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!

Return to Benachally
Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Jan 24 2009 at 8:28 AM
Highland Travelogue >>

I bumped into the Landowner at Benachally today.
A nice lady, but wary and forthright.
She was concerened about my intentions as I parked up above butterstone at Reichip (pronounced Ray-Hip).
I reassured her and we had a nice chat, explaining about the new Core Paths Network and the Land Reform Act (2004) of which she admitted she knew little.
Its surprising how few people know about this important legislation even after national advertising.
Being a member of the local Outdoor Access Forum, I was able to point out the main points and advise her how she could find out more.
To reach Loch Benachally, you take the Butterstone Road from Dunkeld and turn left at the sign for the Log Cabins.
I parked up at Reichip and passed through the gate and on up the hill.


The road is good and metalled almost all of the way


The heather has turned now, and show up brilliant hues of purple when the sun shines.





The walk in is short, and takes 30 minutes over undulating road.
For fisher-folk, the loch can be accessed by road car.
The Loch comes into view over the crest of a hill



You approach a steading and turn sharp left, where the road then turns to muddy track



There is a Nissen Boathouse at the Southern end, and a dam.



There is almost no cover here, but I spotted a small wood along the West shore, so I made my way along through very boggy ground



I set up camp in the woods.
I had invested in a pair of Walking Poles, and they are very useful for supporting a tarp!



I made the usual fire, and lunch was a toasted bagel with cream cheese followed by fresh fruit.
There were a pair of fishermen on the Loch.
Its a funny thing about water - sound can travel for miles.
I could here them complaining about my campsite and saying that I shouldnt be there.
Guys - you need to realise that its not just YOUR Loch! - and you need to get aquainted with the law -
and GIVE ME A BREAK!



By the way - agony is taking cramp whilst astride a barbed wire fence!



Soon the clouds gathered ever darker and I broke camp at 3.15pm and made my muddy way back along the shore



Benachally is a lovely Loch and easy to reach - well worth a visit and a fishing permit.

Footnote: Whilst in conversation with the landowner, the conversation inevitably turned to the heavy downpours of late.
I have noticed that people have begun to appear disturbed and even afraid by the changed weather patterns.
Time will tell.
As usual, please leave a comment!

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