Thursday 30 May 2019

Spean Bridge and Killiechonate Woods

We've just returned from a wonderful trip up into the Scottish Highlands where we were surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and bluebells and a good few species of birds and insects (though missing out on some of the inconic species of the area and disappointed and saddened by how many insects there were overall. So many shrubs and herbs in bloom and so few bees.....

As someone who gets vertigo I always like this quote from the poet Nan Shepherd “to aim for the highest point is not the only way to climb a mountain” which is my philosphy entirely.

We stayed in Spean Bridge, a village in the Great Glen. It is famous for being the place where commandos trained for World War 2 and features a Commando museum and memorial. It is also home to Highland Soap Company which stock a lovely range of locally made organic soaps and toiletries.

Spean Bridge is also the centre of a lovely network of paths through the Killiechonate Woods which provided us with beautiful walks every evening of our stay. Here are some views of the woodlands






On our last walk in these woods, we came across these dung beetles - the photos aren't great but it was fascinating to watch them....



 So Spean Bridge is a great centre for a holiday in the Great Glen. I'll post photos of our days trips over the next couple of days.


5 comments:

sage said...

Is Spean Bridge a stop on the West Highlands rail line? It sounds like a fun place to explore, but if it is the place I am thinking of, I remember hikers getting on the train and bringing in those nasty bitting midges... Glad you had a chance to get away.

www.thepulpitandthepen.com

Lowcarb team member said...

So pleased you enjoyed your trip up into the Scottish Highlands …
Lovely to see your photographs.

All the best Jan

Magyar said...

Nifty!
__Your photos are another positive of the internet that draws interest, and I just traveled along A86, through and round-about Spean Bridge, and Killiechonate... a grand ride!
__ Other wild things too, are dung scanners as are those beetles, natural recycling one might agree. _m

RG said...

Good to get a change! I was across our Cascade mountains on the eastern edge for a break. High up in a cabin, on the deck watching the rites of spring unfold there. Some different species there than near the coast of the Pacific NW.

Crafty Green Poet said...

Hi Sage, yes it's on the railway line and there's no escape from the midges in the Scottish Highlands!

Thanks Lowcarb!

Thanks Magyar - yes the dung beetles are definitely nature's great recyclers

Hi Rabbits Guy - your break sounds lovely too