantee a parking space. Having opted for an early start … Continue reading Sometimes Staying Low Is Best: Clais Fhearnaig

Oh I do like to be beside Loch Lee side!

Finally being given ‘permission’ to leave our local authority after a very long period at home, we were delighted to again have the freedom of the hills. I’ve struggled with the stay in your authority nonsense and, without getting too political, deeply resent that larger local authorities have had freedom to roam while those of … Continue reading Oh I do like to be beside Loch Lee side!

The 40th Race: Virtual London Marathon (Running My Way)

When I signed up to run the London Marathon virtually I decided against running at ‘home’. The thought of pounding the streets did not appeal, while running my local trails would require multiple loops of the dreaded Kingshill in order to make the distance. I’ve love Aviemore so decided to go there! Torrential Downpours Throughout … Continue reading The 40th Race: Virtual London Marathon (Running My Way)

A Moment of Madness?

Due to injury at the tail end of the year, I deferred my place in the 2020 London Marathon. Then COVID struck, the marathon was postponed, and a new date set for October 2020. I deferred as I hadn’t planned to run a marathon in 2019. So, what on earth possessed me, when the e-mail … Continue reading A Moment of Madness?

Family

This weekend I finally got to see my parents again after 19 weeks! Living a wee bit apart I don’t see them as regularly as I would if they were just down the road. A busy life (and work) get in the way, so it’s not uncommon to go a month without seeing them. We … Continue reading Family