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Post by andi on Jan 25, 2007 0:56:30 GMT 10
Aviemore & Cairngorm Aviemore was once a little village and junction on the old Highland Railway. It was first expanded in the 1960s to service the ski developments on Cairngorm. Since then it has become an all-year centre and the main mountain gateway, a role confirmed by the opening of Cairngorm Mountain Railway, which takes visitors to within 122m of the summit of Cairngorm. The Cairngorms are the "most natural" wild land that still survives in the UK. They have been recognised as a European Union Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area. In addition to being a national nature reserve, they are also at the centre of the new Cairngorms National Park. The mountains are the largest area in the UK of tundra-type habitat, with five summits over 4000ft (1220m) and an extensive plateau beyond the 3000ft (914m) contour. All around Aviemore is a range of things to do. The Cairngorm Brewery Company offers tours, the Aviemore Kart Raceway caters for all ages. Aviemore is the western terminus of the Strathspey Steam Railway, which runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill. The Rothiemurchus Estate welcomes visitors with something for everyone, including a fish farm, guided walks, safari tours, clay pigeon shooting and lots more. Even nearer the mountains, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre enables visitors to see the UK's only reindeer herd free-ranging in their natural habitat. On the slopes of Cairngorm, the funicular railway allows visitors a view of the high, wild habitat of the plateau. (As a conservation measure, there is no access to the plateau from the railway top station, though there is an exhibition and restaurant.) Naturally, walking is very poplar, with walks of all grades, notably at lower level in the Rothiemurchus pinewoods. In winter, the funicular services the Cairngorm skiing area. There are also watersports available on Loch Morlich, by the ski access road. In short this is a very popular area centred on Aviemore with its good shopping choice and range of places to eat and drink. However, the backdrop of the high mountains is a constant reminder that a wilderness experience is close at hand. www.visithighlands.com/aviemore/aviemore-cairngorm/
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Post by andi on Jan 25, 2007 1:03:09 GMT 10
Carrbridge, Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge A little way north of the main granite massif of the Cairngorms - and hence offering superb views south - this area forming the northern fringe of the National Park runs out eastwards of the A9 along the River Spey. At Carrbridge, the Landmark Forest heritage Park offers plenty for families. Though its waterslides are its most conspicuous feature, there are plenty of other things to see and do (whatever the weather), from a treetop trail to the Microworld exhibition, with much of the 30-acre woodland park designed to allow energetic children to let off steam. One of Strathspey's most famous annual visitors is the osprey. A conservation success story, ospreys are quite common along the river valley, but the most famous pair nest near the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's Osprey Centre by Loch Garten, where close-circuit tv and telescopes ensure all their domestic and nesting arrangements are under close view. The RSPB also care for much of the pinewoods around Abernethy, where birdwatchers can enjoy the local birdy specialities including crested tit, crossbill and the elusive capercaillie. Boat of Garten in particular has its own special atmosphere, picturesquely time-warped by the railway station when a steam train from Aviemore arrives. (The terminus at Broomhill was Glenbogle Station in the 'Monarch of the Glen' tv series.) However, Boat of Garten is also noted for its golf course, attractively set out among the birchwoods, and originally designed by the famous James Braid. (Nine-hole smaller courses also at Carrbridge and Nethybridge.) The Loch Garten and the Abernethy area offering a superb range of walking in the woods, while the Speyside Way takes in Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten. National Cycle Route No 7 (Inverness-Glasgow) also passes through Boat of Garten, with good off-road sections. In summary, this is a rural area north of the big hills. Tucked into the well-wooded and rolling terrain are peaceful little communities catering for visitors who are walkers, golfers, cyclists, anglers or birdwatchers (and steam train enthusiasts!). At the same time, there is a good range of other family attractions within easy reach all along Strathspey. www.visithighlands.com/aviemore/carrbridge/
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Post by andi on Jan 27, 2007 23:02:27 GMT 10
Fort William & LochaberAt the southern end of the Great Glen, this area's main town is Fort William, a major and well-resourced touring and route centre for the West Highlands. The area also takes in the Highland landscapes between Loch Linnhe, the major sea-loch at the south of the Great Glen, and the western seaboard itself. These include the lands of Ardnamurchan, Ardgour, Morvern and Moidart - rugged landscapes notable for their soft and mild Atlantic climate, and - in places - their lush growth of mossy, fern-rich woodlands. The A830 (the 'Road to the Isles') cuts through the area on its way west to the ferry-port of Mallaig, also reached from Fort William by rail - a route sometimes described as one of the world's most scenic train journeys. From Mallaig (and Arisaig), there are ferry connections to the Small Isles - classic hideaway destinations. Around Fort William itself, notable features include the southern end of the Caledonian Canal, with its cruising and activity options; also Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. There are outdoor activities in plenty here, including walking and climbing, cycling and mountain biking, riding and trekking, golf, angling and a range of water-sports The Lochaber area simply includes some of Scotland's finest mountain scenery - easily seen, for example, from the road through Glencoe, not only a scene of Highland grandeur but also the setting for the infamous Massacre of Glencoe, a tragic event in Scotland's clan story. The Regions Ardnamurchan Road to the Isles Glen Spean and the Great Glen and Glencoe & Loch Leven belong to Fort William & Lochaber www.visithighlands.com/fort-william-lochaber/
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Post by andi on Jan 27, 2007 23:14:56 GMT 10
Ardnamurchan The peninsula of Ardnamurchan (from Gaelic: the promontory of the great seas) leads out to the most westerly location in Britain, Ardnamurchan Point. The drive there reveals plenty of scenic grandeur of loch and rugged wooded hill-slope and goes by way of a single-track (single-lane) along the north shore of Loch Sunart. It finally reaches Ardnamurchan Point itself after crossing an area of crag and moorland. The bedrock of today's landscapes are what geologists call ring-dykes - ring-shaped bodies of rock, several miles across. These relics of ancient volcanic activity are conspicuous features of western Ardnamurchan. (Geology is inescapable here, with the village of Strontian giving its name to the element Strontium.) Though the area is wholly rural and without large communities, the main centres are Strontian, Salen and Acharacle, with a good range of accommodation and some small local shops. North of Acharacle, Castle Tioram, ruinous 14th-century former seat of the Macdonalds of Clan Ranald, can be seen on a tiny islet linked to the mainland by a sandy beach. Landscape and wildlife are interpreted at the Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre, while the Ardnamurchan Point Lighthouse has exhibitions and hands-on displays on lighthouse life. The third visitor centre in the area, the Ariundle Centre, takes a craft theme, as well as interpreting local history, and is a reminder that the area in general has a good range of facilities for visitors. As well as the most westerly section, Ardnamurchan, this area also takes in Morvern, south of Loch Sunart - a wild area of unfrequented corners, with excellent wildlife watching opportunities. The village of Lochaline also has a short ferry connection with the Island of Mull. Nearer to Fort William lies Ardgour - again, a wild and unspoilt area which attracts walkers and climbers to its craggy hills and empty reaches. In summary, this is an area ideal for an encounter with unspoilt Scotland - wildlife watching opportunities in plenty - for example, otters, seals, red deer - amid grand scenery and a superb coastline, as well as historic associations with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Angling, boat trips and craft shops add to the range of options. www.visithighlands.com/fort-william-lochaber/ardnamurchan/
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Post by andi on Jan 27, 2007 23:21:36 GMT 10
The Road to the Isles The original Road to the Isles referred to tracks further north than the present A830, but was also road(s) from the isles - meaning the old cattle droving roads from Skye to the main markets in central Scotland. This romantic title is now applied to the Fort William to Mallaig road - its 45 miles (72km) one of Scotland's most scenic routes. It runs mostly on a single carriageway (two-lane highway) with only a short single track (single lane) section. The journey to Mallaig can also be made by rail and, in summer, behind a steam locomotive - the Jacobite Steam Train. Whatever transport method is used, on the way the Glenfinnan Monument is the introduction to the Bonnie Prince Charlie associations for which the area is known. The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre at Glenfinnan tells the story of the Prince's rash adventure here. As well as the Monument, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is also a landmark in the story of concrete construction and has more recently been associated with scenes from Harry Potter films. There is also a Glenfinnan Railway Museum. Beyond the attractive village of Arisaig - with its Land Sea and Islands Centre telling the story of the local area - views open out across the seaboard by the famous White Sands of Morar (as featured in the movie Local Hero). A short way from the road is Loch Morar, the deepest loch in Britain. Mallaig itself is the ferryport for Armadale (Skye) and has its own Heritage Centre and (opposite) the Mallaig Marine World featuring local sealife. Mallaig also is one gateway to the remote Knoydart peninsula, for the ultimate in escapes to this rugged and roadless part of Scotland (main settlement - Inverie). The Small Isles can also be reached from Mallaig (and Arisaig). Rum is a national nature reserve and Canna is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, and like Eigg and Rum, have some accommodation for visitors - though it is important to book in advance. Day cruises also operate to the islands and there are also cruises on Loch Shiel and to Knoydart (from Mallaig). In short, this is a very varied and characterful area, combining magnificent hill scenery with (in places) remoteness and also an island experience. www.visithighlands.com/fort-william-lochaber/road-to-the-isles/
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Post by andi on Jan 27, 2007 23:36:05 GMT 10
Glen Spean and the Great Glen The Great Glen was created by the sideways sliding of the earth's crust along a fault line in ancient geological times. Later glacial action had further dramatic impact on the scenery. Today, this coast-to-coast straight valley allows easy passage for road and canal communications. Evidence of the glaciers which shaped the rugged landscape can be seen in Glen Roy, north of Glen Spean, where the famous landscape features known as the Parallel Roads are ancient shorelines of glacier-dammed lochs. The Caledonian Canal in the Great Glen links three natural lochs and was completed in 1822. Today it is mostly used by leisure craft (cruises and watersports available). Both the Great Glen Way (for walkers) and the Great Glen Cycleway run parallel to it and in places use the towpath. Glen Spean carries an important east-west route to and from Speyside. Spean Bridge (woollen mill here) stands at its junction with the Great Glen. The area around Spean Bridge and the southern end of Loch Lochy (one of the three lochs in the Great Glen) is rich in associations with the Jacobite clans and the uprising in 1745. This is also one of the themes of the Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry Castle near the south west end of the loch. A more recent theme also explored at Achnacarry is the use of the area as a training ground for Commandos during World War II. The well-known and very moving Commando Memorial stands near Spean Bridge, while the museum at Achnacarry, their training HQ, is also the starting point for the Commando Dark Mile Trail. (The Dark Mile itself is a very old name for a stretch of the B8005 between Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig to the west, referring to the dense trees which once grew there.) This trail points out some of the main training places for these forces. (The Chia-Aig Falls, one of the locations in the movie "Rob Roy", are also at the far end of this stretch of road.) Further north and west, the Glengarry Visitor Centre exhibits local history as well as the area's connection with Glengarry, Canada. www.visithighlands.com/fort-william-lochaber/glen-spean-great-glen/
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Post by andi on Jan 27, 2007 23:40:58 GMT 10
Fort William & Glen Nevis Fort William is the principal town in the West Highlands. It takes its name from a fort founded here in 1690 and named after William, Prince of Orange. As a busy centre it offers a wide range of shops and services, including major supermarkets and businesses selling outdoor and activity wear, books, tartans, tweeds, woollens and crafts, mostly along its pleasant and pedestrianised main street. Its location as a meeting-place for West Highland routes also means it has a range of pubs, places to eat and Scottish entertainment. The West Highland Museum in the town's main square takes up the theme of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites, with many relics from those times. On the edge of town, to the north, The Ben Nevis Distillery and Visitor Centre marks the entrance to Glen Nevis. Only minutes down the glen is the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (Ionad Nibheis), a countryside and local heritage interpretation centre (useful for weather reports and advice if visitors are planning a Ben Nevis expedition). Glen Nevis itself, with the flanks of Ben Nevis rising on one side also offers superb Highland scenery and a choice of walking routes. Only a minute or two further out, on the A830 "The Road to the Isles", the Caledonian Canal drops down to Loch Linnhe at a spectacular series of locks, "Neptune's Staircase", where there is always some canal activity to enjoy. Nearby, Treasures of the Earth at Corpach is an attraction displaying fine collections of gemstones and crystals. Signs on the main A82 north of the town point to Nevis Range, the all year attraction on the slopes of Aonach Mor. As well as Scotland's highest ski area, Nevis Range features Britain's only mountain gondola to 2150ft (60m). Making good use here of the long open slopes of the mountain, Nevis Range also has Britain's longest downhill mountain bike track, which has played host to international events. Other activities such as watersports, angling, golf, riding and trekking are also available, and there is a dive training centre in the town itself. In summary, Fort William is a town with plenty for visitors and makes a good base for exploring the spectacular West Highland scenery. www.visithighlands.com/fort-william-lochaber/fort-william-glen-nevis/
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Post by andi on Jan 27, 2007 23:44:21 GMT 10
Glencoe & Loch Leven In terms of its scenery, Glencoe is a 'must-see' - in few other parts of Scotland can so much mountain grandeur be seen in close-up for so little effort. Though the views from the road are spectacular, Glencoe draws walkers and climbers on to its ridges and corries with its superb choice of rugged terrain. The mountain called Buchaille Etive Mor 'the great shepherd of Etive' guards the way into the glen from the west; the huge buttresses known as the Three Sisters loom above the road and hide the summits of the mighty Bidean nan Bian (highest point in Argyll) on the south side. Opposite, the Aonach Eagach ridge has a reputation as the narrowest and most sensational on the Scottish mainland. Though Glencoe itself has its share of mighty hills, Kinlochleven to the north is another excellent walking base, likewise surrounded by high tops and a superb choice of high level routes. West of the glen, the main A82 crosses Loch Leven by the Ballachulish Bridge en route to Fort William. (There is a confectionery factory at North Ballachulish, where the sweet-toothed can enjoy a video on the history of chocolate). The A828 takes the coastal route south by Loch Linnhe's shores, passing Kentallen and Duror before continuing south for Kinlochlaich Gardens, Barcaldine Castle (open peak season only) and the Scottish Sealife and Marine Centre (close encounters with seals guaranteed). Other attractions in the area include the Aluminium Story Visitor Centre at Kinlochleven. This tells the story of this village's aluminium smelter (closed 2000) and its pioneering use of hydro-electricity. Finally, back in Glencoe, the Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Museum portrays the old Highland ways, in an authentic heather-thatched cottage, whiles the Glencoe Visitor Centre brings to life the other association of the glen. The Massacre of Glencoe in 1692 is remembered today as government-sanctioned murder and a betrayal which shocked Scotland. In summary, for a spectacular setting and a unique atmosphere, Glencoe is unbeatable. This is an area for outdoor lovers with skiing at the Glencoe ski area in winter and the West Highland Way further extending the walking options. Main centres are Kinlochleven, Ballachulish, Onich and Glencoe village. www.visithighlands.com/fort-william-lochaber/glencoe/
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Post by mcnass on Jan 28, 2007 0:24:50 GMT 10
Thank you very much for those wonderful and excellent reports, Andi! . I visited all these places and it makes me dreaming.... In 2005 I have been at Ardnamurchan - its just like a 'Wee-Scotland'. It was wonderful... beautiful sunsets until the mist rolls over from the sea: Sometimes it was difficult to travel by car: The Ardnamurchan Lighthouse:
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Post by andi on Jan 28, 2007 19:41:17 GMT 10
Glad you liked them, these pictures are beautiful. I've never been to Ardnamurchan but would definitely give it a try.
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Post by mcnass on Jan 29, 2007 4:12:49 GMT 10
Mmmh, I'm still dreaming of that excellent cottage... however, it was quite expensive.
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Post by roper on Jan 31, 2007 4:31:20 GMT 10
GREAT pics, they are bringing back some wonderful memory's for me
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