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!

Two unamed Lochans atop The Sma' Glen
Posted by Graham Lumsden (highlandp) on Aug 04 2008 at 4:14 PM
Highland Travelogue >>

I'm quickly running out of Lochs and Lochans in Perthshire.
Today, it was West on the Crieff Road, turn right at Gilmerton and on up the hill.
The Sma' (Small) Glen begins a few miles further on at the Buchanty Road end.
Parents took their children here when they were small to see a "mini highlands"
Parking is a problem on this narrow road.
I easily found the gate I was seeking but I had to drive on a quarter mile to park.
Access is through this gate, a mile after the stone bridge.



The track rises all the way - just follow the Pylons



Now, here is the first strange thing - I came upon a small Lochan that is not on the OS map.



I double checked - definitely not on the map - so - I decided to name it as I discovered it!
I named it after my wonderful wife. I called it after the Gaelic version of her middle name - so its now called Lochan Gráinne (Grace) - and so shall it be for evermore!

When you come to this fork, turn left - then the climb becomes torture!



There are some stunning views as you climb - including old Schiehallion - my personal Compass Point!



Eventually, you will come to this hut, where you should turn right.



You soon see the Lochan far down in a corry



I set up camp on the South shore



Then I took the required photos.
The Lochan is not named on the map





After a hearty lunch and a wee nap, I packed up and made my way back down the path



Now, on the way up, I passed a Grouse Trap with a Corby (crow) trapped inside, so I stopped to release it - it gave me a dirty look and flew off!



I had seen and heard a lot of wildlife - three Buzzards, Lapwings, Curlew, a huge Mountain Hare.
Its a tough climb, but well worth it on a gorgeous day.
The whole trip took 5.5 hours
I hope you enjoyed it with me and you'll leave me a comment.

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