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My Highland Travelogue
Welcome to my Highland Travelogue Page. My passion is to explore the Scottish Highland Upland Lochs. When time permits, I will drive to a remote location, park the car, fasten on my backpack and trusty camera, and trek a few miles to discover a hidden Loch or Lochan. My pleasure is to explore the smaller, hidden Lochs and Lochans, rather than the larger, well known ones that are already well documented.
I think that certain places are "healing" , and I begin to understand why when I sit by a lonely stretch of water, with nobody and nothing around for miles. So far, most of my expeditions have been in Highland Perthshire, for logistical and economic reasons, but I hope to travel further as time passes. I think that maybe I am frightened that my Highlands are threatened and that they may vanish. Perhaps to record them on photograph is my mission? When I stumble unexpectedley on one of those jaw-dropping views, I have mixed thoughts - firstly, I want to share it with the world, then, when I think on, I selfishly want to keep it all to myself. Often I just stand a while in wonderment.
I am no scientist, but many of our small inland Lochs and Lochans are in decline.
Each has its own mini eco system, and it is the decay of this that is the problem.
Each eco system is made up of many interactive and interdependent parts - water,sediment,fish,insects,animals,weather. Eutrophication (chemical and acid pollution) is causing serious problems to our smaller Lochs and Lochans that do not get the same level of monitoring and protection as those larger and better known examples adopted by S.E.P.A.
The decline of insect life affects the fish life, which affects the Lochan itself, which affects the bird and animal life.
This then causes (some) of the Lochans to be affected by Algae and Reed cover, which then affects light penetration, photosynthesis and the general "life" of the Lochan goes into a rapid decline.
This is happening now. Already, some of the large Raptors are coming down to road level to find food.
I dont know how long they will be there for us, but I have to record them as they are now.
I hope I am wrong.
Above all, I feel priviledged to be allowed the honour to walk on this sacred land - I am finite, my footsteps will soon vanish, but this wonderful place will stand for millions of years.
I will try to describe my adventures as best as I can and I hope that I can share my wonderful Highlands with you.
"Enjoy Life's Journey, But Leave No Tracks" (Cherokee Wolf Clan, with thanks to Sue)
"Your travelogue helped to influence our choice of destination as your pictures and details are superb and really do give that `get away from it all feeling`- Martin Rutherford
Like a large Highland Loch on your wall? - click here!
If you have any questions about the places I visit, please e-mail me and I will do my best to help!
| Pitcarmick Loch |
7:52 PM, Dec 01 2009 |
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Pitcarmick Loch, Sunday November 29th 2009. Weather: Cold, 4 - 6 degrees, Northerly wind, light snow in the wind, fleeting sun.
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| Dos Amigos |
8:23 PM, Oct 28 2009 |
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| Lochan 'a Chait |
5:33 PM, Sep 13 2009 |
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Lochan 'a Chait. Sunday September 13th 2009, cool and cloudy, becoming warm and muggy later, 12 - 19 degrees, light breeze.
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| Creag an Loch, Loch Fender, and The News From Rannoch |
11:11 PM, Jan 02 2010 |
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Creag an Loch, Loch Fender, and The News From Rannoch. Saturday 9th August 2009.
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| Coire a Chearcaill |
9:23 PM, Jul 16 2009 |
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Coire a Chearcaill, Soaring Buzzards and a Prized Trophy, Saturday, July 11th 2009. Weather: Cloudy, warm, clearing to bright spells later, 9 - 15 degrees, cool Southerly breeze in the afternoon.
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| Loch Gynack |
9:23 PM, Jun 25 2009 |
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Loch Gynack Overnight
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| Duntanlich Lochan |
8:31 PM, Jun 14 2009 |
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Duntanlich Lochan and The Quiet Woods. Friday June 12th 2009. Weather: Warm and sunny, gathering cloud in the afternoon. Temperature: 14 - 16 degrees. Wind: Nil at car park to Pleasant at 1900 feet.
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| Loch Caoldair |
6:53 PM, May 30 2009 |
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Loch Caoldair, Saturday, May 30th, 2009. Weather: Hot and sunny, light cloud. Temperature 18 - 22 degrees. Wind: Gently cooling South Easterly.
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| Loch Glassie |
4:41 PM, May 24 2009 |
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Loch Glassie, or Loch Dreich, but with an unexpected companion. Sunday May 24th 2009. Weather: Mild, overcast to grey, occasional sunny spells (all of 2 minutes); Wind Easterly veering to Wet Westerly by afternoon; Temperature: 15 degrees, cooler in the wind.
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| Glen Quaich to Aberfeldy |
5:39 AM, Apr 22 2009 |
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Glen Quaich to Aberfeldy, Sunday, April 19th, 2009. Weather: Warm and sunny, some cloud later. Wind: Negligible, Light Westerly later. Temperature: 9 - 16 degrees.
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| Loch Cuaich |
8:23 PM, Apr 13 2009 |
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Loch Cuaich, Monday, April 13th, 2009. Weather: Sunny, light cloud. Temperature: 11 - 16 degrees. Wind: Strong SSE.
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| Rannoch and Loch Laidon |
6:36 PM, Apr 05 2009 |
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Rannoch and Loch Laidon, Sunday, April 5th, 2009. Weather: Cloudy/Sunny Spells. Temperature: 7 - 13 degrees. Wind: NNW strong, moderate wind chill.
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| Glen Finglas |
6:37 PM, Apr 05 2009 |
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Glen Finglas, Wednesday, April 1st, 2009. Weather: Dry, cloudy. Temperature: 5 - 13 degrees. Wind: Negligible, blowing up Northerly in the afternoon.
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| Glen Lednock and Creag nan Eun |
4:21 PM, Mar 21 2009 |
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Glen Lednock and Creag nan Eun, Saturday, March 21st, 2009. Weather: Heavy haze, bright sunshine, becoming cloudy. Wind: Strong NWesterly. Temp: 3 - 12 degrees, bitterly cold on high ground.
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| Loch a Choire and Ben Y Vrackie |
10:08 PM, Feb 02 2009 |
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Loch a Choire and Ben Y Vrackie, Tuesday, January 13th, 2008. Weather: Bright sunshine. Temperature: 3 degrees to -4 at height. Wind negligible SW.
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| Meall Breac |
6:47 PM, Jan 03 2009 |
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Meal Breac/Loch Tummel, Saturday January 3rd 2009. Weather: Sunny. Temperature: -5 degrees to -8 on the summit. Wind: Northerly Negligible to perishing on the summit.
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| Loch Ericht |
8:25 AM, Jan 24 2009 |
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Loch Ericht, Monday 1st December 2008, Cold, overcast, some sunny spells, snow, freezing point, NNW light wind.
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| Loch Meallbrodden |
8:23 AM, Jan 24 2009 |
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Loch Meallbrodden, Sunday, November 16th, 2008. Weather: Bright, low sun, light cloud, stiff breeze, NWesterly, 6 - 10 degrees
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| Balquidder |
8:27 AM, Jan 24 2009 |
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Balquidder - The Trossachs - Sunday October 12th 2008. Weather: Overcast and cloudy - again! Temperature: 9 degrees - cold! Wind: Southerly, brisk, bringing rain.
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| Drumore Loch |
6:24 PM, Oct 16 2008 |
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Drumore Loch, Glenshee, Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008.
Weather: Overcast, dry. Temperature: 10 degrees. Wind: Negligible.
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| Return to Benachally |
8:28 AM, Jan 24 2009 |
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Return to Benachally, Saturday August 23rd 2008. Weather: Overcast (again!), becoming very grey. Wind: Negligible. Temperature: 16 degrees. Photographic Light: very poor (sorry!)
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| Return to Loch Ordie |
8:31 AM, Jan 24 2009 |
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Return to Loch Ordie - or "Woodsmoke or Midges". Thursday, August 14th, 2008. Weather: Overcast and mild.
Temperature - 12 degrees rising to 18 degrees pm. Wind: Negligible, freshening from the East pm. Light: Poor. Midge State: Moderate.
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| Children's Loch |
9:32 PM, Dec 27 2008 |
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Children's Loch, Friday Evening, 8th August 2008. Weather: Warm and overcast, thundery.
Temperature: 18 degrees. Wind: Negligible. Midge Level: Severe. Fishing: Private but plentiful on both Lochans
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| Return to Oisineach Mor |
9:35 PM, Dec 27 2008 |
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Return to Oisineach Mor. Wednesday, July 23rd 2008. Weather: Warm and clammy, cloudy morning, sunny spells in the afternoon. Wind: Nairy a breath but breezy from the South in the afternoon (thank goodness!)
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| Loch Fender |
8:19 AM, Jan 24 2009 |
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Loch Fender. Sunday July 13th 2008. Weather: Overcast, heavy cloud, poor light. Temperature: 16 - 20 degrees.
Height Gain: 2000 feet approx.
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| Nature Ramble and The Curling Pond, Logierait |
8:21 AM, Jan 24 2009 |
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Nature Ramble and The Curling Pond, Logierait. Saturday July 5th 2008. Weather: Overcast, sunny spells. Temperature: 16 - 18 degrees, mild. Wind: Easterly, stiffening.
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| Mill Dam |
8:33 AM, Jan 24 2009 |
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Mill Dam, above Peroch Castle, near Dunkeld. Saturday June 21st 2008. Weather: warm/cool (hey - its Scotland!)
Sunny spells, clouding later. Temperature: 14 - 16 degrees. Wind: Neglible, veering SW later (I got smoke in my eyes and my tent)
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| Tomgarrow Loch |
5:35 AM, Jun 10 2009 |
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Tomgarrow Loch, Sunday, June 15th, 2008. Weather: 7/10ths Cloud, sunny spells, rain squalls. Temperature: 12 - 16 degrees. Wind: Light to moderate, NW.
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| Cardney Loch |
6:07 AM, Feb 26 2009 |
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Cardney Loch, Saturday June 7th, 2008. Weather: Warm and Sunny, clouding over pm. Wind: Nary a breeze:
Temperature: 20 degrees
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| Two unamed Lochans atop The Sma' Glen |
4:14 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
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Two unamed Lochans atop The Sma' Glen. Sunday 31st May 2008. Weather: warm and sunny, cool breeze above 1500 feet. Temperature: 18 - 21 degrees.
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| Lochan a Choire Creagaich, and others |
4:13 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
Lochan a Choire Creagaich, and others. Sunday, May 25th, 2008. Weather: sunny spells, pleasantly warm.
Wind: gusting strong South Easterly. Temperature: Between 15 - 19 degrees, cooler in wind-chill.
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| Lochan Na Beinne |
4:09 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
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Lochan Na Beinne, Sunday May 18th 2005. Weather: Overcast, sunny spells, some showers, wintry above 1200 feet. Wind: Negligible at low levels, some gusts on higher ground. Temperature: Between 5 and 15 degrees.
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| Loch Hoil |
4:08 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
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Loch Hoil, Friday 9th May, 2008. Weather: warm, overcast. Temperature: 9 - 17 degrees. Wind: light to strong, gusting around 25mph, Southerly.
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| Loch Farleyer |
4:27 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
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Loch Farleyer. Sunday April 27th, 2008. Weather: Warm, sunny, some cloud. Temperature: 11 - 17 degrees - warm in the sun. Wind: Soft breeze - perfect conditions.
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| Loch Derculich |
4:06 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
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Loch Derculich - or "Dinnae Go Near The Fairmer!" Saturday April 19th 2008. Weather: Fair, patchy clouds, occasional sunny spells. Wind: Easterly veering Southerly. Temperature: 9 - 11 degrees.
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| Loch Broom |
4:05 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
Loch Broom, Monday, April 14th, 2007. Weather: sporadic cloud, sunny spells. Temperature: 6 - 9 degrees.
Wind: northwesterly stiff breeze, chilly.
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| The Griffin III - This Time its Personal! |
5:53 AM, Aug 04 2008 |
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The Griffin III - This Time its Personal!. Sunday 30th March, 2008. Weather: broken cloud, rain squalls, light Southerly breeze, sporadic sunny spells. Temperature: varying between 4 - 7 degrees. Comfortably mild.
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| Back To The Griffin - glorious failure |
8:01 PM, Oct 12 2008 |
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Back To The Griffin, Sunday, March 23rd, 2008. Weather: Cold, cloudy, sporadic snowshowers, 1" of snow underfoot. Wind: Cold Northerly 15mph gusting to 30 mph. Temperature around 3 degrees.
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| Loch Skiach and Little Loch Skiach |
4:28 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
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Loch Skiach and Little Loch Skiach, Friday, March 14th, 2008. Scattered clouds, light poor, temp 10 degrees, brisk westerly wind.
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| Loch Turret |
7:11 AM, Aug 03 2008 |
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Loch Turret, Sunday, February 17th, 2008. Weather - Sunny, 6 degrees, wind light Westerly.
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| Loch Tullybelton |
7:47 AM, Aug 24 2008 |
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Loch Tullybelton, Little Glenshee, Sunday, January 20th, 2008, high cloud, sunny spells, 4 degrees, wind strengthening from the West.
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| Loch Mullion |
3:19 PM, Dec 27 2008 |
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Loch Mullion - First Walk Of The New Year - Saturday, January 12th, 2008. Weather: Cold and clear, minus 2 degrees, snow on Northern hills, hard frost everywhere.
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| Loch Benachally |
11:18 PM, Feb 02 2010 |
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Loch Benachally, Sunday November 11th, 2007. Weather: Cold and bright, occasional rain squalls, biting cold Nor' Westerly wind.
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| Lochan Oisienach Mor |
7:07 AM, Aug 03 2008 |
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Lochan Oisienach Mór, Saturday, September 8th, 2007. Weather mild, Westerly breeze, mostly overcast.
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| Near Disaster in Griffin Forest |
7:06 AM, Aug 03 2008 |
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Sunday, September 2nd, 2007. Weather warm and overcast, light westerly breeze
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| To Errochty and on to Loch Con |
4:28 PM, Aug 04 2008 |
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Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007. Weather: Warm and sunny, Nor-Westerly stiff breeze a.m., calm afternoon, between 18 and 25 degrees.
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| Glen Quaich |
4:14 PM, Sep 04 2008 |
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My trip to Glen Quaich, Saturday, August 4th, 2007
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| Auchentaple Loch |
8:35 PM, Aug 11 2008 |
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My recent trip to Auchentaple Loch, just off the Braemar road.
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