Invergarry Lodge

Archive for July, 2010

Finest viewpoint in Britain?

I’m supposed to be training for a Tranter round (18  Munros, 36 miles and  20,600 feet of ascent) in September so jumped at the chance for a day out with Rick, he had ideas about where to go but  I mentioned a small hill on Skye that I’d fancied for ages that has great views – he didn’t take much convincing once I mentioned it has been called the finest viewpoint in Britain.

There are a few approaches to Sgurr Na Stri  – Sligachan is the longest, over a wee bump from Loch Slapin is the shortest but we opted for the coastal path from Elgol, a narrow path running along the cliffs.

I’m not sure I can actually count it as training, it was only about 10 miles and very little of it got ran (it took us four hours) and although the ascent is hard work across some rough ground there is barely 2,000 foot of ascent – not ideal as a training day but check out the views! I’ll definitely be returning for a night out on this hill in the future.

If the big run isn’t until September – is it too early to start taking on reserves of energy, you know, chocolate and stuff?

–Matt

Scottish Hills: Part Of A Calorie Controlled Diet

Some people will do anything so they can enjoy a bar of chocolate or a piece of cake without the guilty feeling they’ll be piling on the pounds. Me? I normally run a 5 mile loop from the hostel and round the local forest, but every now and again I have to head up high and get my hill fix. While the hostel is busy it means setting off late in the evening after Alby has had his bath so Jen can take over hostel duties without an 8 month old hindrance.
Obviously setting off for the hills in the evening has its pros and cons. The cons: You often can’t tell how the weather will change in the evening, it’ll be a lot colder than it has been all day, you’ll more than likely be descending in the dark, after you get back you can’t sleep because you haven’t had time to unwind and finally, you miss out on your evening glass of wine!

There are also benefits – you’ll likely have the hill to yourself  – which is great if you have  our dog with you – and you get to see some amazing sights as the sun sets over the hills.

Last night wasn’t perfect weather-wise as I headed to A’Chralaig in Glen Shiel but was still rewarded with some nice views – your allotted bar of chocolate tastes a lot better when you feel you’ve earned it and you get to enjoy a view like this.

–Matt

Glengarry Forest Biking

We regularly get asked about mountain biking round the local forest so we thought we’d make you a little video so you can see what it’s like…

Theres some lovely fast bits of descent all easily accessed by forest roads and can be linked together to make a longer or shorter ride – we have maps available at the hostel and can tell you which bits are the nicest. Great for an evening ride if you are in the area.

Bike-less but still want some of the action? You can rent bikes at highland activities at the south end of Loch Oich or head to Nevis Range or Laggan wolftrax for bike rental and dedicated trails. There are more trails if you head northwards at Abriachan and Balnain bike park.

If biking is not your thing we can still reccommend Glengarry Forest for a pleasant stroll along the river and up to the waterfalls.

–Matt

Mackerel Season has officially begun!

Rick and Anna are now officially on holiday at Invergarry Lodge (at least it seems that way) so today we headed down to Kinlochhourn to my proven fishing spot to try and catch us some dinner.

The drive down to Kinlochhourn was as spectacular as ever, highland cows and some big old stags standing guard along the road while an eagle soared above us. Success didn’t come straight away but it did come in the end, we left with three good fish, would have been four if it wasn’t for the one that jumped for freedom off Ricks’ rod as he brought it in to the shore.

Jenny put her culinary skills to the test when we got back and I can highly recommend freshly caught wild Scottish Mackerel with sesame oil, five spice, fresh ginger and lime, yum yum.

Nothing better than cooking freshly caught fish, we can lend you a rod if you fancy a go or you can  head down to the seven heads store and pick up some fishing supplies – and some frozen chips to serve with your catch!

–Matt

Caledonian Canoeing

Our friends Rick and Anna have graduated from kayaking and moved on to canoeing, we thought it only fair that we test out their new toy on our local loch – you know, to check it’s safe for them before they embark on their first expedition.

We headed to Loch Oich, as the smallest and shallowest loch in the Great Glen it was calm even when the weather is less than perfect like today. We had great fun and can happily report that it is safe for them to head out on their own. It all felt nice and stable and you can get up to a good speed, we can’t wait for them to invite us on a bigger excursion.

Fancy a piece of the action? You can rent canoes on the Loch Oich from highland activities or if you have your own there is a very handy insertion point near the Well of the Seven Heads.

–Matt
PS. Anyone selling a second hand canoe? – feel free to let us know!

Doggy Dylan does the double

The chief hostel mascot did us proud again at this years highland games – getting first place in two categories in the dog show, ok, one of the categories was “most disobedient dog” but still, a wins a win.

Unfortunately while we were supporting Dyls we missed the start of the hill race so that will have to wait until next year. Elsewhere at the games there was all the usual heavy events – caber tossing and the like, highland dancing and the lochaber pipe band etc but the shock of the day was that Jenny wasn’t chosen as parade queen! Scandal.

–Matt