Highland break.
It's 3 years since we've visited the highlands in autumn so this year it was a must. The weather was terrible as we headed north on Tuesday, with heavy rain and strong wind, but the forecast suggested that things would improve. Luckily they did as we reached Blair Atholl so we decided to take the mountain bikes up Glen Tilt. We rode about 12 miles up the valley enjoying the autumn colours and seeing no one. The river was in full flow after all the rain and was an amazing sight.
The weather was much better as we turned and headed back to the car and it was great to be back 'up north' with the prospect of more good days to come in Aviemore.
We checked into the High Range Motel at about 4pm and then had a wander into town before having an excellent buffet in the High Range Restaurant. It was then time to pack and plan for a good walk on the hills on Wednesday. We decided to do 2 Munros up Glen Feshie - Sgor Gaoith and Mullach Clach a Bhlair - which we've done twice before.
We were up and away early on Wednesday excited by the prospect of a long day out. It was much calmer and colder as we headed off and the day looked promising despite the cloud on our chosen hills.
We made good progress up onto Carn Ban Mor, a subsidiary top of Sgor Gaoith, so we stopped in the shelter for a quick drink and a bar. Hoar frost coated the grass and the visibility was limited. This was disappointing as I'd hoped to get a view from the Munro for the first time. The summit was soon reached and for the 3rd time I was denied the view down to Loch Einich.
In the cold we didn't linger long and headed off to cross the Moine Mhor on route to the second Munro. After 30 minutes the cloud lifted and we were treated to some good views of the Cairngorms and some great Autumn colours. This contrasted greatly to our last crossing of the area 9 years ago in snow.
After a hot drink and some food on the second summit it was time to descend and at this point the sun began to shine. Glen Feshie looked great and it was a pleasure to walk back to the car past superb Scots Pine despite tiring legs and feet.
Back in Aviemore we had another great buffet meal, got ready for the next day out and then headed to bed feeling relaxed but tired after our longest day out for some time.
On our honeymoon, 6 years ago, we enjoyed some great mountain biking in the Rothiemurchus Forest and were keen to ride some of the trails again. In October 2008 snow covered the ground but it was very mild as we left the Motel on Thursday morning.
It's a while since we've ridden much off road so we took it easy stopping frequently to take in the views. The trails were very quiet and, in what seemed like no time, we arrived at the Ski Road Cafe where we had tea and sweet treat.
Unfortunately as we left it started to rain but this wasn't going to put us off completing out planned route. We climbed steadily up the An Sluggan pass and then enjoyed the downhill to the Boat of Garten road despite one or two dodgy sections. Before reaching the village we took in an extra loop to Loch Garten which was well worth doing.
The last leg of the ride was along the Speyside Way and gave good views of the Cairngorm massif. On arriving in Aviemore we headed to the Mountain Cafe but a long queue put us off staying. Instead it was back to Motel after giving the bikes a wash at Mikes Bikes on the Ski Road.
An excellent day was rounded off with a superb meal in the High Range Restaurant.
Friday was our last day and as it was very windy we decided to climb a Corbett - Meall a Bhuchaille above Glenmore Lodge. This was the 4th hill we climbed together in Scotland 10 years ago. This time we did it in reverse climbing first to Ryvoan Bothy before traversing the hill and descending back to Glenmore. It was overcast and windy throughout but there were good views and we thoroughly enjoyed the round.
Before heading down the road we just had to go to the Ski Road Cafe for tea and a Lorne sausage roll to round off an excellent trip. It won't be 3 years before we're back up in the autumn.
We stayed in Symington on Friday night and on Saturday headed into Edinburgh. We had a great wee walk over Salisbury Crags and Carlton Hill before having an excellent lunch in Cafe Rouge. This was followed by a quick walk through Princes Street Gardens and a browse around the odd shop before heading back to the village.
The weather was much better as we turned and headed back to the car and it was great to be back 'up north' with the prospect of more good days to come in Aviemore.
We checked into the High Range Motel at about 4pm and then had a wander into town before having an excellent buffet in the High Range Restaurant. It was then time to pack and plan for a good walk on the hills on Wednesday. We decided to do 2 Munros up Glen Feshie - Sgor Gaoith and Mullach Clach a Bhlair - which we've done twice before.
About to leave Old Blair Car Park.
The ride up Glen Tilt :
Autumn colours were hanging on and the views were great in the clearing weather.
Susan at our high point just below the Falls of Tilt.
The ride back down the valley made us realise how good the highlands are at this time of year.
We were up and away early on Wednesday excited by the prospect of a long day out. It was much calmer and colder as we headed off and the day looked promising despite the cloud on our chosen hills.
We made good progress up onto Carn Ban Mor, a subsidiary top of Sgor Gaoith, so we stopped in the shelter for a quick drink and a bar. Hoar frost coated the grass and the visibility was limited. This was disappointing as I'd hoped to get a view from the Munro for the first time. The summit was soon reached and for the 3rd time I was denied the view down to Loch Einich.
In the cold we didn't linger long and headed off to cross the Moine Mhor on route to the second Munro. After 30 minutes the cloud lifted and we were treated to some good views of the Cairngorms and some great Autumn colours. This contrasted greatly to our last crossing of the area 9 years ago in snow.
After a hot drink and some food on the second summit it was time to descend and at this point the sun began to shine. Glen Feshie looked great and it was a pleasure to walk back to the car past superb Scots Pine despite tiring legs and feet.
Back in Aviemore we had another great buffet meal, got ready for the next day out and then headed to bed feeling relaxed but tired after our longest day out for some time.
On the excellent path up Carn Ban Mor.
Looking down into Glen Feshie.
Easy walking just below the cloud base.
Carn Ban Mor summit shelter - in the cloud.
Approaching the Munro summit in the clag with hoar frost on the ground.
The final climb to the top.
Susan just visible on the summit.
Susan's 3rd time on the top.
My 3rd ascent and still no views !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heading across the Moine Mhor.
The main Cairngorm Massif came into view.
On the Moine Mhor.
Our last crossing of the Moine Mhor in January 2006.
Approaching the 2nd Munro.
Susan's 2nd or is it 3rd ascent of Mullach Clach a Bhlair.
My 3rd ascent of Mullach Clach a Bhlair.
Leaving for the descent into Glen Feshie.
Some excellent views on the descent.
Scots Pine make the valley a pleasure to walk through.
Making friends with a Stalkers Pony.
Walking along the bank of the River Feshie.
One of two Burn crossings on the last leg back to the car.
On our honeymoon, 6 years ago, we enjoyed some great mountain biking in the Rothiemurchus Forest and were keen to ride some of the trails again. In October 2008 snow covered the ground but it was very mild as we left the Motel on Thursday morning.
It's a while since we've ridden much off road so we took it easy stopping frequently to take in the views. The trails were very quiet and, in what seemed like no time, we arrived at the Ski Road Cafe where we had tea and sweet treat.
Unfortunately as we left it started to rain but this wasn't going to put us off completing out planned route. We climbed steadily up the An Sluggan pass and then enjoyed the downhill to the Boat of Garten road despite one or two dodgy sections. Before reaching the village we took in an extra loop to Loch Garten which was well worth doing.
The last leg of the ride was along the Speyside Way and gave good views of the Cairngorm massif. On arriving in Aviemore we headed to the Mountain Cafe but a long queue put us off staying. Instead it was back to Motel after giving the bikes a wash at Mikes Bikes on the Ski Road.
An excellent day was rounded off with a superb meal in the High Range Restaurant.
Excellent riding through the Rothiemurchus Forest.
My 'sweet treat' in the Ski Road Cafe - Apple Strudel and cream.
Riding up and over the An Sluggan pass to Boat of Garten.
Loch Garten.
Some great tracks led to Boat of Garten from the Loch.
The Cairngorms from the Speyside Way.
On the Speyside Way.
Washing the dirt off at Mikes Bikes.
Susan riding the Rothiemurchus Forest trails on her Honeymoon!!!
Friday was our last day and as it was very windy we decided to climb a Corbett - Meall a Bhuchaille above Glenmore Lodge. This was the 4th hill we climbed together in Scotland 10 years ago. This time we did it in reverse climbing first to Ryvoan Bothy before traversing the hill and descending back to Glenmore. It was overcast and windy throughout but there were good views and we thoroughly enjoyed the round.
Before heading down the road we just had to go to the Ski Road Cafe for tea and a Lorne sausage roll to round off an excellent trip. It won't be 3 years before we're back up in the autumn.
The track to Ryvoan Bothy from Glenmore.
An Lochan Uaine.
A memorial bench by the loch.
Approaching the Bothy.
Outside the Bothy which was occupied.
Climbing up the maintained path to Meall a Bhuchaille.
Susan reaching the summit shelter.
On the summit - 10 great years after our first ascent in August 2004.
On the summit in 2004 - where has the time gone.
Descending to Glenmore on a very windy day.
Susan and her favourite tree - the Scots Pine.
We stayed in Symington on Friday night and on Saturday headed into Edinburgh. We had a great wee walk over Salisbury Crags and Carlton Hill before having an excellent lunch in Cafe Rouge. This was followed by a quick walk through Princes Street Gardens and a browse around the odd shop before heading back to the village.
Starting the walk over Salisbury Crag below Arthurs Seat.
Salisbury Crag and the view over Edinburgh towards the castle.
Looking back to Arthurs Seat.
Tremendous views across the city.
On the high point of the crags.
Descending with Holyrood in the background.
Burns Memorial.
Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street.
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