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!

Balquidder
Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Jan 24 2009 at 8:27 AM
Highland Travelogue >>

I'm jinxed. I'm convinced of it. The newspapers said we would have an unseasonaly warm and sunny weekend - what they mean is the Southern half of the country would. I almost forgot that the Scottish Highlands are Sub-Arctic. Fortunately, I packed my heavy winter jacket - I needed it!

Now, today, I am going to get political about National Parks. The Trossachs National Park is beautiful, dont get me wrong -  BUT - When I'm out Naturing, I dont want to see signs saying: KEEP OUT - NO FIRES - NO CAMPING everywhere, and I DONT want to get stuck in huge traffic jams on single track roads - have you ever tried driving to Loch Katrine lately?

It worries me, because National Park Status INCREASES damage due to increased tourism - yes, I know tourism is business, but...............well, I'm going to end my rant here - except to warn that parts of Perthshire are to be given N.P. status soon - God help us!

Anyway, back to my trip. It was West along the Crieff Road, up through Comrie and past Loch Earn. There I turned South into The Trossachs, and then West towards Loch Voil and Balquidder.

First stop was Balquidder Church and the grave of Rob Roy. You will all know about him, but did you know he died at 70 years old? (its on his grave) Thats amazing for that era, even more amazing because of his lifestyle, and INCREDIBLE because he was a MacGregor - even holding the name MacGregor was enough to get you killed in Scotland in those days! His wife and son are buried either side of him.

A beautiful churchyard, well worth a visit.

I drove all the way along Loch Voil and stopped near the end, where a Forestry track leads up and right. I parked a climbed the LOCKED GATE!!!!!!

Autumn is taking hold now, and the leaves are turning nicely

It is a steady climb though a beautiful Glen that narrows as you progress.

Gorgeous hills on either side tower above you. Looking back, you get some nice views of Loch Voil.

It's a good, rising Forestry path.

The path eventually drops down to a fast flowing river and I stopped and made camp.

I was unable to get a fire going because of the wet, so I had a cold lunch and a mug of tea.

As usual, the weather let me down and the light was an insipid grey - sorry!

Rain clouds were closing from the South, so I made my way back to the car and home via the reverse route.

One of these days I will get good light and take some nice photos for you.

I only took one, very flat and insipid shot of Loch Voil

Thanks for stopping by, and please leave a comment!

Comments

Looking For Fishing? Just type the location in the box below: