The fireworks display at the Banavie Rugby Club was a fantastic success with a great crowd that filled the bar inside and lined the streets outside all way down to the Moorings Hotel. At the end, the crowd dispersed out to the many mini firework displays and bonfires that were scattered around the area.

The clear skies made for a fantastic moonlit evening while a thick frost descended. The warmth of a Roy Bridge Bonfire (and perhaps a spot of Ben Nevis whisky) helped warm our chilly toes from the below zero temperatures. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the coming of winter and, of course, to remember, remember the 5^th of November…. not to mention homage to the genius behind V for Vendetta!

The event started at Nevis Range near Fort William and the track ran through the Witch’s Trails and part of the World Championship course. Some of the riders were solo and some of them in teams of two, three, or four.

The main aim of No Fuss Events is to focus on the fun of participation rather than on competition. This participation includes the long hours endured by the marshals who worked for the entire 24 hours with minimal hours of sleep. The photos I’ve got here have some long exposures taken of the cyclists flying by one of the marshal stations in the late hours of the night. The cyclists had nothing but their head torches to light their way and the glint of the marshal station fire to guide their progress…. and also the oddly high levels of enthusiasm from the marshals at 2am to motivate their energy.

Find out more about Nevis Range, including their Winter Sports, World Class Mountain Biking  and what’s nearby including hotels,  hostels, self catering and Bed & Breakfasts, all of which are only minutes from the town centre of Fort William.  For eating and entertainment take a look at the selection of pubs and restaurants in Fort William too.

For those of you who don’t climb or boulder Heather Hat is giant boulder that has a covering of heather. It juts out at a rough 30 degree angle making it the perfect place for a BBQ, be it rain or shine. It also makes it the perfect place for a boulder. But beware, bring a bouldering mat if you do plan to give it a go as a fall onto the sharps rocks below could result in a very sore lower back… I speak from experience!

Heather Hat is about 20 minutes drive outside of Fort William and a few minutes walk up from the car. It’s a bit of a marshy area so wear some good shoes and look out for those friendly frogs!

Despite the pelting rain and icy water temperatures the six brave ladies jumped into the boats and got motored across to the other side of Loch Linnhe to start their swim. The swim is 1.2 km from Treslaig over to the Lochaber Yacht Club and to be included in the race the swimmers are not allowed to wear a wetsuit.

Winning the race was Fiona Thompson with a time of 21.33, followed closely by Lochaber Mountain Rescue’s Emma Pearce. Shortly after there was the junior swim with only one junior brave enough to enter. Her swim was 400 meters. The Loch Linnhe swim is an annual event organised by Morag Hughes.

So if you find yourself inspired by the personal achievement of these women, or perhaps motivated to try and beat Fiona’s spectacular time, sign up for next year and hide that wetsuit away to avoid temptation!

Firstly, I drove my parents to the Achintee Inn at the foot of Ben Nevis for a congratulatory cup of tea and slice of pie. Secondly, I took my camera and drove to Mallaig, one of the most beautiful drives in Scotland in my opinion, and brought everything I could possibly need for a day out in this area – Shorts, flip flops, waterproof trousers, wellie boots, my camera gear, and now my handy dandy car keys. I parked my car next to one of those “rare” bright red phone booths and went for a walk. It wasn’t a far walk but it took me about two hours and I managed to puncture my wellie boots on some barbed wire. I did get some pretty good pictures though. Enjoy!

For others it was a day out to experience Mother Nature’s version of a good time. Here are a few pictures from Upper Achintore, Fort William right before the power cut. I was on the winning side of the power cut bet!

Related blog: [VIDEO] Haud oan tae yer bunnets!

Photos & Blog by Ciera Harvey

The River Garry is situated about 40 minutes drive North of Spean Bridge and is used frequently for River Rafting trips by local adventure companies like Highland Activities and Vertical Descents. Releasing most Thursdays and Saturdays over the summer it has mainly grade 3 and 4 rapids and is a popular spot for paddlers from Scotland and many other corners of the world.

Even if you’re not a paddler it is an excellent spot for a walk along the riverside and perhaps a swim in one of the calm pools when the sun reappears from behind the clouds. Bring a picnic along (and a giant umbrella just in case you get a taste of some fresh Scottish rainfall) and you have yourself a great afternoon in the Lochaber outdoors.

Photography & Blog by Ciera Harvey

There’s a path linking Fort William and its communities with Glen Nevis. There are views at several points, looking down on Fort William, up onto Ben Nevis and out along Loch Eil towards Glenfinnan. It’s really popular with locals who can walk into town, onto Cow Hill or into Glen Nevis, why not try it yourself? Find out more on the Forestry Commission’s website.

Photos copyright and courtesy of Ciera Harvey