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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Rothiemurchus and The Cairngorms |
| Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Jan 20 2011 at 8:28 PM |
Its been a while, and a lot of weather, since my last outing.
I was beginning to get that restless feeling I always get at this time of year
that tells me its time to get my walking gear looked out.
Nearing the end of the most severe winter in 10 years, I decided to start
exploring The Cairngorms National Park.
I first had to drive to Aviemore, some 80 miles North of Perth, and then
East to the Rothiemurchus Estate, which nestles at the foot of the mighty
Cairngorm Mountain range.
Rothiemurchus Estate is a success story - forced to diversify or die, it now
attracts leisure-seeking visitors for activities ranging from Skiing to Dog Sledding.
Expecting the usual narrow farm track, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the
well maintained blacktop - obviously for the numerous Skiers that frequent this
busy way.
Just through the village of Coylumbridge is Loch Morlich - frozen solid, with thick
pack ice.
The roads meanders on past the Glenmore Lodge and the Ski Lifts, then climbs
steadily to a large car park next to an old Ski Lift centre that has seen many
better days.
I left the car here and headed South East through frozen bog moorland.
This is the opposite of my Summer forays, with crackling ice underfoot,
and hard frozen burns abounding.
I set about climbing Coire Na Ciste and I got to 2000 feet before discovering
that I was seriously in need of some Gym Time very soon.
I used some "mini glaciers" to help me get across the frozen heather
I found a very cold mossy plateau and set up a simple camp in the lee of
the mountain top.
Lunch was tomato soup, bread and hot sweet tea.
I soon discovered how much longer liquids take to boil in these climes.
Rest and relaxation was difiicult as the bitter cold permeated my ground sheet
and every old bone in my body - I really would not like to spend a night
up there!
However, the crisp, clean air was refreshing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the
magnificent views North towards the snow-covered high-tops.
The days are still very short at this time of year and I made my careful way
back down before the watery sun set.
This was more of a recon than a serious walk, but I saw enough to make
me want to return again soon!
As usual, I would love to read your comments.
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Comments
| taxi for graham | By ANON on Jan 21 2011 at 3:03 PM |
| a clear crisp day if a little cold maybe...i was beginning to think you had lost your walking boots,it`s been that long since you`ve been out...hope you are well and planning a few more outings soon,another couple of months before the fishing season starts for me.......regards m. | |
| taxi for graham | By ANON on Jan 28 2011 at 12:51 PM |
| hi stranger,it`s been a while since you`ve been out,i was beginning to think you had lost your walking boots or had taken up fishing...hope you are well...i`m eagerly waiting for March to arrive so i can get back out again,loch broom is a must this season....regards M. | |
| Best Taxi in Edinburgh | By Graham Lumsden on Jan 28 2011 at 6:23 PM |
| Hi good buddy, Good to hear from you. Was itching to get going! A different kind of cold up there. Hope you manage Loch Broom - there two ways in! Hope to meet with you this year |
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