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

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If you have any questions about the places I visit, please e-mail me and I will do my best to help!

Glen Finglas
Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Apr 05 2009 at 6:37 PM
Highland Travelogue >>

We were having a two-day break in Callendar and I had decided to use one of those days for a trek. I chose Glen Finglas, which is above Brig O' Turk, between Callendar and Aberfoyle.

Note: The weather in the Glen itself was grey and overcast and the resulting photos are flat and contrasty - sorry!

The short drive to Brig O' Turk is only 5 miles. The Car Park is on your right just before you reach the village.

I crossed the small bridge and set off up the steep hill path.

The route in takes you up high with some stunning views. This is Ben A'an in the distance, with Loch Achray nestling below.

Once you reach the summit, the path descends sharply and to the right and you begin to enter the Glen itself.

I was very pleased to find Wild Primrose growing here and there - a welcome splash of colour.

Glen Finglas Dam holds back a mighty reservoir of water.

The path drops down towards the Loch. You come to this gate and plod onwards.

You soon come to a metalled road. Turn right here.

Another gate!

At this point you are down to Loch level

I found a pleasant place to stop at the Lochside and took a few shots as the grey clouds rolled in.

I had lunch and a mug of tea. It was at this point that the temperature plummeted, within 10 minutes it was blowing from the North and down to 4 degrees. It was quickly on with a Sweatshirt and windproof Parka. I reluctantly made my way back up the steep hillside. All along the route I found memorials, mostly dedicated benches, but here, above the Dam, is a semi-circle of three stones with engraved memorial plaques.

On the way back, there is a short, fenced detour that takes you to a gorge with a wonderful waterfall.

The path is very well tended and there are points of interest along the way. I liked this one referring to an old farm settlement above Loch Vennachar.

When I got back to the car - guess what? - the sun came out! Oh well, the walk was wonderfull. A degree of fitness is required, and I was glad of my Poles and Camelback.

This is a magnificent day hike and I recommend it if you are in the area.

I would love you to leave a comment or ask any questions and I will do my best to answer.

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