Latest news with #Munros
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Is Calgary Beach on Mull really Scotland's best beach?
I could pick probably any beach on the West Coast, even though I'm an East Coast man myself. It really is difficult to choose but my mind keeps going back to Calgary Bay on Mull. It's been a while since I've been there. I think it was even pre-Covid I was there with the family, but it is absolutely stunning. Best Building I really like the history of the country so I love the likes of Eilean Donan Castle and I always enjoy going up the Wallace Monument. But do you know what I really like? Some of the hydro electric power stations. There are a few around the country, of course, and there has been a clever way of trying to blend them in rather than have huge industrial buildings ruining the landscape. Best Street I do like the Highlands and I've done a few gigs at the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. The street that lines the banks of the Ness there, Bishop's Road, is one of my favourites. It's lovely to walk along towards the theatre and there are some lovely wee cafes and restaurants on both sides of the river too. Best Walk My other favourite childhood memory was the time spent up with my cousins in Elgin and this links into that. There's a walk off the Speyside Way, which follows the old railway track from Garmouth over the River Spey viaduct. It's a pretty easy walk but with amazing views. We used to always do that on our bikes as kids so it has great memories for me too. When I get the time, I'd love to do the Lairig Ghru from Braemar to Aviemore. It is a wee bit more challenging and time-consuming but it really is a spectacular cross-country walk. Best Childhood Memory I've loads of amazing childhood memories. The one I'm going to go for maybe isn't much of a surprise but it really is the memory of being up in the combine harvester alongside my dad. This might not come as much of a surprise but it really is what made me become a farmer. (Image: Jim Smith) Best View I have to say that we have some pretty amazing views from the farm and I also like to stop at the parking at the Cairn O Mount to take in the view here. But my favourite I think is the panorama from the top of the Hill of Gourdie. It takes in so much: Loch Ordie, across to Blair and Glenshee. It's the contrasts you can see from the top of that hill. Best Shop Easy one: the John Deere garage! I don't go as often as I'd like to – or can afford to. I have fond memories of going to Whitton and Brown back in the 80s. We went there every few years to change the tractor and that was exciting! Best Scottish Delicacy A Scotch pie is pretty hard to beat but, when it comes to it, I would have to go to Forfar for this one and choose a bridie. I'm not going to come down on the side of either Saddler's or McLaren's but I'll always get a bridie when I'm in the town and one of the huge ones as well. The size of your head. Best Place For Some Alone Time I started to do a few Munros but then the kids came along so I've managed to do six so far, but that's the place for an escape – up the side of any Munro. I get some peace when I'm out doing the fencing and work around the farm, but the mobile phone is always on. Here, though, is no reception so you get perfect quiet. You can see Jim at Netherton Equestrian Centre (Jim Smith & Friends) for the Perth Show, Friday June 6, headlining the first night of Patter at the Palace at Scone, June 27 to 29. The Corn Exchange, Haddington (Jim Smith and Friends) Sunday, June 29, Find him on Instagram @standupfarmer
Edinburgh Reporter
25-04-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Cosy cottage with view over Blair Atholl
Skip loads of rubble were cleared, the cottage was insulated, new plumbing and electric circuits introduced, and a heat pump installed. Painters and decorators were brought in and estate staff had fun choosing the colour scheme and much of the furniture. The garden, overlooking a river, was landscaped and a tasteful holiday cottage created. Shades of the past remain, like a deep Belfast sink, but the kitchen is superbly equipped with a microwave, induction hob, plus substantial fridge and freezer. It took us a few anxious minutes to discover how to work the hob with the aid of YouTube, mind you, but we got there, part of the getting-away experience. The two upstairs bedrooms – one double and one twin – are reached by a wood panelled staircase. The heavy floral wallcovering might not be to the taste of everybody, but the rooms are superbly finished and two hot water bottles were on the beds on arrival. A nice touch. The sizeable downstairs bathroom has a shower in the bath – a tad difficult for those over 5ft 9in – and toiletries by Sea Kelp Scottish fine soaps, and the heating hovers between 19c and 22c, ample for the property which also has a warming log burner in the lounge. Almost forgot, don't worry if you have forgotten to bring a phone charger, they are built into the plug sockets. The land around the cottage is farmed by the Blair Athol castle team. It is an organic, regenerative farm, primarily focused on native Aberdeen Angus cattle, black-faced sheep and Highland cows. While waiting for the kettle to boil pre-breakfast, we noted a huge hare out one window and a beautiful pheasant out the other. Lots of smaller birds were heard and they are apparently attracted by the hedge planting programme across the estate. Walks are available from the front door. Glen Tilt is over the hill from the cottage, sadly our walk was curtailed by forestry work, but nearby there are a number of circular trails, including a native woodland scheme in Glen Fender which has recently been planted. You could also opt to step out on signposted paths dotted around the local area and, you can, of course, walk round Blair Castle, the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Incidentally, the earliest known part of the present castle dates from 1269 and entry is free with your stay. Try to time your visit to link with the piper, a great favourite with foreign visitors, and the castle grounds host a well-appointed children's play park. For those who like to bag Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet), there is the option of Beinn a Ghlo, a range with three Munro summits including Carn Liath and if you are of a more active persuasion, Nae Limits at Ballinluig, offers canyoning, white water rafting (weekends, June to September) and quad biking. Of course, there is also a bunjee jump (40 metres, 132 feet) above the River Garry in nearby Killiekrankie. Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Aviemore and the Highland Wildlife Park at Kingussie, Activity Kids at Stanley (outdoor adventure park, indoor soft play and family-friendly animals), and clay pigeon shooting at Dunkeld are within reach. So is the Highland Chocolatier shop, home of Master Chocolatier, Iain Burnett, at Grandtully, which boasts a month-watering selection, and also interesting information on chocolate production. Soldiers Leap at Killicrankie, an 18ft leap across the fast-flowing Garry River, Dunkeld Cathedral, Pitlochry Dam and Visitor Centre, where there are displays on hydro-electricity, dam history and salmon breeding, plus a café and gift shop, are accessible. Atholl Country Life Museum, once a village school, with artifacts in three small galleries relating to local area life, plus a lovingly reconstructed post office of the 1930s, is also popular, but don't miss the Blair Atholl Watermill which is still producing stoneground oatmeal and flours and dates back to the 1590s. The attraction, just behind the station, also houses a café with fab fruit scones made using their own four and a range of warming coffees, including lactose-free options. Segway and bike hire is possible at Blair Athol and you can indulge in equestrian sports. Blair Athol, Pitlochry and Dunkeld all have golf courses and there are local cinemas in Perth and Aberfeldy. The Birks at Aberfeldy, kept alive by community funders, loyal customers and volunteers, do live screenings and special events and the busy café has a varied selection. Home-made tomato and herb soup was our pick and it was delicious. The well-known Pitlochry Festival Theatre, described as the artistic heart and soul of Highland Perthshire, is close. Back at the well-quipped, dog-friendly, cottage, which also boasts a laundry room with Bosch washing machine and tumble dryer, there are games including chess, draughts, dominoes and cards, and a good wi-fi connection. The TV has Disney, Netflix, Prime Video and Rakuten (video-on-demand) TV options. An extremely helpful welcome book is provided with information on what to do if things go wrong at the cottage during your stay and useful telephone numbers for the local hospital, doctor, dentist, vet, chemist, opticians, garage and car repairs are listed. Grocery shopping is available in Blair Athol including The Larder, which is primarily organic, in the caravan park reception building. A Spar shop and a local store are also available and bakeries, butchers and delicatessens outlets are listed along with breweries and distilleries, restaurants, spas and gyms. The hugely popular House of Bruar, a family-run business, sometimes described as the Harrods of the North, houses an upscale department store plus classic Tweed and cashmere clothing plus outdoor wear, as well as gifts. There is also a fishing section and an extensive food hall with butchery and fish departments plus a fish and chip shop – you can buy lobster and chips, by the way – and it is minutes away by car. Talking of food, our welcome pack included eggs, mouth-watering Lazy Ploughman cheese from the Isle of Kintyre – cheese is combined with home-made caramelised onion – crunchy Clearspring organic Scottish oatcakes, vegan, high in fibre and with no added sugar, lightly-salted organic butter packed for Calon Wen and from Carmarthenshire, and an extremely tempting unsliced loaf of bread plus tea, coffee (rich Italian ground) and sugar. Linen is supplied, including dish cloths, along with plenty of pots and pans and dishes. The accommodation is several miles up a steep, single-track road, but, sitting on the patio, overlooking a forest and hills stretching far into the distance, and listening to the water rumbling over rocks in the nearby river, it was hard to beat. Atholl Estates also offer a wide selection of holiday accommodation for couples, families and groups and you can choose from Highland Lodges, cottages and luxurious Sheperd Huts. Woodland Lodges and a range of options in the caravan park in the Blair Castle grounds are also available. Atholl Estates: 01796 481 355: enquiries@ Blair Castle and Gardens: 01796 481 207: bookings@ Blair Castle Caravan Park: 01796 481 263: bookings@ Highland Lodges and Shepherd Huts: 01796 481 355: stay@ PICTURE: Visitors to Blair Castle enjoy the piper. BLAIR CASTLE: selection of weapons WHEELY GOOD ATTRACTION: a look at some of the machinery at the Blair Atholl Watermill COMMUNITY CINEMA: The admirable community-funded cinema and cafe at Aberfeldy COSY: The lounge with wood burner in the cottage Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Kilbirnie resident keeps on climbing in new hiking challenges
A Moorpark Place resident has scaled two of Scotland's most iconic peaks, Ben More and Stob Binnein, all in a single day. The Active Care Group's residential service supports adults with autism and learning disabilities, and strives to help individuals lead engaging, meaningful lives full of growth and opportunity. And one individual's determination embodies this completely. Sean is no stranger to these challenges and his progress since joining Moorpark Place has been remarkable. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily routines, his support worker, Guy, introduced a new way to stay active and motivated - physical activity. What began as walks around the neighbourhood evolved into runs and eventually full-scale mountain climbs, including Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike. His latest triumph has been conquering two Munros, Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet, in one day. Guy said: "Ben More was a mountain that I failed to reach 20 years ago, but with Sean at my side and his determination, we made it to the top. "We then continued on to climb Stob Binnein. The weather was perfect, and Sean loved every minute of it." Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
Scotsman
22-04-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Kilbirnie resident Sean keeps on climbing in new hiking challenges
At Moorpark Place, one of Active Care Group's residential services supporting adults with autism and learning disabilities, they strive to help individuals lead engaging, meaningful lives full of growth and opportunity, and one individual's determination embodies this completely. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Sean is no stranger to these challenges, as he has scaled two of Scotland's most iconic peaks already, Ben More and Stob Binnein, all in a single day. Sean's progress since joining Moorpark Place has been remarkable. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily routines, his support worker, Guy, introduced a new way to stay active and motivated: physical activity. What began as walks around the neighbourhood evolved into runs and eventually full-scale mountain climbs, including Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad His latest triumph has been conquering two Munros, Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet, in one day. Support Worker Guy, and Sean on their recent hiking challenge. 'Ben More was a mountain that I failed to reach twenty years ago,' said Guy. 'But with Sean at my side and his determination, we made it to the top. We then continued on to climb Stob Binnein. The weather was perfect, and Sean loved every minute of it.' Sean's story is a powerful reminder of how dedication, support, and a positive outlook can help us all reach new heights.
BBC News
15-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Inverness girl completes all Scotland's Munros for a second time
A 12-year-old girl from Inverness - who previously became one of the youngest people ever to scale all 282 of Scotland's Munros - has completed them for a second Young finished her first Munro bagging challenge back in October 2022, but now she and her dad Ian have managed the feat duo finished their second round of the peaks measuring more than 3,000ft (914m) on Saturday, as they topped the famed Inaccessible Pinnacle on Skye's Cuillin Ridge. Quinn told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme: "It was sometimes difficult but not all the time. Sometimes the weather was really bad." Her dad Ian added: "It was just an adventure that kind of started, I don't even know how. "We did our local one near Inverness, Ben Wyvis, and then decided just before she was five to do Ben Nevis on a lovely sunny day."The thought was we would just do Ben Nevis every year before we just thought we would go and do some of the other ones. "It just kind of took off from there." Quinn said her favourite Munros were Skye's Inaccessible Pinnacle, Aonach Eagach or the Curved Ridge, both in Glencoe, as she enjoys said he was "unbelievably proud" of his daughter's added: "It's just great spending time together. There's no technology, it's fresh air - it's an adventure."I hope it is something that she carries on doing - it hopefully can inspire other kids to get in the outdoors and see what Scotland has to offer." Last time round, Quinn wanted to complete all 282 Munros before she finished primary second attempt has taken about two years. And what's next for the father and daughter duo?Quinn said they planned to take on Corbetts now, which are Scottish mountains over 2,500 feet (762m) but under 3,000 feet (914m). The phenomenon known as Munro bagging was inspired by Sir Hugh whose family were Scottish landowners, was born in London in 1856 and brought up at Lindertis near Kirriemuir in studying in Germany, he climbed in the Alps and continued his interest in climbing when he settled at the family estate in Hugh was a founder and president of the Scottish Mountaineering Club which set him the task of listing all the country's hills of 3,000ft (914m) or more.
