About Lochaber Blog » Activities

Bay of the Flies (Sailean nan Cuileag), Ardnamurchan

abouthighlands — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:37:20 +0000

The bay of the flies is a natural bay between Strontian and Acharacle on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. There is a woodland walk of around half a mile that goes from the car park just off the A861 to the bay. Look out for the several wooden toadstools carved and placed along the walk!

Macavalanche Bike Race

abouthighlands — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:53:23 +0000

Over the weekend the No Fuss Macavalanche Bike Race took place at Glencoe Mountain. Although it snowed a touch on Saturday, Sunday presented us with some stunning weather and some gorgeous views in all directions. The racers were all smiles as they careened their way around muddy corners and bounced through rocky ditches. The event presented everyone with the perfect reason to spend a day outside – be that time spent competing in the race or taking a quick snooze in the grass between heats. Like all other No Fuss Events, the Macavalanche was packed with lively athletes, mountain bike enthusiasts, and active supporters of No Fuss Events from around Lochaber and the rest of Scotland.

The next No Fuss Event is the Trail Half Marathon and 5km Fun Run on the 13^th of May. If you like a good laugh, excellent company (rain or shine), and a general good time, get involved and sign up to take part in some of their events or to help as a marshal. I’m sure everyone at No Fuss will agree when I say “The More the Merrier!”

The Scottish Six Days Trial – The Countdown Begins

abouthighlands — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:49:02 +0000

With months still to go until the start of the 2012 London Olympic Games, Scotland
can look forward to the much more imminent homecoming of a world-famous sporting event
of a different kind. From 4th to 12th May 2012, nearly 300 adrenaline-seeking competitors and
hoards of spectators from around the globe will flock to the Scottish Highlands for the annual
extreme motorcycle-sporting holiday, the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT).

Since the sport originated in the UK over a century ago, motorcycle trials have enjoyed a rich
association with Fort William and the Lochaber region, which hosts the SSDT. ‘The Scottish’
as it is more commonly known, celebrated its 100th anniversary last May and continues to be
one of the most prestigious events in the international competitive motorcycle trials calendar.
Motorcycle trials are unique in the world of motorsport, with it being the only discipline where
the winner is decided on skill alone and not speed. The SSDT sees its competitors ride
across the challenging terrain of the Lochaber countryside on special lightweight trials bikes,
negotiating steep gullies, slippery rock steps, rocky streams or boulder-strewn gorges.
Competitors can cover more than 100 miles on some days of the event, making it the ultimate
test of skill and endurance.

The SSDT is also unique in that it brings together riders of all ages, skill and experience
levels, with everyday hobby trials riders completing the same course as their international
championship heroes. It is free to go along to watch this fantastic spectator sport.
Amongst this year’s competitors will be last year’s winner, 25-year-old professional trials rider
James Dabill from Leeds. 2011 marked a double victory for Dabill, as not only did he
win the SSDT in its centenary year, it was the second time he has won the event having also
taken home the trophy in 2007.

He comments:

“It was a great feeling to win the Scottish Six Days Trial in its centenary last year. The SSDT
is one of the best trials events in the world. It’s every young trials rider’s dream to go up there
and do it. Winning the SSDT was definitely on the list of things I set out to achieve in my
career and now I’ve done it twice. It would be great to get a hat-trick this year and become a
part of that select club.”

“I don’t think you could have an event like it anywhere else in the world. It doesn’t matter if the
weather is bad or good, it always feels great to be there.”

Dabill admits to having the ‘Scottish Highlands bug’ having recently returned to the region on
a cycling trip: “It’s a beautiful place and the people are always so welcoming. I’m definitely
looking forward to being back in May.”

Check out details about the 2012 SSDT event here

Spring = Sun, Sea, Sand, Stars… and Snow?!

Ciera Harvey — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:07:50 +0000

Spring in Lochaber kicked off last week with perfect BBQ weather, road trips down to the Morar beach in Arisaig, and stargazing atop Cow Hill overlooking Lochaber. It’s no mystery that it’s been a rather short winter, something that some may mourn and others may rejoice. You wouldn’t guess it now, however, with that light snow dusting atop Nevis Range but spring is definitely on its way. So get your bikes ready and your walking shoes on. For all the Romantics in Lochaber, it was William Shakespeare who said “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything”. For all you socialites out there, it was Robin Williams who said “Spring is Nature’s way of saying ‘Let’s Party’”. So get your Spring Fever on!!!

Guy Fawkes Fireworks

Ciera Harvey — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:37:34 +0000

Guy Fawkes Night, the celebration of a somewhat lost patriotism and rebellion against the government, was celebrated in Lochaber by the skies alight with flying lanterns and the earth vivified with fireworks and bonfires.

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!

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!