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!

Glen Lednock and Creag nan Eun
Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Mar 21 2009 at 4:21 PM
Highland Travelogue >>

This trip is dedicated to my friends in Tennessee - to Sue who had the courage to reach out, to Christian and Sierra who saw my country through the eyes of the young, and to Durand, who taught me that freedom is a global word.

It was an early start, as the Spring sunshine was due to be replaced by cloud by lunchtime. I went West towards Crieff, and through onto Comrie. At the far end of the village, I took the road toward the Deil's Cauldron and carried on up into Glen Lednock for 5 miles through some stunning scenery.

I was cursed with a persistant haze which made photography a real challenge. Still, the mountains were in their Spring glory all the way.

The narrow road takes you through many a small Hamlet and across a cattle grid or two. Eventually you come to this gate which you must remember to close after you! 

The road climbs up to the mighty Lednock Hydro Dam which dominates the Glen at this point.

There is ample parking here. I followed the path to the far side of the Dam, climbing a padlocked gate carefully. Its a fairly straightforward climb to the top of Creag nan Eun at around 1200 feet.

I followed the sheep tracks past the massive rocks to the summit, where there is the obligatory Cairn, with glorious views across Loch Lednock, which was being churned by the strong winds.

I took a gentle stroll around the perimeter of the hill, Note: take care, there are steep cliffs all around.  I had a brew in the lee of the wind and relaxed a while. Below me, a Hawk leisurely soared on an updraft.

Black cloud quickly moved in and I made my way back down to a waterfall I had seen on my way in.

The return is the same way I came in, with a few stops for photos on the way.

This was my second trip to Lednock. The last time, I walked the North Shoreline. Lednock is a hidden gem, and much quieter than its sister, Turret, in the next Glen.

I'd love to hear your comments!

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