And relax

Does your life go flying past at 100mph? Do you ever wonder where another week has gone? Despite the fact that it's fairly steady here in Glencoe at the moment, in that lull between the peak of the winter and the Easter holidays, it's still all go. So much to do. So much to organise. So much to plan. The truth is that I doubt that we would have it any other way.


However, every now and then you've just got to step back a moment, take a deep breath and relax. And no better place than the beach - the first visit of the season.

The west coast by Arisaig is still waking up. The only camp site open is Invercaimbe, but with camping right on the beach and views like this (and no one there) who cares! And while it might not be quite warm enough for sunbathing, there was barely a cloud to be seen and the wind was perfect for an hour or two with the power kite.

And so back to the grind...

Thailand or Berneray?

We've always said that the west coast beaches are among the best in the world (when the sun shines, that is!)

So where do you think this one is? Thailand or Berneray? Click here to find out.

Discovering new beaches

Its been a wet old week, even by Glencoe standards. Boats have been sailing past the office windows and Trench Foot is more of a concern than Swine Flu. And with more rain in the forecast, but a glimmer of hope in between, we set off in search of blue skies...

The beach near Smirisary.

It all seemed a bit pointless as we drove over the Ballachulish Bridge. The car was buffeted by the wind and the latest passing squall pelted the car with yet more rain. But, in the belief that the foecast weather window would appear we pressed on.

We stopped for soup and a sandwich at the NTS Visitor Centre at Glenfinnan. And then as we climbed up the hill heading west towards Lochailort, the skies, at last, began to look less threatending. We parked up at the end of the road past Glenuig, with the intention of finding a beach we'd always missed on our previous visits to Smirisary.

The path is fairly easy to follow, though in parts extremely rough underfoot. And, it has to be said, its probably one of the wettest paths I've been on in recent years, especially after the monsoon. Think waders, not wellies. But the views are absolutely fantastic, high above the sea and looking out towards the Small Isles. The sun had put in a brief appearance, and all was well with the world again.

The beach is a cracking spot, typical of the west coast beaches. With a fresh breeze and a bit of sunshine, you could literally feel the batteries being recharged. A stunning and rather discreet little corner of Lochaber.

For more details of the walk and a downloadable map, see the Walk Highlands web site.

Some more pretty pics

Here we go. Back at the beach again on Saturday. While the rest of Lochaber was enduring passing 'showers', it was another glorious (if slightly chilly in the wind) day on the beaches between Arisaig and Morar.

And after another invigorating day on the beach what better than a fish supper at the Cornerstone Restaurant in Mallaig.

Life's a beach

Its a charmed life! all wrapped up for some skiing last weekend. And stripping off this weekend for some amazing beach weather.

Sunset over Rum from Invercaimbe campsite

Easter trading has been a bit hectic here in Glencoe. Maybe its the weather, maybe its a backlash against the state of the economy, but regardless, its been one of the busiest Easters we've seen in a while. Nice then to chuck the tent in the back of the car and escape to the silver sands up by Arisaig and Morar. (see our Beaches page on GlencoeScotland.com) It doesn't matter what the weather is doing out there (unless you're sunbathing perhaps), a trip out to this spectacular corner of Lochaber always feels like a holiday. But it does help if the sun makes an appearance!

'Owiseeee!'

There's a few campsites to choose from. The one at Invercaimbe is right on the beach and is a great place for the kids to hang out. However, its quite a small site and often fully booked but there's Portnadoran right next door, which is also next to the beach, plus a handful of others dotted along the shoreline.

Morar Mermaid

The beaches here are quite simply amazing, as are the sunsets. There's even a real mermaid! Its also a paddler's mecca, and a great place to explore the rocky inlets by canoe/kayak.

Our trip included the obligatory trip into Mallaig for an ice cream, but not before a very cosmopolitan lunch in the sun at the Tea Garden (the web site doesn't do it justice). Interesting to see that the A830, the 'road to the isles', from Fort William to Mallaig has finally been fully upgraded. The last section between Loch Nan Uamh and Arisaig was opened just a few weeks ago. Shame that someone forgot to realise that its a stunning bit of countryside and the odd lay-by so that you can pull over and enjoy it would have been a good idea!

A couple of hours away from the office and you start getting all artistic...

On the way home we decided to take a detour and visit Smirisary. This old crofting community was abandonned after the 2nd World War, and its easy to imagine the hardships, particularly if visiting on a less-than-sunny day. Its interesting to note that several of the old ruins have now been rebuilt and look habitable once more, despite the lack of access. If you find yourself near Glenuig, follow the old road past the beach all the way to the end and enjoy the short walk with stunning views across to Rum & Eigg.

Smirisary, Eigg & Rum

For more information about walking at Smirisary, including an O.S. map of a suggested route, visit the WalkHighlands web site.