18th September 2007
Following on from the last entry, here's some photos of the link path between Clachaig car parks and the bridge over the Coe at the old Visitor Centre car park.

In addition, to providing a good round trip walk through An Tor and Signal Rock woodland, this also connects with the new path heading up the glen as shown below. Once the bridge works are completed at the Clachaig junction, access on foot to the lower glen will be much improved.

This improvement is very welcome. Exploring on foot has never been that easy and yet walking amidst the amazing mountain scenery is a highlight of a visit to the glen and should be available to everyone, not just those intent on bagging the Munros.

There'll also the option of making a round trip walk, returning to Clachaig on the old road from the junction.

Although walkable, the path isn't yet complete. However, with one of the bridges already in and a good firm base along its entire length it can't be far from finished.

12th September 2007
Here's a photo of the new riverside path close to Clachaig. The local network is slowly expanding with a new section completed in the woods at An Tor (behind Clachaig) and the finishing touches being put on the link path from Clachaig to the old visitor centre car park bridge via the stream. Once finished, these sections will provide a variety of round trip low level walks through woodland and open glen. And as you can see, the back drop is rather stunning!

10th September 2007
Fort William was awash with bikers during the past 6 days as the Mountain Bike World Championships came to town. We usually like being out there doing it more than we do watching others but it has to be said that it did make for an excellent spectator event. With 4-cross, trials, cross country and downhill all taking place, and an event village the size of a small town, the atmosphere was fantastic - world class even! Check out the web site for some of the action.

And to keep the 40,000 or so spectators happy, we did our bit at The Grog & Gruel with Fat Tyre Ale, Royal Racing (Ale of Champions Ale) and a rather special Peaty Malt (our homage to Steve Peat - two times winner of the World Cup). Needless to say, stocks of all these specials sold out very quickly.

All in all a great week and we look forward to doing it all over again next June when the World Cup comes back to town.

1st September 2007
Ok, I know, its not big and its not clever, but I've been and gone and done it again. Running up and down Britain's highest mountain in the annual Ben Nevis Race must come with a health warning. Mental health that is. Why oh why do I keep on saying yes to these things...?

Anyway, 404 hardy soles made it up to the summit of Ben Nevis at 4406 feet above and back in quite wet and cold conditions. How long I hear you ask? Well, the current record set in 1984 of 1hr 24mins still stands after this years race. And I'd prefer to say that its the taking part that counts rather than discuss actual times. Suffice to say that 'wet and cold' must be where its at as I was more than 20 minutes faster than last year!

Roll on September 2008.

27th August 2007
No entries for a while... Yes, we've been busy working hard. And when not working hard, we've been making the most of the summer getting out and about and playing hard. So, to change all that here's a taster of what we've been up to...

Bank Holiday weekend, in England at least, so we thought we'd do what the rest of the country is reported to be doing and head to the beach. No motorway congestion for us though. The nearest thing to congestion we came across was the queue for the Corran Ferry.

First Stop over the ferry was for a walk through the Sunart Oakwoods to the new wildlife hide at Garbh Eilean. From the hide we were able to watch the seals basking on the rocks. The sun was out and the Forestry Commission had provided the benches so we broke out the picnic beaneath the trees overlooking Loch Sunart.

Back on the road heading west, and to the Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre at Glenborrodale. The Living Building was a big hit with the kids, where they explored the dark wildcat lair on hands and knees and got to watch the Ardnamurchan Golden Eagles.

The final leg of the journey west ended, well, as far west as you can go on the UK mainland at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is now open to visitors, and with the sun shining it was perfect day to climb to the top and take in the views of the isles. A great excuse to sit down and have a rest after climbing all those stairs! There's also the old engine room, the fog horn, and the stables cafe and, of course, the never ending swell of the sea to stare at, so plenty to make it a worth while journey to the edge of the country.

With the sight-seeing done, our final destination was the nearby beach at Sanna. With its remote location at the far end of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, you can pretty much guarantee that you'll avoid the crowds, even on a sunny bank holiday weekend!

The excuse these days is that we go because the kids love it. Buckets and spades out, water fights with the dog in the waves, sandcastles and all that... But in reality, I could walk on the beach every day and never tire of it.

And the perfect way to end the day? Well, of course that has to be to break out the disposal BBQ and fire it up for some wild boar sausages and a couple of Highland venison burgers borrowed from the kitchen at Clachaig. Don't forget that extra special ingredient; plenty of fresh air (and maybe a little sand too). Mmmm...

Sanna has always felt like a very special place, and with days out like today, it will always to continue to be so.

27th June 2007
There's a whole range of activities available in the Glencoe and Fort William area, mostly with clothing being included. However, they're not all as extreme as climbing a grade VI ice pinnacle naked.

To ensure that you get the most from a visit to the area, the local activity providers have come together under the Outdoor Capital of the UK banner to offer a central booking facility.

As of 2nd July, you'll be able to book a wide range of activities at the desk in the Tourist Information Centre in Cameron Square, Fort William. This will make it possible to get all the information you need, and confirm places and availability, all in one visit. That means less time thumbing through brochures and making phone calls and more time out there doing it.

So, naked ice climbing at the Ice Factor, or something more sedate that the whole family can enjoy, pop into Fort William and get it booked!

25th June 2007
If you've stayed at Clachaig during the last 20 years or so then chances are that you've come across Maureen, the Irish lady at the front desk who's more than capable of selling sand to the Arabs, snow to the Eskimos and rooms to the weary traveller. Alas, no more, as after *@!* years at Clachaig, Maureen retired this weekend.

Everyone here at Clachaig will miss both the Maureen and the huge contribution she's made over the many years in the front line and we're sure that every one who knows her will wish her all the best in her retirement.

21st June 2007
Lochaber has succeeded in its bid to become officially recognised as a European Geopark. The area which stretches from Rannoch Moor in the south, to Knoydart in the north, and from the Small Isles in the west to Glen Spean in the east is one of 31 parks in the European Geopark Network, an organisation established to protect and promote zones with rocks and features considered unique. Glencoe, with its caldera fault already attracts geology enthusiasts from far and wide. Read more about Glencoe's mountains on the Glencoe Scotland web site.

19th June 2007
The great thing about the state of Scottish brewing just now is the sheer abundance of breweries producing so many great beers. With the longest day all but on us, its no surprise that a summer brew is going down particularly well just now. 'Summer Blonde' brewed on Skye by the Isle of Skye Brewing Company was the fastest selling ale at Mayfest and is maintaining its popularity even against some of our most respected offerings.

At 4% ABV Summer Blonde is a light session beer described as pale in colour using Goldings and Cascade hops, producing a floral note on the nose with a smooth mouth feel. Alternatively, pop in and try some!