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!

Loch Turret
Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Aug 03 2008 at 7:11 AM
Highland Travelogue >>

I set off along the road towards Crieff, some 15 miles to the West.
I turned off at Gilmerton, up towards the Sma' Glen, then left at the sign for Monzie Joinery.
2.8 miles along the B road is a sharp right turn, and the single track road takes you up high to the Dam itself.
There is a good car park.
This was my second visit to this glorious Loch/Reservoir/Dam.
My first visit was around the same time last year, and in similar weather.
It really is a glorious place, with easy walking and a good path.

Unfortunately, lots of other people thought so too, and the car park was full, and the paths were busy.

I decided to go off-track, and I turned right to climb the ridge to the East of Turret.
The going was hard in the heather and I made only slow headway.
I found that my stamina is not up to scratch yet, so I didnt go all the way up to the ridge top.
I found a nice rocky outcrop halfway along the Loch, and about halfway up the ridge, and I set up a mini camp.

I had decided to try something new for me - light a fire from scratch.
This is where my big Machete came in handy (I love my knife!)
I used it as a scythe and easily chopped up some kindling.
I used the Firesteel and cotton wool and I got a fire going no problem.
Now, this was a significant event for me, and the walkers below must have thought I had gone mad as I did my little fire dance!
I heated soup over the fire and had a nice cup of tea before heading down to the track  (putting the fire out!)

I followed the track Westwards to the end of the Loch, almost to the foot of Ben Chonzie.

Then another cuppa and the gentle trek back to the Dam and the car.
It really is a lovely walk in the sunshine, but WAY too busy for me (And a lot of damage is being done by shortcuts etc) so I will be heading further inland next time.

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