Everybody's Tolkein 'Bout Us

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Ah well, the end of another working/fun weekend.  Did the usual run up to Blackwater hostel on Friday and had a very pleasant evening in the local watering holes. Saturday was an ascent of Garbh Bheinn on the most glorious of days and the view was incredible. Ben Nevis stood out crystal clear at 20 miles away with a light dusting of ice on its peak. My hill had amazing views down onto the Pap of Glencoe and Loch Leven.
On the Sunday, I had a couple of visits to The Kingshouse hotel and Red Squirrel campsite looking at possible Hobbit locations. Then it was a trip to Fort William and dropped in at the Nevis campsite there before heading over to Loch Ness and home.
All in all, apart from it going down to minus 2 on Saturday night, a very pleasant trip.

Peak of Garbh Bheinn

The Mini-Hobbit

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Been a busy, yet rainy week in Crail, so here's hoping it clears for the weekends trip.
Off up to Loch Ness, then down to Kinlochleven and Tyndrum.
Then next Tuesday, we are off to visit the Cateran Trail which should be fun.

We also have a new addition to the Hobbit range, The Mini-Hobbit.
Details here        http://www.visionarymedia.co.uk/Mini%20Hobbit.html

Preparations are now underway for the SECC show in Glasgow, which although still almost 5 months away seems to arrive at a rather alarming rate.

Interesting week

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Well then, Tuesday was good. Went to the hillwalking meetiing in Glenrothes and we received a lecture on the Cateran Trail, something I was not even aware existed. Looks good, and the guys there doing a lot of work promoting it. More info at http://www.caterantrail.org/

Then on Friday, I did a wee trek up the Bishop hill and over to the West Lomond in 30ft visibility. I know I wanted some compass work...but that was ridiculous. On the plus side, as it was so wet, I was able to descend 400ft down the West Lomond on my butt, thus saving the walk down.

Then on Sunday, it was a 6 am start and off up to Tyndrum for a wee stroll up Ben Chuirn, and once again saw sod all from the top due to the mist.

I think I should just sit in a sauna for all the good I've been getting from the views recently. It did however clear up, just as we got back down into the valley.  Typical.

Up the Hills

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What a lovely weekends weather.
On Friday morning, the latest Hobbit headed North to Kinlochleven, which sits on the last leg of the West Highland Way when heading to Fort William.
Upon arrival, Callum, as usual, had everything under control and ready to offload the truck, and the job was done in half an hour.
Then, it was off that evening to watch Scotlands spectacular 0-0 draw.

Next morning, up bright and early, and once again, thanks to Callum, who lent me his OS map as I had left mine at home, I kitted up for the days activities.
The mist was just burning off as I set out from Blackwater Hostel, through the village and started the ascent to join the West Highland Way.
From there, I followed the pathway for a few miles, then headed off track to climb Beinn na Caillich at 764 metres. The views all around were stunning. Oh, if anyone does this walk....to reach the summit, take the northern path and not the southern as I did...unless you like vertical rock climbing and scrabbling across scree slopes.
After lunch at the top, I headed along the ridge to Mam na Gualainn at 796 Metres before descending from there to rejoin the West Highland Way and back to town.
I recommend this walk highly as it's only about 10 1/2 miles and not overly taxing.

It's not all work...

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The first of two builds for Kinlochleven coming along nicely, and delivery arranged for Tuesday. No room for error as Caroline and Callum have their first bookings starting Thursday.
Yesterday was fine weather yet again, and with daylight still going until 9, I decided to take a walk to John Knox's Pulpit on the southern face of the West Lomond Hill.

It was a place I visited often as a youngster, and took my kids there camping. Not a soul to be seen, and had a fantastic face to face with a large red deer.

Blackwater Hostel, Kinlochleven

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We had a lovely wee break this weekend and the highland weather surpassed itself.
So did the midgies though, and Gary was well bitten.
Firstly, we went to the site at Loch Ness for a catch-up with Robbie and a chat about phase 2 of the Hobbit Village there.  It was pleasing to see that all 10 hobbits had been full every day throughout the season so far.
Next day, we headed west along the Loch to Fort William and down to Kinlochleven, where we met with Caroline and Callum and family at Blackwater Hostel, (www.blackwaterhostel.co.uk), who are the latest members of the Hobbit camping family. They will be taking bookings for their hobbits within a fortnight. Lots to do there, with stunning mountain views and the Ice factory which looks fun. They also have the hostel which is well equipped for hill walkers, cyclists etc and a perfect setting off point for the surrounding countryside.
From there, we headed 10 miles away to Glencoe, and dropped in for a coffee, with Lynne providing the apple pie.
So, fed and watered we headed back south to Noahs Ark in Perth.  Wow.. the site is wall-to-wall and hobbits booked solid through until October so far, and already reserved for next years T in the Park.

Noahs Ark in Perth

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Well done to Noahs Ark. From field to 4 star site in 12 months, as awarded by Visit Scotland yesterday.