Argyll Outdoor Navigation

Bracken

2012-03-10T16:46:00.001Z

Bracken in Gaelic is Raineach, hence Rannoch Moor a place well known to walkers.

Bracken, is a fern, an ancient plant which is very pervasive. It grows quickly, can reach a height of two metres, and if dense can be difficult to walk through. Bracken is a natural home to ticks, and we have to be aware of this as they can cause the serious condition known as Lyme's Disease, so it pays to be aware of this especially during the tick season.

Paps of Jura

2012-03-08T21:52:00.000Z

Paps of Jura

As seen from Caol-Ila this must be one of the most photographed scenes along with Buchaille Etive Mor and Glencoe in the whole of Scotland

Glen Kinglass

2012-03-06T18:16:00.000Z

Glen Kinglass, picked Linda up from the ferry then it was off for the 30 min drive to the bottom of the Rest and Be Thankful.
Parked the car at the Butterbridge car park then it was shanks pony up the glen.
At this time the weather was fine but shortly it started to change with a slight drizzle which gradually increased along with the wind.
We followed the track up the glen passing the remains of the farm and old quarry's, until we reached the area of Abyssinia Cottage, we noticed from the track that the door was open so it was decided to stop there for

a cuppa on the way back.
Once we reached the top of the glen it was a swing round to the right and behind the tree line for the route back. When we reached the top of the re-entrant up the cottage we left the track and headed downhill following the burn down to the cottage. The cottage is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a old lady, so Linda asked permission if it was ok to enter the cottage, never received an answer so we took it that is was ok to go in .
Once we had a cuppa it was back down the glen and home.

Tick Awareness

2012-02-27T12:21:00.000Z

Hill walkers and Ramblers and all those who work in the great outdoors were warned yesterday of a huge rise in ticks that can cause Lyme's Disease. The ticks thrive in heavy vegetation especially bracken which has not really been affected this winter due to the mild conditions and also the ban on the herbicide Asulam.

When out and about it is advisable to wear long sleeved tops and trousers and get into the habit of physically checking yourself when you get back from your walk.

6th Bn A and SH Well, Loch Thom

2012-02-20T19:14:00.000Z

This well is situated on the track back to Overton from the Visitor Centre at the Greenock Cut and Loch Thom.

When you leave the centre head up the track until you have a cottage on your right hand side, just past the cottage on the left is the well.

To the best of my knowledge it was built as it states by the 6th Argylls who used to use the hills around Loch Thom for training and the well was situated on this track which was used for route marches.

Looking at the well it could do with a wee bit care and maintenance, mainly a lick of paint. It looks like the well is being used as a "wishing well" with the few coins that are in the basin.

Greenock Cut and Loch Thom

2012-02-19T20:06:00.002Z

The Greenock Cut and Loch Thom the last time I was up here in this area was on a night navigation exercise with the Greenock Coastguard Team, the time before that I must have been about 16.
Seeing it in daylight was disappointing the old dam at the Greenock end just looks like one big cesspit and tow think all those years ago you had to have a permit to fish for the trout that it used to hold.
The cut was man made to supply water for the mills in Greenock but these have long gone and so has the water supply.
However what is left is a very popular walk, like today

It was like Argyll Street, without the the buses it was that busy.
The weather was fine, cold and clear just ideal for a walk and the company was great.
Stopped at Loch Thom for a cuppa and snack then it was of again to finish the last 2 miles back to the car park.

Abyssinia Cottage Glen Kinglass

2012-02-16T11:05:00.001Z

Abyssinia Cottage Glen Kinglass
The story goes that the once owner of the cottage an Ian M'or or (Big John) had spent quite a considerable time in Abyssinia and he spoke so much of that country to his neighbours that the cottage came to known as Abyssinia.

It is also strongly rumoured that the house is haunted by an old lady

2012-02-12T20:00:00.002Z

Glenbranter

This walk is actually in the Glenbranter Forest, once you have parked your vehicle in the forestry commision car park you just follow the route of the Cowal Way.

You have one long steady climb ahead to the track junction and then you leave the Cowal Way and take the track up Glen Shellish. Once you get to the top of the glen you are spoilt for choice on your return route yo can take your pick from any of the three.

Glen Kin and the Coffin trail

2012-02-03T17:03:00.003Z

Well it was up and out this morning short drive to Glen Kin. Parked the car got the gear on and crossed over the bridge onto the forestry track and headed for the top of the Glen. It was a cold clear frosty day and like most of the country lots of damage to trees by the storms.

On the map it will show you the path which was the original start of the Coffin Trail from this end. This is no longer there due to logging. However just keep walking for another 240 metres and besides the picnic shelter there is a sign showing the Coffin Trail route. The path follows the run of the Allt a' Chascheum burn follow this until you cross over the stile to the other side of the fence this is a steep climb and still a bit to go. In bad weather or poor visibility it is advisable to follow the fence line using it as a handrail until you reach the top of the saddle, Bealach na Sreine from here you can carry on with the trail or visit some of the hill tops in the area, but keep an eye on the weather.

Walk Tomorrow

2012-02-02T21:09:00.003Z

Heading out up Glen Kin and up to the beallach and across to Giants Knoll. Had a call from my oldest son today asking if I would like to meet up with him and Davy at Arrochar going to do Ben Ime, Ben Narnain, decided against it. Hope they have a good day for it and stay safe.

Hard Going

2012-01-27T15:33:00.000Z

Went for a walk today up through Bishops Glen on the path which normally would bring you out on the top forestry track then you would continue up to Bishops Seat. Well the path is fine for awhile then you start hitting all the storm damage. I lost count on how many trees I climbed over or went around.

Then the path stops as such, you have to cross the burn and continue up the hill on the left hand side of the cleared area. This was the route of the original path but was used for the machinery by the logging company and is just a total mess.

I can see problems with this when we start getting the rambling clubs coming up from England later in the year. and they try to find this path especially coming down from Bishops Seat or any of the forestry paths higher up.

Storm Damage Pucks Glen

2012-01-26T14:07:00.003Z

Storm Damage Pucks Glen
The walk up the bottom half of the glen is in a bad way with fallen trees in the gorge, also in places there have been some landslips and parts of the path swept away by falling trees.

It will probarly take awhile for the glen to be back to its normal state but at the moment the bottom half is closed due to it being unsafe.

Other forest paths in the area can be used but signs have been put up to warn the public to be aware of the storm damage.
The upper part of the glen is fine I walked it this morning and the there are no trees down blocking the path.

Holiday Cottage Ardnamurchan

2012-01-24T01:50:00.002Z

Fancy a break away from the hustle and bustle of town life why not visit Ardnamurchan Peninsular and stay in a cosy holiday cottage or a good hotel. Want more information click on the links.

www.fraserscottage.co.uk

www.salenhotel.co.uk

Check them both and see what is on offer, and go enjoy the wonderful scenery and wildlife that is in the area.

Film Highland Tiger

2012-01-20T16:00:00.001Z

Watch this film about the Scottish Wildcat worth the watching. I think I'am very privileged to have seen the wildcat in its natural habitat. It was dusk on the Ardnamurchan Peninsular, a site I will never forget.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KggHYLzaqiw&feature=colike

Web Site

2012-01-19T19:13:00.003Z

Been working on my web site the last couple of days especially on the guided walks in the Dunoon and Argyll area even though some have bare pages its still work in progress. Most of the walks I have done over the years but I still need to go and re-walk them just to check, also get some up to date photos.

New Walks

2012-01-16T02:50:00.000Z

Guided walks in the Dunoon area still work in progress will probarly take a couple of months to get it all walked and photographed all depending on weather conditions on my days off.

Storm Damage Bishops Glen

2012-01-11T17:10:00.000Z

Went for a walk up Bishops Glen this morning only to find that the path was blocked in quite a few places with fallen trees. This part of the path (photo) was blocked with approx 5 very large trees with trunks 3 ft in diameter.
So with a bit of scrambling and detours I managed to complete the walk.
But it was nice to see that they had already started to remove the fallen trees on the other side of the glen, which is good for this is a very popular short walk with the locals.

What a Day

2012-01-09T14:59:00.002Z

Finished night shift this morning, went to bed for a couple of hours and woke up to a cracking day, blue skies and sunshine wee nip in the air, went for a haircut and a walk round the town. Hope it stays like this mebbe get out into the hills on Wednesday, here's hoping.

Climber Risks Lives

2012-01-06T12:27:00.000Z

A climber rescued from a mountain after going up dressed in little more than a jacket and trousers was playing with others lives.

The climber spent several hours on Ben Ledi after being stranded in a blizzard.

He was saved by a MRT in treacherous conditions but they found out he had no map or compass and no extra food or clothing.

All I have to say is that this person who ever they are should in future stay at home and keep of the mountains, they are a danger to themselves and others.

After the Storm

2012-01-04T16:38:00.001Z

Well its back to work tomorrow after 4 days off and the weather as been terrible what with the storms and the torrential rain which so happens to be still pouring down at the moment. Had to sort out my shed today along with my son David with it being damaged during the storm. Driving through the town today all you can see is damage to property fences and trees down but the clear up is well under way and the insurance people must be snowed under with calls from across the country.

2012-01-03T16:20:00.001Z

Waves batter the shore line in the Holy Loch during this mornings Hurricane Force winds reaching speeds of 90 /100 mph. Lots of damage in the town and to houses.

Guided Walks Dunoon and Argyll

2012-01-02T20:31:00.001Z

At the moment this is in the planning stage with quite a bit of work to be done. Even though I have walked most of all the routes in the area its a matter of choosing which ones to include in the package. So at the moment its going to be a lot of re-walking the routes and taking photographs and checking distances and timings.
Hopefully it should not take to long and have it done by the summer.

New Year

2012-01-01T04:27:00.002Z

Just like to wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope 2012 is good to you.

2011-12-30T12:08:00.001Z

View from the office the other day when the second storm of the winter hit the West coast, at one the time a gust measured on the gauge at 80 knots. This was the day when I finished work I had to drive home with all the ferries cancelled. So it was up Loch Lomond side across the Rest and Be Thankfull (No landslides this time) but the side of Ben Imme all lit up with floodlights so when you are stopped at the traffic lights you can see the landslide coming but with a red light against you, you would be in shit street. Anyway once on the other side it was onto the road for Dunoon and home. In all it took me 1hr and 40 mins.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T14:23:00.004Z

Well it's Christmas Eve, finished work this morning and off for 4 days. Torrential rain outside but who cares its Christmas. Going to my nieces for dinner tomorrow so its time to relax and enjoy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS