Year of discovery across the north
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Post by Active Outdoors.
There’s always so much more to see across the Highlands and Moray that 2014 has been another year of discovery for me. There’s also been a number of new things to take a look at, from the inaugural Etape Loch Ness cycle sportive event to the new high level Great Glen Way paths that have made the route more magical than ever.
During the past 12 months I’ve had my first trip to the Rough Bounds of Knoydart, enjoying fine weather for the boat trip to Inverie and a round of two Munros before a quick round – of a different kind – in the most remote pub in mainland Britain.
I’ve also tried my hand at some winter climbing with an ascent of Morrison’s Gully on Beinn Eighe in Torridon, been on a few wonderful walks from Caithness to the Cairngorms and got running into the wilds as part of my Highland Cross training.
Munro “compleater” Peter Evans has been rediscovering some of Scotland’s highest hills and using his time to explore more of the Corbetts as well, never tiring of a trek on the tops whatever the season.
He’s also been getting out more on his road bike, seeing some of the wonderful places that can be visited on two wheels.
Earlier in the year I headed to the newest mountain bike centre in the Highlands near Tomintoul, where the Bike Glenlivet trails have proved even more popular than anticipated. I also joined friend Jim Sutherland on a cross-country mountain bike route from Achnashellach, staying in a wooden bothy more akin to a shed than anything else!
My wife Meg took part in her first biking race at the Ride Like A Grrl event in Glenmore in the autumn and loved every minute, while we had a more leisurely family cycle with the “Supermums” as we took the kids out in the bike trailers near Cannich in spring.
Looking back, it’s amazing we managed to fit it all in! But it just shows how much there is to do across the north of Scotland, from gentle walks to multi-day outings on foot or by bike.
We’re already planning more adventures for the new year in Active Outdoors, so watch this space every week in 2015. There’s no time to rest, so we hope to see you out there enjoying this spectacular part of the world.
Merry Christmas and a happy and active new year to you all!
