About Lochaber Blog » Watersports

Loch Linnhe Swim 2011

Ciera Harvey — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:24:59 +0000

Sunday, the 18^th of September ended up being the perfect day for a swim for six local women and one junior for the annual Loch Linnhe Swim in Fort William, organised by English Channel swimmer Morag Hughes.

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!

[VIDEO] The Glen Nevis River Race 2011

abouthighlands — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:08:09 +0000

“The Glen Nevis River Race is an extreme challenge involving participants navigating through the icy waters of a two-mile stretch of the River Nevis on an air-bed (Lilo). The intrepid adventurers begin by launching themselves off a small ledge on a rock face, plunging into the freezing waters of the River Nevis below. The rules are clear participants have to follow the deepest course of the river through rocks and rapids, whilst negotiating major obstacles like the Gurgling Gorge, Dead Dog Pool, the Leg Breaker and the Lower Falls Leap; finishing in the calmer waters further down the glen.” Click here for more information.

If you’re planning a trip to Fort William to do the Glen Nevis River Race next time round, check out our local list of Fort William Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Self Catering Accommodation and Laterooms offers.

[PHOTOS] Boats of Fort William & Lochaber

Ciera Harvey — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:05:57 +0000

What comes to mind when you think of the West Coast of Scotland?! Lots of things associated with fishing, water and outdoor activities etc. Before the days of planes, trains, and automobiles, the British Waterways of Scotland were like our modern day motorways. I thought it would be a good idea to do a blog in celebration of boats – of all sizes as you’ll see – that have been spotted in Lochaber and Fort Wiliam over the last two weeks. The relationship between boat and crew is something I tried to capture. There was a dog named Rhia who got very protective of her boat and captain, Gail. However, she did calm down and I was invited onto the boat for a tour. Thank-you Rhia for the hospitality and good company!

[PHOTOS]Kayaking on The River Garry, in Lochaber

Ciera Harvey — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:26:41 +0000

What better way is there to spend a typical rainy/sunny/windy/hot/cold summer day in the Lochaber region than on the River Garry in Invergarry on one of the dam release days?! So here we are; Chris Glebocki, an outdoor instructor, shoulder deep in one of the top play holes on the river, and me donning my Canon SLR and wellington boots, shin deep in refreshing river water.

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