Planning application - done

A quick reminder to ourselves and anyone reading this blog. This adventure started 12 months ago when we ventured onto Skye then on to Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides for a holiday with a vague idea and a big dream that perhaps we might live here someday. A year further on and that dream is going to become a reality.

That's it then - full planning application submitted so now the wait for between four and eight weeks to find out if permission is granted. The Highlands Council has a comprehensive planning section on its website where you can track progress and receive email alerts if anything changes. Needless to say, this site is now bookmarked as a favourite and visited regularly just to check out any comments or changes. The latest date for a decision - according to the website - is 8 May. 

Promising letter from solicitors, confirming that the Scottish Ministers have agreed to the sale of the plot to us and apart from the issues of the estate's shooting rights, all other rights of access and servitude have been confirmed. Highly unlikely that anyone from the Bracadale estate will wish to charge through our fenced garden area waving a firearm, chasing an animal, but worth asking for an exclusion just in case. We will have to commit to putting a stock-proof fence around the plot within three months of purchase - OK then, if that's what it takes. Whenever we hear or see the phrase the Scottish Ministers, can't help but imagine the First Minister, Alex Salmond himself, walking over the plot and deciding it will be fine to sell it to us - with a few conditions. 

We are back on Skye with the aim of meeting up with a heating systems expert, checking out some local suppliers and taking the opportunity of calling in on Dualchas should we think of anything we need to discuss. Too early to make a start on the detailed room plans but you never know what might occur to you - usually at 2 a.m.when the subconscious recalls that niggle you can't articulate during daylight hours!

Spent yesterday lurking amongst the fairy pools in Glen Brittle - well the weather was just too good to miss an opportunity to hit the lower Cuillins. This is a truly magical walk. Only five and a half miles in a circle but what a circle it is. Clear aquamarine water flowing through rocky gorges and through the bedrock where it has carved out swirls and hollows into the most amazing shapes. There are waterfalls and a carved underwater arch. The water is so clear that pebbles and sand are visible on the river bed. To add to the delights, the river walk takes you into the hidden depths of the Cuillins and suddenly you are up close to the magnificent coires and rockfaces of the 3,000ft mountains.

View back to Glen Brittle forest

Reflection of a beautiful day at the Fairy Pools

Fairy pools with Cuillin ridge peeking out behind

The return path crosses the hillside, giving more spectacular views down into Glen Brittle then you meet the track to Sligachan and follow it back down the hillside. Crossing several burns on the way and wondering how easy this would be after heavy rainfall? Wet feet at the very least is my guess. Stopped for our final coffee below another fine waterfall just before the carpark but completely hidden from view.  Watched a minibus load of people pile out and walk to the pools; glad we had them to ourselves this morning.


Today was dreich, so we lazed away the morning, tried and failed to find the beach at Talisker Bay then went to meet Alistair from Ecoheat who had many fine wood burning stoves in his showroom (front room) and a wealth of knowledge about heating systems and solar panels. Took home another load of brochures and are getting to understand exactly what we want for the house. Considering the benefit of hot water heating via a woodburner too. Lots of ideas running through the minds. Hope the next suppliers / experts we meet don't confuse our thinking.

Met quite a few future neighbours / fellow residents. Mostly in the local pub or shop! Once they know where we are planning to build we get into the "is that next to so and so's croft or is that near the croft with the Jacob's sheep?" Unsure yet who is who or what sheep are what but everyone we have met so far has been very welcoming and friendly and keen to tell us what is going on locally. 


Weather slightly improved but no chance of getting up high so we aim for a nine mile walk around Glen Brittle forest. Good tracks, some good views and a couple of conveniently placed picnic tables. We think we saw a pair of eagles or sea eagles soaring above the trees but too high to get a good look. Whatever they were, they were huge. We did not see another human being during the whole of the time we were out. The walk ends up being eleven miles and quite challenging in places where the track goes on and on with no end in sight. Would have helped if I had remembered to take the route map / book but the GPS did us proud. No cars left in the car park when we returned. Final cup of coffee overlooking the hills but tops still in the cloud despite the wind tearing across the summits. 


Tomorrow we are heading for Portree to see a couple more suppliers and to hand over yet more money to the planners - this time for an advertisement in the local paper. We are tempted to go and walk around the Old Man and his cliffs again as we enjoyed it so much up there last time.


Thursday was one of those magical Skye days - pale blue spring skies, warmish sunshine, sparkling seas and lochs, a gentle cooling breeze and not too many people around. Oh, and too early for the midges to show themselves. We walked past the Old Man and reached the top of the ridge where we could literally see for miles. Lunch in a sunny, sheltered spot then ambled back to the car. Headed towards Staffin then parked up in a hidden layby where we enjoyed the vista across to the mainland, a view back to the Cuillins and no wind to speak of so reflections in the lochs. Perfection. And people ask why we want to live here?

The Old Man from our lunch spot

View from the hidden layby back to the Red Cuillins

Friday is also forecast fair and we are aiming to walk / climb up into Coir Ghrunnda, about as high in the Cuillins as a "normal" walker can get without a guide or a panic attack! Today there were white clouds flowing over the ridges and peaks which cleared by the afternoon. A beautiful sunset this evening so fingers crossed for tomorrow. The views to the small isles should be stunning and if it is clear we might even be able to see Barra and the Uists. Sat out on the deck and watched the stars this evening - no ambient light in this part of Skye so just us and the stars. Stunning, if a little cool after a while.

Well we made it as far as the lower coire but not up into the hollow where the actual lochan sits. Just too steep a scramble to contemplate after a two hour walk over stoney / rocky ground. Another couple of walkers turned around here too. Promise to return and complete the full walk once we are fitter and back in scrambling mode. The lower coire is spectacular and forbidding with grey and black rocks, exposed bedrock, a rushing burn, high rocky spires and scree slopes. Views across to Elgin would be good if there had been no mist / low cloud. The clear blue skies and sun didn't appear but we always expect the mountains create their own weather don't we?. Some moody photos instead and a brief stop for coffee at the Allt Lagan (burn) crossing on the way back, where the sun made a brief appearance.

Coire Ghrunnda a bleak & magnificent place - quite scary too!

View back to the Cuillin ridge - Sgurr Alistair the pointy one

View out to Loch Brittle

 Passed a coach (full size) from Belgium on the way back through Glen Brittle - perhaps they were hopelessly lost? I have no idea how they managed to get a coach along that road and around those bends. Good job it was relatively quiet on the roads - imagine meeting a coach and having to reverse for miles until you find a suitable passing spot.  

That's us then - another visit to Skye done and dusted. Back to Alloa and the resumption of "normal" life until we hear some news. Getting quite impatient now but all good things come to those that wait - and we have the glorious drive back through the highlands to look forward to tomorrow. 


Will report back when we have something to say - hopefully good news!

A quick visit and an interesting journey

Quite excited to be heading for the plot with a view to imagining how the house would sit, views from the bedroom and living areas we set off from Clackmannanshire early on Saturday morning. The BBC had been warning of snow and blizzard conditions in the north and west highlands so we had contingency plans ready in case we couldn't follow our usual route.
A straightforward drive to Tyndrum with the sky getting progressively darker and more threatening the further west we travelled. The snow gates were open so we headed up to Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. Skiers' cars in the car park at Glen Coe but most of the snow was well up the mountain. The road was clear all the way through but we did hit some heavy snow showers as we drove through the glen. There were snow ploughs / gritters aplenty, doing a fine job keeping the roads nice and grippy.
Stopped beside Loch Linnhe for breakfast before continuing past Spean Bridge and up over the hill towards Invergarry. 
As we climbed the hill out of Invergarry we saw yet another snowplough / gritters convention waiting at the top of the hill. What were they waiting for??? As it turned out it was a big old stormy blizzard that hit just as we headed down to meet the A87. This is where it got interesting - heavy snow falling, driven by gusting winds with little traffic on the road. The Mitzi's 4 wheel drive engaged and we were off at 40mph through the snow feeling perfectly safe. A good test for the car which passed with flying colours. Then we met Mrs Slow in a people carrier trundling along at between 15 and 20 mph. I confess to overtaking - on a straight road in a snow storm - rather than wait behind her. Then we met the snowplough which had stopped to help the occupants of the car that had slid off the bend and hit the barrier ending up facing the on-coming traffic (us) Of course, Mrs Slow rolled up behind us as we were waiting to get going again but was soon lost to sight despite the fact that we were now following the gritter and in a parade of around 5 cars so tyre tracks to follow too.
Toilet stop in Kyle (20p and still worth it) then over the bridge, taking care in the high winds, and onwards to Carbost and Fernilea. Had dinner booked at the hotel so a light lunch was called for. Sligachan Inn - closed; The Old Inn - closed but open at 6pm (Friday and Saturday only!) Village "shop" in Carbost luckily open so a quick snack eaten in distillery carpark with a good view of the loch.
Met up with Mary and Ian at the plot and spent a happy hour wandering around, pacing out walls, courtyards and the garage much to the bewilderment of a future neighbour's small dog. Weather during this hour included snow, hail, small ice pellets, sunshine with plenty of north wind added in to the mix. A photo pf the plot below, Mary just in shot, too cold and wet to take many more, despite the apparent blue sky.

A great view of the bracken on our house plot plus a shot of our future neighbours!

Then back to Ian's house in Carbost where he had very kindly offered up his dining room for us to discuss the house plans in detail. A nice cup of tea and poppy seed muffins too. Very little changes required although we discussed the garage plan for a while. Then the tricky matter of budget with some discussion over what should be submitted to the planners. Decided it should be the larger, and more costly, footprint and we will see what the tender responses looks like.
Mary confirmed that they will submit the planning application by the end of the week. Then it is a maximum of 8 weeks for a decision; then we have to hand over the cash and the land is ours.      

As we sat in Ian's dining room, the snow showers became heavier and more frequent and as we drove back towards Broadford, the snow level had dropped considerably. Checked in to the hotel and immediately closed the window which had kindly been left open - it was a little cool outside!
A nice enough room, with no TV - at least no TV that we could find.
Getting ready for dinner, we heard a noisy car arriving - no the island snowplough has found its way down the narrow road and was happily ploughing and gritting. Very impressed.
Dinner was very masterchef and very nice. Early to bed as it had been a long day.
Still snowing gently as we closed the heavy curtains to keep the room nice and warm.

Sunday was a day for exploring and we decided to head for Elgol which is at the end of a 15 mile single track road that ends with "the best view in the UK"  It took us almost 2 hours to reach Elgol as we had to keep stopping and getting out of the car to photograph the views. This must be one of the most scenic roads ever. New and exciting views of the Cuillins, the mainland mountains and the small isles at every twist and turn.
Have included a selection for your viewing delight - I can't choose my favourite shot.

Reached Elgol and walked a very short distance along the cliffs where we watched two young lads carry an inflatable up the cliffs from the shore. Back to the car for coffee and more views. 
Decided we will return here on a later visit and take the boat trip to Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillins.

Across the bay to Camuscanary

View to Cuillins from Elgol

Sun lighting up the snow on the Cuillin range

Drove back to the hotel with further stops for photos on the way as the light had changed and the cloud levels risen giving a stunning, almost black and white photo of Bla Bheinn which we intend to climb at some point. Sounded possible from the walkhighland website - having seen it in the flesh we will at least make the coire, not sure about the summit. The view from the top is meant to be another stunner. 

Bla Bheinn - aiming to get up there when the snow goes

Drove home on the Monday morning through wild, windy and torrential rain - what drought??
A lovely weekend and we enjoyed bed, breakfast, dinner and drinks for less than the cost of two nights B&B. Very good value indeed.


Now just waiting for confirmation that planning application has been submitted and we can get moving on building.

We have a plan!

It's not a cunning plan - it's a plan for our new house.
Mary and Ian from Dualchas have delivered against the detailed brief we provided for them and with only one re-draft we are nearly there.
The house has been sited to take advantage of the views to the loch and the Cuillin mountains. Plenty of glass, plenty of space to live in and, if we can afford it, a mezzanine level that will be light, airy and float above the lounge space. Two decent-sized bedrooms with plenty of storage space. In short, everything we asked for on paper. Being this close to agreeing the design means that we should make our planning deadline. : )

We are heading to Skye next weekend so that we can meet Mary and Ian and get into the detail of the house we want built. A very good deal staying at the Eilean Larmain Hotel at Isle Ornsey - two nights for the price of one. (BOGOF) A very good deal and cheaper than most B&Bs, even if we could find any that are open in February. Hoping to get some walking in on the Sunday - hills if the weather plays the game and beach if not. 

As an aside, we are gaining minutes of daylight each day - we reckon we are ahead of England now with evenings still light (ish) at 18.00. I can walk home from work without the need for a torch.  

Today, we did a circular walk up to Ben Cleuch. Decided to bite the bullet and try the steep slog up a hill known as The Law. My goodness was it steep. Stopped for a coffee at what I thought was the halfway point only to be told that we had gained the stupendous height of 275m! Only another 450m to go then.  

It was another hill of t-shirts and fleece to start with then all layers on once we hit the ridge. Stopped for a bite and another coffee in the most sheltered spot we could find. Snow level was around 2,000ft (600m) with a few icy patches but nothing too dodgy. Could be an interesting walk in true winter conditions. Some very steep hillsides to slide down if you put a foot wrong.

Up above the clouds on The Law.. Forth River shining in the background.

                 Above the steepest section at this point. One fellow walker going up, one going down.                                                                              

The dog that can just be seen in photo above was a Husky / Shepherd cross with bright blue eyes. She seemed very happy to be out and about in the snow.

Fantastic views and light at the top. We had walked up through the cloud layers into the sun but cloud was swirling and threatening to drop down lower again. We finished the circle by dropping down then back across another summit before heading back to the woods above Alva Glen. 

Fell runner count was two today. Appeared on the top with enough breath to have a chat, turned round and were gone again - although we did catch them in one of the photos. 

View back down to The Law; fell runners running back down

Great views to the Cairngorms in the far distance and the highlands to the west. 

View to the Highlands, dodgy looking cloud in foreground

Back to the car where the GPS told us we had walked just over 6 miles. Legs felt as if it was at least double that! It's been a while since we walked up such steepness over such a distance. Was good to be back out in the hills again.

Weather station news - since installing the weather station and monitoring the weather in our back garden, we have to announce that there has been very little wind and almost no rain. The barometer has been mostly flat and we have not noted much in the way of extremes of temperature. We are hoping for a March storm to bump up the viewing pleasure.  Did everyone notice the lack of snow, ice, cold in Scotland last week when the Midlands, North East, etc were freezing. It was mild and dull up here.

May the (gale) force be with you and Celebrating One Hundred and Eighty

It's been a busy and fairly uneventful January so far.
A little bit of weather, dull days, rainy days, work and a couple of colds.
We did have a lovely weekend back in Devon where we celebrated One Hundred and Eighty. Made up of a 50th birthday, a 75th birthday and an Emerald anniversary (55 years) Took a flight from Edinburgh to Exeter - very easy journey and an enjoyable family meal on Sunday lunchtime. 

We have had some email discussion with Mary over the house plans but don't expect to actually get our hands on anything until the first week in February. At least this is on the horizon now. 

The weekend just past promised high winds on both Saturday and Sunday, with excessive wind speeds at summit level. However, the temptation of blue skies, some sun and snowy tops was enough to get me researching a smallish mountain - safe from the snow and ice - reasonably close to home that we could tackle on Sunday when the winds should have eased. Ha.

So Sunday saw us up and out at an early hour for the drive towards Loch Lomond. Plenty of storm damage on the way including flooded roads, trees down and debris but no hazard to travel. 

We arrived at the large, free car park at Balmaha, a small village on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, We were one of only a few cars and one camper van. No breeze in evidence in the car park so shirt and fleece for me plus gaitors with Gary kitted up in full as usual. As always we carried the full back up kit with us, including a variety of cold weather gear. We were only climbing up to just over 1,300 ft but even so.

The path, part of the West Highland way, climbed up through forest with steps kindly provided and was wide, not muddy and impossible to lose. Once onto the open hillside, the path narrowed but still had steps where it got steep. As we approached a stream crossing, we met a Dutch couple who carried a small child each in a carrier on their backs. Both children were wailing quietly and a bit snotty. Made a passing comment about how I wouldn't cry if someone was carrying me and they explained that it was just too windy for the kids and they had turned back.
At this point we decided that perhaps we should prepare for the wind we could now hear shrieking around the ridge although we were not yet feeling the full effect.

Upwards we went and as we hit the ridge we definitely found the wind. It came howling in from the west - straight across the loch, buffeting the mountain. We carried on steeply uphill and met a few fell runners, one of whom slipped, fell, swore and bounced back up and carried on. We were on Conic Hill which is on the Highland Fault Line, so some interesting geological features if you had the inclination. We were concentrating on battling on, even with the wind at our backs, some of the gusts took my legs away. A Scottish person in shorts slithered down the hill, bleeding from a scraped leg and warned us about the tricky and slippy mud ahead. Undeterred we went onwards. Stopped in the shelter of some crags to take a few photos. The views now opened out to Ben Lomond and, further away, the Arrochar Alps. (I have my eye on these for a later and longer day out) 

Ben Lomond shines in the sun, as a snow shower threatens

 

Arrochar Alps looking gorgeous in the sun

 Passed the time of day with a couple in running kit who were out training for the west highland way race - yes some fools run the full length of the WHW for fun ! We wished them luck.


Climbed the last bit to the summit and just about managed to stand on the top - by now we were wearing all available clothing and only the tip of my nose was visible. Decided that we would try and find a sheltered spot for lunch on the east side of the hill. Was a bit boggy but we found a nice hollow, probably used by sheep and sat with feet dangling, almost out of the wind. Sat through a light rain shower that was snow just a bit higher up and found ourselves almost in the middle of a rainbow. The shower soon got blown over and we packed up and headed back down to the car.  

View back up to Conic Hill. If you look very carefully, you can see people on the ridgeline.

The car park was now almost full although not sure where they all were. The Oak Inn looked nice for a pint and a pie and the menu was reasonable so perhaps people were in there. We did stroll to the loch and took a couple of moody pictures - jostling with the Japanese tourists for the best view. It was at this point that we spotted the boat / yacht that had been apparently blown out of the water and was "bottom up" at the edge of the small boat yard.

A final look to the west across Loch Lomond before we head for home

 A very nice day out with great views of the higher hills.

Days like today make you realise that Scotland is a beautiful country with views and vistas that are constantly changing. We are very lucky to be living here within easy reach of such glorious scenery and walking routes. 

The Arrochar Alps may be next on the agenda although we have also been considering the Cairngorms as we have never walked up there. Advice is that the Cairngorms are best in the winter as they have a reputation for being boring great lumps of hills and the snow and frost make them more amenable.  

Back home to prepare for the week ahead, quietly hoping that Mary might send us the first house plans ahead of schedule.

PS: Forgot to mention the weather station that now sits proudly in the garden recording all manner of weather events. More information to follow plus a link to Gary's website where the information will be broadcast.

The End - of 2011, Ben Cleuch at last and a topographical survey for Christmas

This is it then; the end of a year of change, including along the way - shock at having to make myself and a good team of people redundant; excitement at selling the house; finding the perfect plot of land on Skye then finding out we could buy the tenancy of the surrounding land too; two visits to the stunningly beautiful Isle of Harris; enjoying not working for almost six months; two trips to the Lake District; experiencing some extremes of weather; finding a new job (even when everything you read and hear says there are none); setting up my own company; moving to Scotland and above all moving towards achieving our dream of building our own house in a beautiful location.

As the title would have you believe, we finally made it to the summit of Ben Cleuch this week.  Tuesday arrived with clear skies and we were off. Good progress to the top of the track where we turned back last week and steeply up to the top of the hill where we had our first view of Ben Cleuch looming above and beyond us. Turning back last week was the right decision; neither of us has realised quite how much further on or up it was. We carried on, sliding over the last remaining patches of icy, hard snow and climbed the last steep bit to reach the summit plateau. What a difference a few hundred feet makes - it was absolutely freezing up there with the wind blowing from the north and the temperature much lower than when we had started out. All layers on, a quick cup of coffee, a couple of photos and we were off back down again. A wonderful view from the top across to the higher hills and mountains, most of them still covered in snow. 

View from summit of Ben Cleuch, slippery old snow encountered on ascent in middle distance

We met several fell runners (totally mad) mostly wiry, older gentlemen apparently enjoying the day. Gloves and hats firmly on for us on the return journey. My recent purchase of "Youth's waterproof, thermal gloves, size L" proving their worth and a bargain at only £18. Hands toasty and dry.

Returned home happy that we had climbed the mountain and planning a different route next time - a circular route that is even steeper on the ups but gives a longer ridge walk to the top. However for the next three days, I'm not sure if the local hills even emerged from the cloud cover.

We did venture out to the Trossachs again to climb Ben A'an. This is a small, perfectly shaped mountain about 45 minutes away. We drove past flooded fields and at one point were almost in the loch. Much more rain or snow and this road would become impassable. As we sat in the car park listening to the torrential rain we couldn't decide whether to get out and go or not. A break in the weather and the shelter of the woods for the first part of the walk decided us, gaiters on and we were off. Up steeply through the forest, across the burn, through the boggy bits and eventually out of the trees to a stunning view across Loch Katrine to Ben Venue (remember that one from 5 November ?) and further afield. 

Ben Venue looking just as steep as I remembered it!

 At this point, the light rain became sleety then wet snow then a full-on snow storm. We carried on as far as the shoulder of the hill then, after talking to others also climbing up, we agreed to continue as the view was promised to be worth it. Despite looking like it would be a scramble to the top, it was just another steep climb. A small child scrambling down told us "it was nice up there"  It turned out to be worth every out of breath moment as we reached the top. Views stretched down over Loch Katrine and across to the Southern Highlands. Very snowy in places with Ben Venue looking unrecognisable covered in snow. 

Ben Venue across Loch Katrine - memories of a very long day here in November

We dodged the blizzards, watched the light play across the loch and took many, many photos. For such a small hill (1,500ft) there were simply stunning views. No wonder the car park is so big. Ate lunch out of the blizzards, sheltered on the east side of the summit.

View east to Ben Ledi - plans to climb this one sometime soon

Then back to the car and a drive home via The Dukes Pass (later closed due to the snow) a scenic winding road that takes you through Aberfoyle and home.

The next day, we received our copy of the topographical survey for the house plot. Very impressed that Richard managed to get to Skye, carry out the survey and get it all done by 27 December. It will be waiting for Mary on her return. Good news!


And so we find ourselves at the end of an interesting 12 months with plenty learned and plenty to look forward to over the next year.

Happy Hogmany to all

Observations on living north of the border & good news at last

First the good news - we have had it confirmed (in writing) that the seller has accepted our revised offer (missives) on the basis of us applying for planning permission. So the missives are concluded and now we have just over five months to submit and hopefully receive detailed planning permission. 

We need the topographical survey report before Mary can get going on the design. Have commissioned the man from Glasgow and he is certain that he can do that before Christmas. Seems a bit unfair to hassle him given the weather of late. The next week or so is set fair (by Scottish winter standards) so we hope he will   a) be able to drive there - landslips and snow permitting and   b) get over the Skye bridge - high winds permitting.

Looks as if January will be busy making key decisions about the house design in order to get the planning permission submitted. Then we wait, hopefully not for too long.

Now for the observations on life almost 10 weeks after moving north.
1: We are in the land of the vertical blinds - rented house included - it seems they are de rigeur!
2: Another favourite is the garden statue, in granite, usually of cute animals or cartoon like people including a bride and groom version - no we are not joining in with this one.
3: Hats - of all shapes and varieties with the key attribute of keeping one's head warm - are the thing. No one goes out without one and the version with ear flaps are the most popular. Gary is searching for a genuine Russian hat complete with fur and a badge.
4: You need a selection of cold weather gear to hand as each day brings a different challenge. Icy rain, snow, gales force winds, ice, more snow. It's amazing the variety required, all of our kit is stashed in the hall at the ready.  
5: People generally are very friendly; I have made friends in the post office queue. They are happy to share their knowledge of the area and particularly keen to recommend good places to eat.
6: It does get dark by around 15.30 to 16.00 at the moment depending on cloudy or clear skies but the payback comes in the summer.  

We have settled in well and are comfortable in our rented house. We have explored most of the glens in the Ochils and are now venturing further afield.
Last weekend we traveled to Aberfoyle and walked high up into the forest where we had glimpses of the snow on the high mountains through the mist and ate our lunch on a sloping bench in the rain. Lovely! A nice visitor centre here too, situated up a winding road high above the town.

Yesterday we headed to Stirling for a spot of shopping. I was so distracted by the view as we drove in that we climbed up to the castle where we could see for miles. The mountains of the Trossachs and further afield were heavy with snow and lit by the sun. It was like being in the Alps.

The sun was out today, Ben Cleuch was on the agenda. We knew the track to take and hit the snowline after an hour's walking (climbing). At the same time as we hit the snowline, we also hit the wind or to be precise, it hit us like a sledgehammer. The temperature had not risen above freezing all day; add in a 20 - 30 mph wind from the north-west and you might be able to get an idea of the wind-chill factor. Suffice to say that all layers were on but, as I had forgotten my windstopper, we decided to turn it around and find somewhere sheltered for lunch. It was just too cold for me to carry on. We tried climbing a smaller hill for the view but the ground was frozen solid with ice and old snow and while we could go up easily, coming back down in one piece may not have been so easy. Turned back again and sat in the lee of the hill for food and hot drinks.

Thinking it may be time to get some training in the use of crampons and ice axes or we might be restricted as to where we can walk during the winter. Sounds quite exciting learning to self-arrest on an icy slope.

Photos from today's walk

View back across the Forth showing the Clackmannanshire Bridge especially for the Radio Two listeners amongst you!

Snowy hills beyond Edinburgh complete with the ubiquitous windfarm

The snowline from today's walk. Hit the snow at around 1,200 ft.

Back home now with a Ragdale treat in the offing this week.  A couple of days to work before the Council closes down for Christmas and we have a few more days off. I have been working for almost eight weeks now with only the weekends off so it will be nice to have a real break.

Fingers crossed that the survey is completed and waiting for Mary when she returns from her cycling jaunt to somewhere hot and sunny (Sri Lanka?)
Keep watching the blog for progress updates and perhaps some house designs in the not too distant future.

And finally, we felt we were letting the side down by not decking out our house with multi-coloured lights, lit up figures and garlands / wreaths so we have compromised and brought out our two fibre optic trees. Not quite up to the standard of the other 11 houses in the close but at least there will be a glimmer of flickering lights of a Christmassy nature in number eight too.

Taking matters into our own hands

OK, so despite numerous phone calls it turns out (through a call to the very helpful planning department on Skye) that there has been no submission to renew the Outline Planning Permission for the plot at Fernilea.
Enough is enough and it is decided that we will apply for detailed planning permission ourselves.  The conversation with the planners is positive and the plot apparently sits within a settlement development area so any proposals to build a new house will be looked on favourably.
Discussions take place with our solicitor, the estate agent and the vendor's solicitor. All agree that we should progress matters this way. The missives will be changed to reflect this. Confirm that the vendor really does want to sell (not sufficiently to apply for PP to be renewed apparently) and decision made!
We have contacted Mary this weekend so finally the exciting bit - of designing our dream house - is about to start. Just need to sign the contract and get the ball rolling.

Meanwhile, we have been exploring the Ochil Hills close to the house over the last few weekends.

We haven't yet made it to Ben Cleuch (highest point) as it has been either too wet, too cloudy or too windy. There are plenty of other hills, glens, woods and reservoirs to seek out.

We have visited Dollar Glen with its Castle Campbell and steeply wooded paths, carrying on along a temporary and pretty wet footpath to the reservoir at Glen Quey.  Managed to stay just below the level of the clouds but the views were non existent.

Castle Campbell from the north side of the Glen. Our route for the day lays behind it at this point.

Last weekend it was a circular walk on decent tracks back of Dumyat which is a great viewpoint  close to Stirling. Good views of the Wallace Memorial, the Campsie Fells and back across the River Forth to Edinburgh in the distance. Unfortunately as we approached the ridge to climb to the summit, down came the clag and not long after, down came the rain.  Lunch in the shelter of some rocks but once again a swift lunch to be sure that we were down off the plateau well before the light faded. This meant re-tracing some of this morning's walk and adding a few miles but we were back to the car just as daylight started to disappear.

Today we considered Ben Cleuch again but the winds, as forecast, were blowing between 30 and 40mph and that was in our back garden. Casualties of the storm included the bird table and a full recycling bin, both blown over. It is also a little on the cool side today. So decided to try Alva Glen - a good choice with the approach via woods and then a steep-sided gorge. Plenty of warnings about being careful but nothing to stop you striding out on a thin plank of wood suspended over a raging torrent. Alva Glen is a beautiful place with the gorge carved out by the Alva Burn which is roaring its way down to the flood plain of the River Devon today. The path crosses the Burn a few times then takes you curving up the hillside until you are high above the white water and can hear but not see it. There are several, very old, benches to perch on and take in the view back along the glen. 

View back along Alva Glen to the flood plain of the River Devon (path on RHS of hill)

We admire the fitness of a young lad and his father who are running up this path then continue at our own pace. As we reach the top they run past us again and decide to go straight up the hill behind us "as it's a nice day!" Consider a descent on a narrow path to the burn which flows through a water-carved tunnel here but decide we have walked far enough and turn back after a few photos of the hills looking lovely in the low autumn light. 

View into the Ochils with our two shadows on the far hillside. Very steep!

As we are making our way back by the raging burn, Gary spots eight or nine people IN the water. Helmets and wetsuits, bright red hands and they appear to be enjoying themselves. Assume they are canyoning and are there voluntarily. Exchange smiles and the odd comment then leave them to their fun.
A further 40 minutes walking brings us back to the car and the five minute drive home. A  short walk but one that has identified some nice looking routes for future walks. 

We have learned: - always take more food than you think you will need; don't under-estimate the steepness of the Ochils, they may only reach 2,000ft but you are starting from sea level; accept that you will be very muddy at the end of the walk; put on gaiters at the beginning of the walk or don't bother; take plenty of extra clothing in a variety of thicknesses; take your walking poles as there will be slippy downs and rocky ups; don't expect a view but have your camera ready as these hills will always surprise you.

Insufficient exercise today to justify wine with dinner tonight so will prepare for the week ahead with a roast dinner and a non-alcoholic cocktail. 


If the forecast is to be believed, this week will see temperatures drop and we could see the first real snow of the winter. Could it be time to buy that snow shovel??

There was a little snow on the tops of the hills on Friday but nothing lasting. The locals up here are convinced it's on its way - and because there has been none so far, when it arrives it will be with a vengeance. We shall see.