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!

Coire a Chearcaill
Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Jul 16 2009 at 9:23 PM
Highland Travelogue >>

I decided it was time for a climb. I packed light and left out the heavy gear and took a packed lunch.  Hidden in lovely, fertile Glen Quaich is the little-known Glen Lochan. Its imposing peaks are clearly seen from the single track road that runs alongside Loch Freuchie (Froochy - ch as in "loch") A pleasant run through the Sma' Glen let me miss the roadworks at Bankfoot, and then a left at Amulree took me up the narrow Lochside road. A gate beside an empty cottage on the left is the Trailhead.  The local farmer showed me a suitable and safe place to park - nice lad!

The track begins easily enough for the first 1000 feet or so. Make sure you take the right track for the Mountain, the left one for Lochan a Mhullinn (Moolin) and the Rob Roy Trail to Auchnafree.

At around 1200 feet, the going changes to "Help Ma Boab" level and its a fair pech from there on. Walking poles are a must now. There is only one, easily crossed Ford.

I found some lovely flowers growing up here.

There are many Grouse Butts too, and sheep are plentiful right to the summit.

Looking over your shoulder, there are wonderful views down the Glen, and North, where the Mighty "S" rises over Rannoch.

I came across this wonderful Lozenge-shaped rock by the path. It looks like it could have come from one of the Great Pyramids, it is so symetrical. I had to go and touch - beautiful!

Wonderful views from the summit, looking down to Lochan a Mhuillinn and across to Lochan Uair and Auchnafree. I picnicked on a cliff edge, legs dangling over the precipice and listened to the silence. Far below, a tiny boat hunted fish on the Loch.

The highest point is around 2400 feet and is marked by a single fence post! 

I found these wonderful wind-and-rain-hewn peat mounds at the top - I thought they were fascinating.

I crossed the flat summit and took a photo of Schiehallion - when I turned around, I looked up and saw a fantastic Buzzard soaring effortlessly on a warm air current high above - I can honestly say that my heart soared up to meet it - I lay down where I was and gazed up in admiration as this magnificent bird glided and circled without effort -  a wonderful moment (Note to self - get yourself a long lens!)

A few feet further on and I found a prize I had been seeking for a long time -  a Deer Antler, with fresh blood still on it - a Battle Souvenir! 

I think I might carve something out of it.

I tucked it into my belt and made my way back down (I dislike walking downhill - its really painful on the hip joints for some reason). The trip back down Glen Quaich was marked by the Shepherd and his dogs herding a flock of sheep down the main road - priceless!

I hope you enjoyed my trip with me and that you will leave me a comment or story of your own!

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