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!

Tomgarrow Loch
Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Jun 10 2009 at 5:35 AM
Highland Travelogue >>

Tomgarrow Loch is atop a forested hill to the South West of Dunkeld.
Its accessed by way of one of the sign posted forest walks in the area.
I parked at The Hermitage Car Park because I wanted to walk through this lovely area, but if you want a shorter hike, park at the Inver Car Park.









At the Inver Car Park, follow the sign for Braan Walk, carefully crossing first the Inver, then the Dunkeld-Crieff Roads.


Pass through the gate and trachle up the winding forest tracks for a mile or so.



When you come to this junction, bear right.

The track meanders around the edges of the hill
Here is a view of Craigie Barns

My camera malfunctioned today and I could not preview my pics, so exposure was hit and miss - sorry!
At the top of the hill, a short track on the right takes you down to the Loch

The Loch is average sized, and very beautiful, surrounded by thick mixed woodland,but very boggy near the edges.

I made my way along to the North end and set up camp a little back from the edge, beneath some conifers.

I was immediately set upon by hordes of Midges.
Anyone who has experienced these little *!£$%'s will tell you what a biting nuisance they are.
So it became a priority to set a smoky fire which easily kept them at bay - the best insect repellent is a smoke fire!

I also set up the tarp as the rain clouds were threatening.
I enjoyed watching the myriad of trout jumping at flies.
I took some photos, but the exposure was guesswork.





I had sausage, tomato and beans, followed by toast and butter and some tea.
I am happy to say that I met no-one around the Loch, and I had a very relaxing day.


I stayed for a couple of hours before striking camp and making my way back down the hill.
I like Tomgarrow Loch a lot, and I am sure I will visit again.
Please leave me your comments!

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