It might be like watching paint dry but you will be able to track my progress as I undertake the Cowal Way ( signal dependant) via Viewranger.
Hopefully this Thursday.
Updates should be every 5 minutes or so , starting approx’ 06:00hrs Thursday the 13th August.
Link will be posted on Explore Cowal’s Facebook and Twitter pages as I’m ready to set off.
Click HERE to take you to my tracking page.
Thanks.
…..completing the Cowal Way. Sometime before the end of August, possibly this week as the forecast is looking good!
Well hopefully within the next two weeks I’ll be undertaking completion of the Cowal Way. To be honest, towards the end of this week is looking promising.
Had originally planned to do this in a day but I don’t want to let people down, so to be safe I’m saying two days, however I will try my best to do it in one day as originally planned.
Of course there is an added incentive to doing this other than the Cowal Way is on my list of ‘things to do’. My wife is fundraising to help pupils of her Highland Dancing School attend the International Gathering of Highland Dance in Disneyland, Paris 2015.
So if your feeling flush and can spare a few £’s ,donations are more than welcome. Only payment other than cash or cheque is via PayPal to smiffysmc@btinternet.com
I can also be contacted on explorecowal@gmail.com
Many Thanks,
Fraser.
As there are sections on public and forestry roads I’m intending on taking my mountain bike, this would allow me to get the miles in. However there are sections that I’d not be able to cycle due to terrain or steepness. So a push or a carry of my bike would be required and probably more of an inconvenience than anything for the off road sections.
Of course there is an added incentive to doing this other than the Cowal Way is on my list of ‘things to do’. My wife is fundraising to help pupils of her Highland Dancing School attend the International Gathering of Highland Dance in Disneyland, Paris 2015.
A great opportunity for the kids and any contribution to reducing the cost of the trip would be greatly welcomed.
If wish, you can donate via PayPal to smiffysmc@btinternet.com or contact me at explorecowal@gmail.com for further methods.
An entertaining hour spent casting the net in the roadside ditches near the Bishops Glen.
Lately the ditches on the forestry road adjacent to the Bishops Glen have been re-profiled and cleared of vegetation. Whilst doing this, large sumps were dug at various locations, leaving the perfect environment for frog spawn/tadpoles and newts.
There’s certainly no shortage of both and the final count was four prior to returning them to their habitat.
Heading out on shorter walks and the fact that the weather could be ‘changeable’ I found the rigmarole of fidgeting with a rucksack cover somewhat a pain! Especially when carrying items you need quick access to or repeated access.
Being on my mountain bike lately, I was also looking for a pack that was waterproof and able to cope with back spray from rear wheel and easy to clean…..hello Cloudburst!
A lightweight pack with hip strap, sternum strap and easy access/closure ( roll top ), not forgetting external webbing that can be used to adjust volume and hold a jacket or cycle helmet for example.
The best thig is the air can be trapped inside the bag giving it a full shape which also gives padding.
Cleaning…..Get it home after a day on the trails and hose it down, job done.
I bought this item from Argyll Outdoors who have a shop on Ferry Brae. Great service and prices to.
Despite the fact I’ve covered a few miles in my kayak over the last few seasons, I’ve actually never undertaken any kind of lessons.
After TSC ( Toward Sailing Club ) introduced a kayak section to their water based disciplines and started to offer a 6 week coaching block, I couldn’t let it pass me by.
Initial payment to join the club followed by a small fee gets you kitted out and ( includes Kayak, paddle, spray deck and buoyancy aid) on the water…. not forgetting expert tuition.
A bargain and great introduction to the sport.
This Thursday will be my first session, looking forward to getting on the water!!!
23.07.15………..1 of 6.
Boat familiarisation,ingress and egress, turning on the spot and a paddle to the other side of the bay. Excellent night and good to be out in company for a change.
Please click THIS LINK for a report of the first session of training by TSC.
A morning trip to Buachalean,Toward.Taking advantage of the clear dry mornings,an early start so i could get back for work.
Leaving from the FCS car park at Ardyne,turning right once on the first trail and following it as it passes over an overgrown forestry road. Looking back the view over towards Bute already opening up. Continuing straight up the trail ingnoring any others that lead off,soon joins a forestry road. A left turn is required then a right turn leaving the road for an ATV track. The ATV track is defined and soon follows a wall to the base of the hill. A hole in the wall leads to a track that leads straight up the hillside to the summit. The views to the South over Bute and Arran make the trip well worth it.
On the return, a visit to the Chinese Ponds is a must. Situated on the left once descending from the top forestry road.
An interactive map with pictures and stats is available by clicking HERE
Summit 360 degree video
I’ve alway wanted to take on the trail known as the Twister. This trail involves a loop round the top of Glenbranter using the forestry roads with a descent on a purpose built section of single track. Starting off and finishing at the Forestry Commissions head quarters in Glenbranter,there’s plenty of parking available.
Please see below Route Card,Pictures and Interactive Map.
If your looking for a route to build up fitness and skill,this is it !!!
Interactive Map can be found by clicking here.
GPX file for GPS units/ Viewranger App can be downloaded by clicking here ( Click on the icon top right with the three horizontal bars). You may have to register with Viewranger, but it’s free.
Routecard
Found these videos in Youtube showing the sections of the Twister,ideal.
Please see below for various Route Cards. Various distances and difficulties, the majority of which can be both biked or walked.
Save the images to your mobile device for reference. Remember these are for indication only and an OS map of the area is advisable.
I’ve been out and about recently,mostly repeating previous reported routes.
However, after a message from Malcolm of Scotland Hikers Group, I decided to head for the hills. He’s planning a trip taking in Inverchapel Burn,passing over Beinn Ruadh to head for the Lochain situated high amongst the rocky summits.
There are no paths, however there are various deer/sheep tracks that can help with some navigation.
First trip was the access the open hill via Inverchapel burn. Natural woodland and side slopes pretty much sum up the terrain of the river section,prior to the climb onto the open hillside. I returned via the route I did in the winter time. Route confirmed the continuation to the summit on the day would be straight forward.
Some pictures……….
Second reccy trip was to establish a route off the hill from the Lochain,to join the forestry rd for the the return to Inverchapel. My ascent route was the same as descent route,have only included the pics for the return section as hopefully that’ll be the direction final the walk will be carried out in.
The weather wasn’t ideal for navigation,but the track through the hills seemed ok. A steep descent with wet slippery grass prior to entering the forest was the hardest part.
Some pics of todays reccy……..
Gleann Dubh-lighe, maintained by the MBA.
A recently renovated bothy in top condition in a great location. The walk in follows the river and numerous waterfalls.
Two room,pine clad bothy. Fireplace in one room with double raised sleeping platform. Large table and multiple seats. 2nd room,has one table and a full bookcase.
Fuel : Some prior to bothy at clear felled site.
Altitude : 124 mts
Bike friendly : 10/10
And we met Dr Ricky Allen filming and being ‘Hunted’ on Channel 4. Joined them for the night.
Explore Cowal 