#Knoydart

[macrowitchphotography]

3 day hike through Scotland, beautiful mountains and valleys and not another soul in sites... Aside from travel companions, step father photo bombing! 😂

[dopescissorscashwagon]

Loch Coire Shùbh, Kinlochhourn, Scotland

📸 by Damian Shields Photography

[hiroshitanaka]

Hidden Gems of the Scottish Highlands: Explore Beyond the Usual Tourist Trails

Known for sweeping landscapes, misty lochs and rugged mountains, Scotland’s Highlands region is home to a rich legacy of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Although famous attractions such as Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and the Isle of Skye draw millions of tourists each year, there are dozens of lesser-known locations that can be found for those willing to stray from the pack. Here, we reveal some Scottish Highlands secret gems that will guarantee you an extraordinary escape from the crowds.

Assynt’s Enchanting Landscape

Assynt, which sits in the northwestern Highlands, is a remote land of dramatic terrain and few people. This part of the world bears all kinds of odd geological formations, including Suilven, a freakishly resembling mountain that towers over the surroundings. Suilven’s terrain is rugged and its unique shape makes it one of the most photogenic peaks in Scotland. Explore the Bone Caves of Inchnadamph, where polar bears and reindeer were once discovered. The spooky, atmospheric caves provide a window into Scotland’s ancient history. If you’re making plans to tour Scotland, be sure to include this magical place in your itinerary.

Just down the coast, the coves at Achmelvich boast white sand beaches and turquoise seawater that call for isolation. The beautiful beaches make for lovely walks in nature, and a great place for a picnic. Assynt is the perfect Scottish family vacation destination for a little exploration, relaxation and the most gorgeous views you could ask for.

The Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye

One of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. You may know the Isle of Skye for its Cuillin Mountains and the Old Man of Storr, but the Fairy Glen is otherworldly. This small, enchanted valley not far from Uig is perhaps best known for its odd hillocks, circular grass formations and rocks that look like they came straight out of a storybook.

Skye is a haven for hikers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape surrounded by dramatic scenery and a touch of folklore.

Ardnamurchan Peninsula: Scotland’s Wild West

Scotland’s inaccessible and untouched part of the world — the Ardnamurchan Peninsula — provides a whole wilderness escape. With its untamed shoreline, scenic mountains, and varied flora & fauna, it’s a heaven for outdoor lovers wishing to family vacation in Scotland to experience Scotland’s unspoiled wilderness.

At the westernmost point of the mainland of Britain stands Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, one of the most prominent features of the peninsula. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the Hebrides and beyond, so it is a must visit for anyone visiting this gorgeous part of Scotland.

Glen Etive: A Quiet Alternative to Glencoe

Glen Etive is a tranquil gem of the Scottish Highlands that boasts some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery in the country. Skyfall is said to have been inspired by the glen, which boasts a beautiful route with winding roads that take tourists past aching Munros and sparkling Loch Etive.

One of the Highlands’ most scenic drives, Glen Etive showcases Scotland’s rugged natural beauty. It’s a perfect place for hiking, wild swimming or just enjoying the peaceful environment. So if you’re an explorer looking for something more with peace and tranquillity, then Glen Etive is a serene destination perfect for those seeking tranquility in tours of Scotland.

Knoydart: The Last Wilderness

Knoydart, accessible only by boat or an arduous hike, is often dubbed Scotland’s “last wilderness.” The rugged, remote peninsula provides sublime vistas, rugged trails & that requisite touch of isolation that's a bit hard to find elsewhere. The terrain is raw and rugged, ideal for escaping contemporary life.

Save a well-earned drink after your adventure for the Old Forge, Britain’s loneliest pub. Here, the world slows down enough so that you can hear nature and the raw Highlands. For the lovers of raw, unspoilt landscapes, Knoydart is a secret hideaway.

Plockton: The Jewel of the Highlands

Set on the shores of Loch Carron, the village of Plockton is an enchanting place famous for palm-lined streets and colourful cottage. Frequently bypassed by travelers on their way to the Isle of Skye, Plockton is a peaceful getaway for kayaking, wildlife cruises and fresh seafood. The village has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, & the loch's clear waters are ideal for a picturesque boat tour.

As you explore the coastline, watch for seals basking on the rocks. The tranquillity of Plockton is perfectly suited for anyone in search of a calming, picturesque retreat. One of the Highlands’ best-kept secrets, it’s a wonderful combination of natural beauty and tranquil character.

The Falls of Glomach

If you’re a fan of a decent hike, the Falls of Glomach are a hidden gem. Hidden in a remote dale, these falls are some of the highest in Britain, cascading over 100 meters into a deep gorge. The beautiful hike to the waterfall is absolutely worth the effort; it shows incredible views along the road!

Getting to the falls is in and of itself an adventure, as you traverse rugged ground and thick woodland. The waterfall is impressive, plunging into the gorge. The Falls of Glomach is one of the country’s most rewarding hidden gems for nature lovers and hikers.

Sandwood Bay: A Secluded Beach Paradise

Most cited beautiful beach in the UK, Sandwood Bay is recorded at the far northwest of Scotland. Only reachable by a four-mile hike, the beach features golden sands, high dunes and the dramatic sea stack known as Am Buachaille. It’s ideal for a quiet picnic, or a moment of quiet contemplation.

Sandwood Bay’s out-of-the-way location means few visitors, a quiet withdrawal from the world. This is one of the most beautiful secluded beaches for those who want a little extra peace away from the mass tourist places.

Tips for Exploring the Hidden Highlands

Be Prepared: Many must-see places are far from town with few amenities. Carry essentials such as food, water, and a map.

Travel Off-Season: Going in spring or fall can mean missing the summer swarm and enjoying a more peaceful experience.

Respect Nature: Use the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, leaving no trace and respecting local wildlife and communities.

Communicate with Locals: Locals usually know the best and most secret facts about the area as well as the history and culture behind it.

Summary of this Blog

The best-kept secrets of the Highlands make for an ideal way to explore the wild beauty of Scotland. When travelers are preparing a trip to the Uk, one of the frequent questions is, do i need eta for UK? Some foreign visitors to the UK will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter. Your trip: Make sure you are up to date on travel restrictions before you go.

[everyroadgoessomewhere]

[scotianostra]

Good Morning from Scotland 

An otherworldly sunrise from the roof of Knoydart... Ladhar Bheinn

[loz-3]

People I want to get to know better

Tagged by: @space-mermaid-writing (Thank you!!)

Last song: 1685 - Zedd & Muse

Favorite color: It's either dark forest green or deep yellow

Currently watching: I'm beginning Peter Capaldi's run in Doctor Who

Last Movie: Venom - with the third one coming this week, I'll have to fit it the second one somewhere...

Sweet/spicy/savory: Savory, but spicy is good too

Relationship status: Married

Current obsessions: Characters - Loki (of course), Tenth Doctor; Musically - dark techno house; Other - archerys & dodgeball

Last thing you Googled: Ferries to Knoydart and Islay in Scotland as I'll be heading across the pond in June 2025 !!

No pressure! @lokisgoodgirl @lokischambermaid @liminalpebble @gigglingtiggerv2 @vbecker10

[theuniversitychallengereview]

Get Lost Deer Keds

There is a fly in my eye.

Or right next to my eye. It feels like its trying to get into the eye though, and it's not being removed by a regulation brushing or swatting motion, so I have to squeeze it between my fingers and chuck it off.

It's the same for the ones on my arms, and on the back of my neck. The ones on my legs are getting away with it because there are too many of its brethren crawling around further up my body.

We are trying to climb a mountain in Knoydart - home of mainland Britain's remotest pub - but the heat, our lack of water, and these godforsaken flying menaces are making things very difficult.

What the hell are they, and why won't they get off me!

Even when we get off the mountain they are still there, burrowing around our hair and we keep finding them hours later, scuttling over our skin with no wings, more like spiders than flies. Writing this I can feel their tiny little feet all over my neck.

The name indicates the cause of the main problem - these wee beasties are designed to land on deer, but they are instead mistaking our human hair for the nice, welcoming back of a cervine mammal.

When they land on the deer they shed their wings - quite a deranged quirk of evolution, giving them no other options should the whole thing go south. But if indeed they have landed on a deer then its happy days for the ked, because deer famously don't have hands, and so cannot pluck them off.

Landing on a human then, is a worst-case scenario for both the deer ked and the human - from their perspective because they are going to be removed to (at best) wander around wingless, and from the human perspective because it requires hours of rigorous manual removal of slippery, squirming, snide little shits.

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Midges, obviously, are the classical scourge of the Scottish summer, and everyone knows to check for ticks, with the risk of Lyme disease they may carry, but the discovery of this fresh hell has coloured my relationship with the outdoors.

There is no option other than to stay inside and consume a massive amount of media - so perhaps you'll see me making my return to televisual quizzing at some point in the near future. Though not on University Challenge, because in order to get to class I'd have to leave the house, risking another encounter with a swarm of wriggling critters.

So there's no risk of me appearing in the second round facing either of the two teams who played tonight - Warwick and UEA, which is the University of East Anglia, not a typo for the United Arab Emirates.

Warwick and UEA played in 2007, a match Jack McB recounted in great detail in a recent blog of his, discussing it as one of the great sliding doors moments in UC history.

We'll have to wait a while to see if this match lives up to the same billing. If you want to watch the episode before reading the rest of the post you can do so here.

Here's your first starter for ten.

Warwick skipper Siddle, wearing a university squash club top with an unacceptable logo or brand taped over on his left sleeve, opens the scoring with Afghanistan. A full set of bonuses on the US electoral system follows, before Hart adds to their lead with Andre, with one of the clues relating to Andre the Giant, who was known as the eighth wonder of the world in the WWE.

Other candidates for the eighth wonder of the world include the Giant's Causeway, the Great Wall of China, and, perhaps bizarrely, the Forth Road Bridge. Although maybe they had to build that while being attacked by deer keds in which case it fully deserves the title.

Hart is able to see the big picture, taking a second starter with IMAX and another perfect set extends their lead to 60 points before Willis gets UEA off the mark with Malta on a picture starter.

The First Picture Starter

I always agonise about describing the picture starters by specifying their number - i.e. the first picture starter, the second picture starter. But I've never the liked the phrasing - it's too clunky and long. However, I can't describe it as the picture starter, because there are two of them, even though it is incredibly obvious from context which one I'm referring to. Equally, it has always felt silly to say 'a picture starter' when there are only two, but maybe that's just me being silly (perhaps this is all just me being silly). So I'm going to try that out for a few weeks and see how it goes.

UEA took a full set of island nations on the picture bonuses, and Willis grabbed himself another starter with shoulder. There's a quote by the author Robert Muchamore where he complains about how sometimes when you spot that you are over-using certain words (as authors often do, especially in first drafts) you realise that there are no real alternatives. The word in question was shoulder. There's not really much you can say instead of shoulder.

UEA's North mishears the request for a Jane Austen character rather than novel on the next starter, giving Mansfield Park instead of Fanny Price, and I'm worried that both sides are going to miss a starter on Black Sabbath, but Watson takes the points for Warwick. They race through another full set on lesser-known brass instruments, then Hart takes another starter with Markov chains. They are flying (but not like deer keds), and have a lead of more than a hundred.

Shaffrey closes the gap with Plutarch, and closes it further with South Africa next time around and further still with The Aviator on a picture starter (I'm not sure I like that any more than 'second picture starter' to be honest), but Warwick remain 70 points clear thanks to Hart's buzzer jamboree, and the gulf between the sides would only increase as the gong approached.

Warwick 275 - 125 UEA

This match wasn't close enough to be a sliding doors moment, I don't think, with Warwick looking very impressive going into the second round. UEA can be proud of their performance, and should be glad they didn't encounter any deer keds on the way home.

See you next week for the series' first Oxbridge derby as St Cath's, Cam take on Wadham, Ox.

[celtic-cd-releases]

https://www.facebook.com/ApeHouseBand

http://apehouseband.bandcamp.com

https://open.spotify.com/album/0UA5nPcUHheUJm7ZjDMJ0r

https://soundcloud.com/ape-house-26711029

[msamba]

One of Scotland’s best community buy outs - Knoydart

[businesspr]

At a Remote Scottish Pub, a Pint Worth Hiking 20 Miles

The Old Forge on the rugged peninsula of Knoydart is a community-owned meeting point for locals and visitors — at least those willing to trek across the wilderness. source https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/22/world/europe/britain-remote-pub-knoydart.html

[gsasustainability]

Ailsa Hutton, Winner MSA Stage 3 award 2024

The Hidden Network of Mycelium Exploring the impact of micro-ecosystems on macro-ecosystems

The Hidden Network of Mycelium Exploring the impact of micro-ecosystems on macro-ecosystems

The Highland Clearances caused mass deforestation and contributed to the erosion of traditional Gaelic culture and life in the Highlands. The process of deforestation has contributed to the loss of biodiversity and ecological degradation in Scotland. These impacts are being fought by small communities like on the Knoydart Peninsula.

There are challenges that the Knoydart Forest Trust are facing when rewilding Knoydart. The first being, planting sites are becoming so rural that the team have no road access and must walk to site. This takes up too much time to plant many trees. Another issue is poor soil structure which covers most of the highlands. This is a problem because plants struggle to grow and mature in this soil, so there is no guaranty it survives long enough to enrich the landscape.

My proposal is a semi-permanent structure to house the team during planting season on site and will also focus on improving soil structure ensuring success of the new forest. There are challenges and difficulties building in rural areas. Having an in-depth knowledge of the community is crucial to this design. It was massively beneficial to understand the scientific processes that happens in ecosystems as it pushed me to approach this project with a fabric first method. Fully understanding of my own impact.

The design is a physical interpretation of reciprocity in ecology as it demonstrates that attitudes of responsibility for our planet aren't a 'one-way' relationship. If people give to the earth, the earth will nurture people back. Nature doesn't work as independent parts, but instead as a whole machine that needs every part of it to work and thrive. People are a part of that machine, and it is essential for generations to understand this.

Reciprocity is a transaction of mutual gain.

[mobilephonetechnology]

(2023-08-19 image ©john muir trust) Knoydart is the most remote place on the UK mainland - no vehicular access only walking over 10Km or by boat. The question is should this have 4G coverage?

The argument for is that it would enhance the visitor experience from a safely standpoint, although this would also bring in social media as well.

The argument against is the mobile coverage needs a mast and this mast will be a blot on the remote landscape.

For me and my one-man campaign to cover the whole of the UK with 4G it is a no-brainer. We must have the mast to get the services. Others are against the mast and thus the intrusion of 4G. The jury is out on Knoydart as plans for a number of Shared Rural Network masts have been proposed.

[raisedbythewolf]

Read my article here

[ultralowoxygen]

Sgurr na Ciche by Julian Hodgson Via Flickr: Sgurr na Ciche (1040m), seen above the River Carnach, Knoydart. Saturday June 4, 1988. A digital copy of a 35mm Kodachrome 64 film transparency. Nikon FM, 35 - 70mm f3.3 - f4.5 Nikkor F-series lens.

[scotianostra]

Sunset from the stern of @PS_Waverley coming back to Oban from a full day trip to Knoydart on this day 2023.

[xunknown-pleasuresx]