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
If you have any questions about the places I visit, please e-mail me and I will do my best to help!
Checkout My Guided Photography Walks By Clicking Here
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Glen Lochan, Lochan A' Mhuilinn, Lochan Uain, and the dreaded Reed Encroachment |
| Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Aug 30 2010 at 6:55 PM |
Once again, it was a drive to Amulree in the Sma' Glen and up the Glen Quaich Road towards Aberfeldy. The new bridge at Amulree is almost finished and the traffic signals will soon be gone. The Glen Quaich road is a wide single-track and runs parallel to Loch Freuchie. Glen Quaich is a very fertile area with some spectacular views at the Aberfeldy end. I parked in a little layby at OS863372, Explorer Map 379, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Glen Almond. A short walk back down the blacktop takes you to the entrance to Croftmill, a blue-painted cottage that sits next to the Rob Roy Way path that runs from Glen Quaich to Auchnafree. After negotiating a couple of wooden gates, the path climbs slowly and easily. A right fork will allow those wishing a sair climb a magnificent view from the top of Coire a' Chearcaill at 2000 feet or so. I took the left fork of the RRW which took me to some spectacular scenery leading to Lochan a Mhuilinn fishing loch.
The Lochan has the obligatory fishing hut and green boat. Eutrophication is evident at the far end of the Lochan. On this visit, the Lochan was calm and peaceful, with the cool breeze just rippling the water.
Moving along past the Lochan, the path becomes very boggy and is elusive - great care must be taken otherwise you can easily wander into heavy bog.
I kept to the high ground to the left of the burn and arrived at the Sheilings.
This point is the entrance to a hidden glen-within-the-glen that holds Lochan Uain. Here you can clearly see the severe effects of Eutrophication and reed encroachment.
I found a wee ledge and sat down to lunch here to perfect peace and tranquility - apart from Mr.Buzzard's gentle "Kee-Ah" high above Chearcaill.
The return route was the reverse of the ingress. All-in-all, a perfect walk on a warm, sunny Autumn day, with the purple heather magnificent in the sun. This is a nice, simple walk for the reasonably fit, although, as mentioned before, the path can be elusive and boggy in places with quite a few muddy fords.
This walk is dedicated to the memory of Angus Kennedy, who encouraged, and took and interest in, my walking, and showed me many a Trail-Head.
As usual, please leave me a wee note!
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| Very nice walk & photo's | By ANON on Oct 22 2010 at 9:34 AM |
| Have also done this walk but we walked up to a very small 3rd lochan before returning. Plan to do a complete circular route next spring taking in the lochans,Auchnafree,Newton Bridge, Amulree & back to the begining. Should be a good day weather permitting. | |
| Gem | By Graham Lumsden on Oct 22 2010 at 5:18 PM |
| Yes, thanks for that, its a wee gem, although its very easy to lose the track. An alternative is to take the right fork and climb the hill - you will get a glorious view from up there! | |
| By ANON on Jun 23 2011 at 3:11 PM | |
| what map did you use for this trip? just wondering as i'm passing by this loch and on D of E and a map | |
| Access | By ANON on Feb 29 2012 at 3:28 PM |
| Is it possible to drive a car up the track leading up to Lochan a\'Mhuilinn or is it a private road? I ask as I would like to visit it but my son is autistic.\r\n\r\nThanks,\r\n | |
| Re: Access | By Graham Lumsden on Feb 29 2012 at 6:24 PM |
| Hi and welcome! It is a private track, and there is a gate. Parking is not allowed by the gate. I cannot say if it is locked or not. I am happy to go and have a look for you, or I can suggest another Loch with vehicular access. I am also happy to act as your guide should you wish - just let me know! | |
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