Sgòr Mòr, showcasing the Cairngorms

With the winds gone and the Sunday golf finished for the season, I was willing to forgo my usual social Sunday run in favour of a hill day. That said, neither of us were filled with enthusiasm as we drove out the road, in two minds as to whether we stop in Tarland for Pressendye … Continue reading Sgòr Mòr, showcasing the Cairngorms

Stunning Reflections at Loch Lee: Not a breath of wind

Up bright and early, I’d planned to go running as usual on Sunday, Bruce golfing. He was also up awaiting confirmation of the green conditions. The phone pinged alerting him to the course being on winter greens. For him, that was all it needed to sway the balance - he was headed for the hills. … Continue reading Stunning Reflections at Loch Lee: Not a breath of wind

Happy New Year: Lochnagar

Having had our charity fundraising day out with Hillgoers / Braemar Mountain Rescue cancelled last week due to Storm Gerrit we’ve been desperate to get out for a hill fix! Watching the forecast it appeared that New Year’s Day was scheduled for a break in what’s been a pretty miserable period so we happily stayed … Continue reading Happy New Year: Lochnagar

Winter’s Here: Creag nan Gabhar

With a perfect looking forecast earlier in the week, for the hills anyway, the decision had been made to head out in favour of running and golfing; Bruce was quietly confident that the winter eclectic would not be going ahead due to the cold snap we’ve had, while I was happy to get out anywhere! … Continue reading Winter’s Here: Creag nan Gabhar

Oban Weekend

I do love a weekend break during term-time. Leaving work sharp on a Friday afternoon and having a couple of nights away refreshes me so much, seeing me return to work on Monday feeling like I’ve had a holiday! This weekend was a real cracker! The Main Event: Ilona’s Corbett Compleation Party The main focus … Continue reading Oban Weekend

Buachaille Etive Mòr

The plan for today, our final day of the holiday, had been to climb the last of the Grey Corries as I’d previously missed one (because I was tired and not munro bagging). However, with the route being a long trudge out and largely pathless (or else taking in the whole of the trio) neither … Continue reading Buachaille Etive Mòr

Binnein Mòr & Na Gruagaichean

We have been so fortunate with the weather thus far and today was no exception. Our walk started from Kinlochleven; anyone who’s been there will appreciate that you’re not leaving in any direction without a significant ascent. It was steep from the moment we left the car park. On reflection it was definitely worth the … Continue reading Binnein Mòr & Na Gruagaichean

Càrn Mòr Dearg

Our plans for the day were upskittled by a very iffy weather forecast. After much debate, we’d pretty much settled on a lower level day of little or nothing (walk up the Devil’s Staircase followed by a mosey about Fort William) when a last look at the Met Office heralded a change. We made a … Continue reading Càrn Mòr Dearg

Mountain Heights, Hidden Depths (Soil Survey) incorporating Beinn a’ Chaorainn, Beinn Teallach and Meall Dearg

Following a spy on social media, we each adopted a munro to support some research being done by the James Hutton Institute: https://munro-biodiversity.hutton.ac.uk This required us to visit our chosen munro and take soil samples from three designated points (or close by should the vegetation not match that specified). Having carefully planned some hills for … Continue reading Mountain Heights, Hidden Depths (Soil Survey) incorporating Beinn a’ Chaorainn, Beinn Teallach and Meall Dearg

Borders Abbey Way: Hawick to Melrose (Day 4)

Waking after a great night’s sleep (the best this week), I felt a little trepidation at the prospect of the day ahead. On one hand I was optimistic, today would see me complete the loop. On the other, the distance was daunting - 23 miles, furthest I’ll have gone in quite some time! Staying in … Continue reading Borders Abbey Way: Hawick to Melrose (Day 4)