Active Spirit

Looking wintry

2012-01-28T11:46:00.003Z

Tied to the desk most of the week but managed a half day on Creag Dhubh yesterday, always a good viewpoint. The Monadliath and Creag Meagaidh are looking much more wintry!

Recent pleasant days

2012-01-17T15:42:00.002Z

We were poling on Loch Morlich last Friday through a very thin whisper of ice. Saturday up on Carn Liath and Stob Poite Coire Ardair in thick mist but good views of cliffs when we came down via the Window. Sunday was a cracker of a day and we just bimbled up Carn Ban Mor and Sgor Gaoith. Monday was like a spring day and in the morning we had a quick ascent of Creag Dubh. Back to admin today however.

Deep and soft

2012-01-04T11:12:00.002Z

It was hard going breaking trail on the hill yesterday with deep drifts of soft, heavy snow. Held you steady when caught in gusts though!

Wet day

2011-12-31T14:34:00.001Z

Warm and wet on the hill today. Oui Oui on Creag dubh is really going for it!

Carn an Fhreachadain

2011-12-27T16:25:00.002Z

On Christmas day we got blasted and wet on the little hill next to the fort at Laggan, but it was good to be out! Today we went up the Corbett behind Kingussie in pleasant weather. Quite springlike on the walk in as the grouse were very noisy. Cold wind on summit, hardly any snow around. Ptarmigan not well camouflaged. Cairngorms and Feshies looking bare.

How quickly it goes!

2011-12-23T17:45:00.003Z

We walked up Croidla this morning, with views of rapidly diminishing snow. The rivers are really going for it and the fields are Lochs. Another good hill for a short bimble!

A'Chailleach

2011-12-19T09:10:00.002Z

Yesterday we walked from home up A'Chailleach, one of the Munros on the Monadliath. It was a cracking day but quite hard going breaking trail. Firm to walk on one minute, then much floundering the next. Helps when you can share the trail breaking though!!

First time this year for the Mantas

2011-12-17T14:28:00.002Z

Having been wearing SLs for most of the year we thought it time to get the Mantas out for an airing. Took to Creag Dubh and glad of them as the snow has firmed up nicely in places and needed a bit of step kicking. Lots of interesting snow formations around too.

Creag Liath

2011-12-17T14:09:00.003Z

Another gem of a wee hill in the Monadliath, rarely visited but well worth the effort. We did this on Thursday when the snow was just not firm enough to weight bear, great day though.

Creag Dubh Newtonmore

2011-12-14T16:09:00.002Z

Our friend Dave was up for a hillwalk on this very windy day and we thought this would be a good one as he is in training and carrying a heavy pack everywhere he goes to prepare for Winter ML. The wind and snow gave it a real mountaineering feel and we were all blown about a bit. The views were still good even though the cloud was low. The 'friendly ghost' really stood out!

Fort Hill Laggan

2011-12-13T11:28:00.002Z

Another one of our favourites to do when we only have a short time to play between bouts of admin. Never see anyone yet it is a lovely walk with great views.

Creag Dubh in winter

2011-12-11T13:04:00.002Z

Most of November was spent doing maintenance at home, moving one store, building another etc and only recently have we been able to think about playing. Today we were on Creag Dubh at Newtonmore, one of our favourites in winter. We very rarely see anyone either!

weekend of fun

2011-11-07T07:47:00.003Z

On Saturday we were with Shared Lives at Woodend chalets, Banchory for some Fun with Team Challenges and Archery. Lovely group of folk as usual, keen to work together learning new skills, gaining confidence and becoming addicted to Archery. It was almost dark when we finished!

Sunday was glorious weather and we were on the Indoor Wall at Glenmore with girl Guides in the morning and a few Active Kids in the afternoon. Excellent day, even the youngest who is 4 was tying her own figure of 8!

Busy week

2011-10-22T17:40:00.004+01:00

Lots of activity with Active Kids and Kevin Fawcett's DofE group. Weather not that good but everyone had a good time whatever.

Rafted Canoeing Loch Insh

2011-10-14T09:26:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we took a group of 'Active Kids' exploring by Rafted Canoe on Loch Insh. It was quite windy and they had to work hard, but we did 'take the island' where we made camp with a tent, tarpaulin and built a couple of dens. We set off again when the wind calmed a bit and checked out another excellent camping/den building area before setting sail and having a free ride back.

Active Kids etc

2011-10-12T20:45:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we were working for WOW Scotland at Duntelchaig running climbing sessions. Kind weather and good groups meant we have a very pleasant day. Today we had a group of 'Active Kids' biking and Indoor Climbing. Again the weather was very kind and a lot of the children were new to our group and we all had a great time. Tomorrow we are Rafted Canoeing and Den Building on Loch Insh.

Fun on the Spey

2011-10-06T10:29:00.002+01:00

On Tuesday we were both working for Alltnacriche then yesterday Ian was indoor climbing all day whilst I had a great time on the Spey from Lochan Uvie to Newtonmore (near the 10th Hole!) with a group of four unique characters. They are very keen to do a 5 day trip on the Spey with Dave Craig, 'Spirit of the Spey' and this little trip was a taster of what is to come and for them to decide if they might enjoy it having never canoed before. It was very windy which made things a little more entertaining! However, it was at a good level and an excellent introduction for them especially as two were quite nervous. All was going well until their canoes got too close to each other with one team taking an unforeseen swim, ie Alan and slightly nervous Lynn. She didn't even get her hair wet and was eager to get back in and carry on. As Ryan said, it added a bit of drama and proceeded to turn it into an episode of Dallas (don't ask!). We used trolleys to portage back to The Beeches and a warm welcome from Jude.

D of E Silver Exped

2011-10-06T10:15:00.003+01:00

Following our fun session on the Loch we took off for Poolewe to walk in and meet a group of girls from Millburn Academy camping near Carn Mor and swapping over with Steve who supervised the first day. They were well sorted so we left them to it. In the morning Ian went back out to get our vehicle round to the end point whilst I had a chat to the girls before they set off over to Letterewe. The weather was glorious on Sunday and the mountains looked superb. The next campsite was at the foot of Gleann Bianasdail where they were met by the assessor and Ian. Monday became a very windy, then wet day but it did keep the group moving through the glen to Lochan Fada and out to Incheril via Gleann na Muice. Lovely route for a Dof E Exped.

Friendship Fund

2011-10-06T10:09:00.002+01:00

Saturday morning was a bit drizzly on Loch Morlich but quite calm when we met up with members of the Friendship Fund to have some fun Rafted Canoeing. We have been meeting up with these folk for a few years now and we use the opportunity for a good gossip and catch up with all their news. Most of the time was spent in hysterics even when the heavens opened. A lovely morning for us!

More canoeing

2011-09-27T14:28:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we were out with a lovely group consisting of a family of 4 and 2 brothers on the Spey from Kingussie to Loch Insh. The weather was fine and we all enjoyed a relaxed, friendly paddle, chatting and watching out for wildlife.

Catch up

2011-09-25T09:05:00.002+01:00

Since the 3 Peaks we have been doing a variety of activities with a variety of groups including walking with a Swedish group, indoor climbing with a great bunch of Caithness Army Cadets, fun activities for Alltnacriche, and then yesterday Ian was guiding on Ben Nevis for Maximum Adventure whilst I took a group canoeing from Loch Insh to Aviemore to celebrate one of the girls 21st birthday. This was fun and the sun shone!

3 Peaks

2011-09-13T11:59:00.002+01:00

It has been a busy couple of weeks one way or another, working with the Falcon Froup, No limits etc. This last weekend we were working for Maximum Adventure on a 3 Peaks challenge for groups from various local radio stations all raising money for 'Cash for Kids'. The weather was not as kind as it could have been and the majority of these folk were not outdoor people but they coped brilliantly and were still smiling at the end. Snowdon was the worst for most as the vicious gusts were pushing them over at times but their tenacity got them there.

Indoor climbing

2011-08-29T13:52:00.002+01:00

On Saturday we had Chris and Katherine with their children Laura and Justin at the climbing wall in the morning and Archery in the afternoon. They got on really well trying these activities for the first time. Were to be canoeing on sunday but rain stopped play. Instead, we had a small group of 'Active Kids' for indoor climbing, much fun had all round.

Canoeing Loch Insh

2011-08-26T13:46:00.002+01:00

Yesterday Ian took a family of 4 for a trip around Loch Insh and up the Spey a little way. It was lovely weather and they all had a good time. They were looking out for the Ospreys and only saw one at the nest on their way back.

Loch Morar

2011-08-24T18:03:00.002+01:00

On Saturday we were guiding for MaxAd on Ben Nevis then on Sunday we got our kit together and set off to paddle and camp on Loch Morar. Big sw winds on Sunday, gentler winds on Monday initially which helped on the final paddle to the end but winds became much bigger as we started paddling out, much more entertaining! Decided to camp again just to have another night out leaving only an hour of paddling to get back to the van. Super trip, lots of exploring to do and a wonderful sunset on Monday.

Bushcraft Canoe trip

2011-08-15T20:06:00.004+01:00

Friday, Saturday and Sunday found us with Neil from Backcountry Survival taking 2 lovely families out for a 3 day trip on the Caledonian Canal. The weather was not very kind although not too cold but they all managed to have a good time anyway. The 2 campsites we chose were ideal for what we all wanted. The children particularly enjoyed learning about fire building and fishing amongst other things! (not mentioning the pigeons!). The sun always shines at Kytra and gave warmth to the wet start we had leading to a good finish to the trip at Fort Augustus.

Will it stop raining?

2011-08-10T18:42:00.002+01:00

On Monday, we ran some wet sessions of abseiling for Scripture Union on the Towers at Glenmore Lodge. Tuesday was a much better day although cold out of the sun but I had a brilliant time at Kingussie with a family of 3 who had climbed on an indoor wall but never on rock and they loved it. Ian was on Meall a' Buachaille with the S. U group where it was very cold apparently. Today we had continuous heavy rain on Loch Insh whilst doing some Rafted Canoeing with a group from Moor House. Tomorrow we are doing some Team Challenges and Abseiling with a group from Belfast Activity Centre then off for 3 days on a Bushcraft Canoe trip with Backcountry Survival and his clients. Heavy rain expected every day!!

Rockclimbing at Kingussie

2011-08-07T14:33:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we had 2 groups of lovely people climbing at Kingussie. Wendy and Andy had brought 2 friends for some climbing and Abseiling experience with thoughts of the Inn Pinn. Lorraine had arranged climbing for a gaggle of hens! Martin took control of these girls ably assisted by Ian alias David Bailey! the weather held and everyone had lots of fun whilst learning new skills!

More fun with Active Kids

2011-08-05T19:38:00.002+01:00

During this week we have had our 'Active Kids' Climbing, looking for Treasure, having more Team Challenge fun, Arching with Midges and Rafted Canoeing. They have been a lovely group, helping each other, putting up with a midgy invasion, as well as trying really hard to achieve at all the activities. Hope to see them all again soon! Also, this morning we were on the Indoor wall with Michelle and her family ie daughter, sister & husband and their 2 wee ones, it was great fun and we think we have more climbing converts!

More canoeing

2011-08-01T22:24:00.004+01:00

On Friday we took families down the Spey from Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge. Lovely people who were all enjoying the serenity of this section on a wonderful day. On Saturday, Al, Ian and myself paddled from Craigellachie to Spey Bay for the fun of it and then on Sunday we did the same with a group of 5 adults, 4 of whom fish some of this section. It was really interesting for us to learn a bit more about the life of the salmon and to learn more about this part of the river. John and Shaun swam twice but came up smiling and it will give them something to laugh about for quite a time to come.

Today we had an afternoon of Team Challenges and Den building with a group of 'Active Kids', a great time was had until the wind dropped and the midges came out in clouds!

Fun on the Loch

2011-07-28T18:13:00.003+01:00

This morning we had a drizzly, midgy Archery session with a group from Moor House before getting on the water in the afternoon when the weather improved a little. They were great! They listened to what we wanted them to do and got on with it. Hope to see them again soon.

More good times!

2011-07-26T15:38:00.002+01:00

On Sunday BT Al, Ian, Rachel and me went paddling from Loch Insh to Aviemore with the aim of encouraging Rachel to take the back seat when Tandem. She was brilliant and quick to understand the basics of how the river works and how to get where we want to go with the least amount of effort. It was a lovely day weatherwise too!

Monday saw us on the Aonach Eagach with James and Marion, who wanted to do it without the use of ropes but we had this on hand just in case. The rock was dry and the weather almost too hot so we all had a great day. They loved the climbing on the Pinnacles! We were all sorry to leave the ridge as the views were stunning.

Rock climbing at Kingussie

2011-07-22T20:31:00.002+01:00

Today we had a few 'Active Kids' climbing and abseiling at Kingussie. It rained of course but did not stop play and the children were challenged with height and the abseil but all did really well and are wanting to come back for more.

Canoeing

2011-07-22T20:25:00.004+01:00

It had to rain again yesterday for the canoeing although only in the afternoon! Got away with it with the Young Carers but Ian was not so lucky with the family he was with.

Rain did not stop play!

2011-07-20T18:50:00.003+01:00

Young carers were fantastic at Team Challenges and Archery today! They were so good at working together and even managed to put up with cold rain in the morning. Rafted canoeing tomorrow!

Avoiding a wet day

2011-07-20T07:40:00.003+01:00

Met a group of Young Carers at Glenmore Lodge instead of Kingussie for some Climbing and Abseiling yesterday. Spent most of the day there and some were still up for more! They are a quiet group who are very keen to learn and we are looking forward to doing some Team Challenges and Archery with them today.

Another wet day

2011-07-16T17:27:00.003+01:00

Today we had another lovely group out for some fun Rafted Canoeing and Abseiling. We had a few showers whilst canoeing but it was really pleasant and we saw the 2 adult and 2 young Ospreys on their nest. The heavens opened just after we had loaded all the kit and were having lunch. We then set off for Farrletter and the Abseiling. It is quite sheltered here and we thought we would get away with it but the rain came down heavily and eventually stopped play. Our washing machine is working overtime these days!

Canoeing and Archery

2011-07-15T19:53:00.004+01:00

Ian was rafted canoeing with Ellon Boys Brigade in the morning whilst I did Archery. They were a great group and we had a lot of laughs. Know the lyrics to all the classics too! In the afternoon, I carried on Arching this time with Mike and Emma and their 4 children who we now know quite well. First time archers and they quickly became addicted. Ian was still canoeing and had a lovely group of youngsters. More of the same tomorrow!

Busy week

2011-07-14T22:10:00.002+01:00

On Sunday Ian and Nick took some of the Swedish group up Bynack Mor whilst their guide Wendela took the others up Meall a'Bhuachaille. they were rained on but not as much as me at Kingussie! I had set up some climbs for the Spanish but rain stopped play and we had to go indoors. Monday was a sorting kit day. Tuesday we took our Swedish folk to Cairngorm via Cairn Lochain. It was misty at first but improved and ended up being a fine day. On Wednesday we went through the Chalamain Gap and down to Lochan Eilean, this was a lovely day and everyone was very happy. Today, I ran Abseiling at Farrletter for groups from Alltnacrich whilst Ian had fun on Loch Insh with a variety of people, some families with wee ones. Great excitement in the morning when an Osprey decided to fish close to them!

Carn Ban Mor & Sgurr Gaoithe

2011-07-09T18:35:00.002+01:00

Today Ian and I took a group of the Swedish folk up Carn Ban Mor & Sgurr Gaoithe whilst their own guide, Wendela took another group around Loch an Eilean. the weather held for us and the views were fantastic so everyone was very happy. Tomorrow I am Rock climbing with the Spanish group and Martin whilst Ian, Nick adn Wendela take the Swedish out for more fun in the hills!

Walking with a Swedish group

2011-07-08T16:53:00.003+01:00

Today we met up with a group of 26 plus a guide all from Sweden and all wanting to enjoy some fine walks in this area. They are staying at the boat Hotel and Bremners are arranging the transport and are being very flexible with times etc, we are planning and leading the walks. Todays was the Alltmor Trail from Coire Cas to the Green Lochain and around Loch Morlich with everyone so that we could all start to get to know each other. Tomorrow we are hoping to take most of them up Carn Ban Mor and Sgor Gaoithe, any that do not want to go high have the option of Loch an Eilean.

Wet canoeing and biking

2011-07-06T19:17:00.003+01:00

We had a group of 'Active Kids' out Rafted Canoeing and biking today, it was a very wet weather day so we all got pretty dirty too but they all had a great time! Martin and Charlie ran a Rafted Canoe session for the Spanish group in the afternoon, they have to get used to our typical Scottish weather!

Ben Nevis, 2* & Duntelchaig

2011-07-04T19:56:00.002+01:00

On Saturday Ian was on Ben Nevis with a group for Maximum Adventure whilst Nick and I took a lovely group up for a more leisurely walk. Great weather! On Sunday, we trained and assessed Charlie, Nick and his partner Rachel for the 2*. Again the weather was wonderful and we all had a really good day. Today James, Ian and myself met the Westhill Boys Brigade at Loch Duntelchaig for Abseiling, Weaselling and Rock climbing. Another wonderful day and the boys were brilliant, they did everything we asked and were very polite with it.

fortrose Academy

2011-07-01T12:12:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday we had a big day of activities with Fortrose Academy at Glenmore Lodge. Another group from Fortrose had set off from the Old Bridge Inn on a 2 day river trip with Stuart, Mark, Russell and Dave. We met up with them later at the Boat of Bailliefurth Campsite where they were well set up and had a good fire going. They were also quite tired! On Thursday they carried on to Cromdale, we watched them down the rapids at the Old Bridge at Grantown, and were pleased to see such excellent boat control. They had obviously been listening to their Coaches.

Bronze DofE

2011-06-29T06:07:00.002+01:00

Over last weekend we were supervising groups from Millburn on their Bronze DofE. Pleasant routes taking in Loch Morie and Loch Glass and the campsite was lovely.
Today we are working with Fortrose Academy at Glenmore Lodge doing a variety of activities as well as setting a big group off on the Spey for a 2 day trip wiht help from Full On, Kushi, Mark and Stuart.

Climbing in the rain

2011-06-22T10:33:00.003+01:00

We met our group at Kingussie yesterday, Terry came too with Annie. the weather was not too bad to start with but the drizzle did turn to persistent rain eventually. At least they know it is possible to climb in the rain!! It was a great day and a lot of fun was had.

More Archery & Canoeing

2011-06-20T21:50:00.002+01:00

Today we met up with Emma, Eddy, Paul, Sarah, Gordon and Laura for some Archery and Canoeing. We could have arched all day, they got so into it and the canoeing was brilliant! We had a raft of 2 canoes plus 2 for tandem and it was great. We kept swapping around, chill time in the raft, learning skills when tandem. Good weather too. Off to the Kingussie crags with them tomorrow!

Busy weekend

2011-06-20T07:31:00.004+01:00

On Saturday we were with a group a Glenmore Lodge, they had taken over the place and we were providing their activities. What fun we all had! Charlie was Rafted Canoeing on Loch Morlich, Ian was having 'Fun Sessions' and Archery, I was Arching and Indoor climbing. The exhuberance of the people was wonderful even though it was pouring outside. Most of them had never met before but here they were giving their all and helping each other to get the most out of everything they tried. There was some beauty therapy going on too for those who wanted a quiet life! We all felt privileged to be with such lovely folk and hope we will see them again in the not too distant future.

On Sunday we were with a group of teenagers practising navigation around the Coire na Ciste area. They are in the process of planning a Gold DofE practise Exped. Most were interested in learning and worked hard.

RAF group

2011-06-17T10:33:00.002+01:00

Yesterday Ian was working with a great bunch of guys from RAF Kinloss doing Archery followed by Canoeing on Loch Morlich. The weather held and it seems like they all had a good time.

Aonach Eagach

2011-06-15T10:15:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we had a lovely day traversing the Aonach Eagach, first time for a few years actually and we had forgotten what a superb day it is. the weather was kind too and the views spectacular. We only saw one other person too! Must not leave it so long next time!

Findochty Youth Club

2011-06-12T15:17:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we had a day of fun with 24 children from Findochty aged between 5 and 12. We spent the morning on Team Challenges which caused much hilarity and frustration and the afternoon climbing and arching. They were a quiet bunch who tried really hard and who were excellent at helping each other and working well together. Hope to see them next year!
Today we met Marlene and John for a session of Indoor climbing with the focus being on belaying and knot tying. They did brilliantly and we are looking forward to another session before getting together on the real stuff!

Checking DofE route

2011-06-09T13:58:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we went to walk the Bronze DofE route that we are supervising in a couple of weeks. It is a pleasant wander to Wyvis Lodge from Glen glass and over to Loch Morie finishing at Balavoulen. Our journey of 38kms included an extra 14km to link the start with the finish. Good excercise!

Schools out!

2011-06-07T08:42:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was an In-service day for Kingussie so Ian took some 'Active Kids' out for Archery and Den-Building. The Market Stance at Kingussie is ideal for Archery and the woods around Creag Beag are brilliant for Den Building so much fun was had!

Ben Nevis and a little paddle

2011-06-06T14:15:00.002+01:00

On Saturday we guided groups on Ben Nevis for Maximum Adventure, then on Sunday we joined Martin to paddle the stretch of River from the Pattack Falls carpark to Loch Laggan. It was really pleasant although a little more water would have been helpful. Continued down the Loch to Ardverikie for a while.

Ellon Academy

2011-06-03T10:42:00.002+01:00

Yesterday, Charlie, Ian and myself had a really good day with pupils from Ellon Academy. They were an excellent group of young folk who paid attention and were great at helping each other. I drew the short straw and spent all day on the Indoor Wall but I did have fun with my groups. Ian was running Archery and Charlie did Rafted Canoeing which would have been hard with the wind, but the youngsters were up for the challenge! We are very much hoping to see them again next year, staff very welcome too!

More Canoe

2011-06-01T10:35:00.002+01:00

Catch up day today! On Monday, Ian took a lovely group down the Spey from Kingussie to Loch Insh. They saw lots of birdlife and were privileged to watch an Osprey at close quarters diving for fish - never succeeding apparently! Pleasant weather too!

Intrepid ladies!

2011-05-29T17:07:00.002+01:00

Our ladies are staying with Jude and Dave at The Beeches in Newtonmore where they are being looked after far too well! They are making good use of Jude's talents with all the various therapies and treatments she offers as well as enjoying all her wonderful cooking. We had a great time with some of them today, with wild Rafted Canoeing on Loch Morlich this morning at which they were fantastic followed by fun on the Indoor Wall at Glenmore Lodge. Gill was bothered that she might not have strong enough hands but once she tried there was no stopping her. Stephanie is a natural and could not leave without doing an overhang which was climbed in fine style, Gill had to follow suit! Susie, Jo and Lil all had a climb and experienced the belaying but were already tired from the canoeing and resorted to encouraging banter. Chris decided to be chief photographer. We are already looking forward to seeing them again and have a plan!!

Creag Dubh

2011-05-28T17:02:00.003+01:00

Today Ian had a group of guys for Archery which went well! I took a lovely group of ladies for a stroll up Creag Dubh. The weather was not particularly kind but we all had a good blast. We are seeing them tomorrow for some Rafted Canoeing and Indoor Climbing.

Duntelchaig

2011-05-25T19:51:00.002+01:00

Today we had a great time at Duntelchaig with a Skills Force group, Weaselling, Abseiling and RockClimbing. They were a really fun bunch of young folk to be with, lots of cheek and boundary pushing but you could not help but like them all! Leaders included.

Escape from the weather!

2011-05-24T17:48:00.002+01:00

Today we should have been at Duntelchaig with a Skills Force group but we decided to do some Indoor Climbing and Abseiling on the wall at Glenmore Lodge instead. We spent most of the day there and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves! Tomorrow we go to Duntelchaig!

Birthday celebrations!

2011-05-22T16:17:00.003+01:00

On Saturday, Diane was still celebrating her 50th, this time with a bit of Archery after a day on Ben Nevis Friday. In the afternoon, Diedre and friends went for a trip on the Spey from Boat of Garten to Nethybridge with Tracey to celebrate her 40th. Today, Ian took a family of 4 on the same trip to celebrate Georgia's 8th birthday. Windy but weather was kind for everyone!!

Canoeing

2011-05-20T20:21:00.002+01:00

Today I went to Ben Nevis with 4 ladies to celebrate a 50th birthday. Fresh snow from the Red burn added to the challenge for them. Ian took a group of friends Indoor climbing and then Canoeing on the Spey. sounds like much fun was had!

Duntelchaig

2011-05-19T17:16:00.003+01:00

We were at Duntelchaig on Tuesday and Wednesday with groups from on a Skills Force project. We did Weaselling, Abseiling and RockClimbing. It was very windy and quite cold but the rain kept off! A challenging time for most of them but they did their best and seemed to have a good time despite many calls of 'I canna!'

Milnes

2011-05-16T20:15:00.002+01:00

Today Ian worked for Alltnacriche whilst I ran indoor climbing and abseiling for Milnes at Glenmore Lodge. Great youngsters as usual!

No Limits

2011-05-16T09:29:00.002+01:00

On Thursday, we took John up Meall Chuaich where he wanted to practise more navigation techniques such as aspect of slope. Too much chat as usual!

Saturday was a rafted canoe day for the No Limits group for Ian whilst James and I did some Team Challenges and Orienteering with Inverness Cub Scouts. Sunday and more canoeing this time with some Active Kids. Cold and showery over the weekend but everyone had fun!

John paddling

2011-05-11T18:56:00.003+01:00

Our friend John is up visiting and today got him on a nice paddle on the river, having never before been in a Canoe he took to it quite happily and asked lots of questions.

Park School

2011-05-05T18:52:00.002+01:00

On Tuesday we had some Team Challenge with Park School, then today we were rafted canoeing and biking with them. Very enthusiastic about everything! On Wednesday we were indoor climbing all day with Burghead Primary and the weather was brilliant!

Craigellachie to Spey Bay

2011-05-03T08:51:00.004+01:00

After finishing with Jade's family, we drove down to Craigellachie where we met up with Sylvia and Heather for a trip on the Spey on Monday. After shuttling we were able to set off at 8.20am. Quite low water since we were here in March so a bit slower too. Lots of fishermen about, most of whom were happy to just be in the sun! Other canoe groups on the water too and we seemed to keep leap-frogging each other. Down at Spey Bay before 2.00pm, sorted kit, waved Sylvia and Heather off then waited for the Addy group who had set off from Aberlour. Everyone we met had had a great time on the river, and again the weather was excellent!

Canoeing

2011-05-03T08:43:00.002+01:00

On Saturday we hired out 2 canoes plus kit to Ben Addy, his 2 brothers Tom and Steven and dad John. They were off to the sea from Aviemore! We left them finalising the packing and collecting liquid supplies! On Sunday, we met Jade (one of our 'Active Kids'), her Westie Holly and Mum and Dad plus BT Al for a trip from Boat of Garten to Grantown on Spey. It was brilliant weather although the easterly wind meant they had to paddle quite hard but we all had a lovely day. Jade paddled with me a lot of the time, going back to Holly and Mum and Dad for a change!

Fun on the Spey

2011-04-28T12:52:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we had fun on the Spey with some lovely people! In the morning, our friend Penny came out for a jaunt around Loch Insh whilst Ian went with Nicola and her family down to Aviemore. Nicola works at the Belfast Activity Centre and we will be seeing her and a group in August. In the afternoon, Ian and I took 2 families and a young couple down to Boat of Garten. Everyone came back smiling so we think they were happy. It was wonderful weather and there was lots of birdlife around too!

Loch Shiel to Loch Ailort

2011-04-26T09:23:00.004+01:00

On Saturday, BT Al, Ian and I set off into a Force 3/4 SW wind to paddle Loch Shiel, showery and squally, it was fine for canoeing. Camped on the Rubha Leathan. Next morning, a pair of Eagles were circling close to our tents, hardly a wing beat and a wonderful sight amongst this splendour. We set off at 7.30am whilst it was calm and drizzly. The River Shiel was at a superb level for paddling and we were all surprised at how pleasant it was. The rapid at the end was like a mini 'washing machine' on the Spey. It was brilliant fun and much shorter than expected. We really enjoyed this section paddling across to have a look at Castle Tioram, then amongst the wee islands to reach the North Channel. Once past the Ford on this the weather brightened and became quite sunny and warm, and the outlook towards the sea was very inviting. As we came to the end of the channel, we spotted 2 otters who had been on the shore but dived in when they saw us. Once on the sea we headed North. There was a fair sized swell and it was amazing to be at a high point on a swell looking down on either of the other guys before being at the low point looking up! We kept well away from the shore as there were some big breakers all along it, even what looked like safe havens would have been impossible to land at due to these. Just like being on a roller-coaster and quite exhilarating! Once we turned the corner heading towards Glenuig we had the sea behind us and a gentler swell, managed to get a couple of photos then. Found a pleasant spot to camp past Glenuig where we watched otter, cormorant, black throated divers etc. A gentle 2 hour paddle on Monday took us to the take-out but not before stopping to watch 2 otters playing. This whole area is a paddlers paradise, and this trip in particular a fine way of experiencing it.

Windy Loch Insh

2011-04-22T20:28:00.002+01:00

Ian took some of our 'Active Kids' plus Carol rafted canoeing on Loch Insh today. They would have liked to have had a longer journey but it was too windy! Instead, they stopped to put up a tent and make a shelter using a tarp, before enjoying a fast ride back to shelter and more den-building!

Climbing at Creag Beag

2011-04-21T21:01:00.002+01:00

Today we had our first outdoor climbing and abseiling session with some of our 'Active Kids' plus an Active Mum. It was a lovely day and challenging for some!

Fun on the Spey

2011-04-21T08:46:00.002+01:00

Peter and his son Arran came for a paddle through Insh Marshes in the morning. Lots of golden-eye, a pair of goosanders, many sand martins and a few sandpipers around. Then in the afternoon we took a family of 8 from Boat of Garten to Grantown. Lovely, calm weather, lots of good chat and bird spotting ie curlew, sandpiper, oystercatcher etc as well as 3 hare running about. the children were very tired bunnies at the end but they have had a great few days of being out and about apparently!

Archery

2011-04-19T19:52:00.002+01:00

Today Ian was working for Alltnacriche, always a pleasant day! I met up with our Technical Advisor, Nancy to go through our paperwork to make sure we are still ticking the boxes in the morning and then ran an Archery session for a very nice group of 2 families. They quickly learnt what they needed to do to hit the target and there was no stopping them. Tomorrow we are canoeing!

Catch up time

2011-04-18T08:55:00.003+01:00

Lots of fun was had last week with 'Active Kids'. Rafted Canoeing, silly games, Archery, Treasure Hunt and Den building. Then on Saturday Ian did Archery for the Highland council whilst I had some Team Challenge fun with a group called 'Singing for Pleasure'.

Active kids climb!

2011-04-13T21:35:00.003+01:00

Some new children joined us today along with Niamh, Erin, Rachael, Georgie and Connor. They were well looked after by our regulars and had a brilliant time on the Indoor Wall. Rachael made it to the top for the first time and is looking forward to coming again. We had a wee walk afterwards to go and look for fairies but ended up playing hide and seek instead! All good fun and most will be canoeing with us tomorrow!

Canoeing Loch Insh

2011-04-12T16:34:00.003+01:00

Dawn and James came out with us this morning to learn a bit about canoeing. It was quite windy and bright, and the Ospreys are back! They were really interested and keen to experiment so progressed very quickly. We had to be careful not to bombard them with too much information!

Active Kids go biking

2011-04-09T17:37:00.002+01:00

Forgot the camera, but Calum, Heidi, Jade, Rachael and new girl Skye all came biking in Glenmore Forest with us today. The girls and I worked on better braking and steering whilst Ian and Calum went for a bit of a journey which included some harder stuff. Met up a few times for the craik though!

More climbing & canoeing

2011-04-09T08:37:00.002+01:00

We ran Archery for the Highland Council on Thursday. The groups were from Fortrose Academy so much fun was had by all! Yesterday we were Indoor Climbing with Emma, Mike, their family and friends in the morning which was a great session. 4 year old Sarah climbing in a red tutu, Thomas, Samuel and Finlay managing all the routes in style, Sophie & Dorothy being cheeky with the camera, wee Archie tying himself up in knots, Mike & Craig not in the least competitive whilst Emma & Coleen quietly got on with the business of climbing and belaying using the least amount of effort and having great poise! All change in the afternoon when Ian took a family out in rafted canoes on Loch Morlich, this included Ewan who is a wheelchair user but who really enjoys getting out doing stuff. Rather a wet end to this when the child in both dads brought on a splashing session. I had a more sedate afternoon with another group of Fortrose Archers. Great day for us!

today we are biking with some of our 'Active Kids'.

Canoeing

2011-04-06T08:01:00.002+01:00

Last week we did the new 4* Canoe Training with Stuart Bell of Beyond Adventure, it was an excellent course and we had a lot of fun. Yesterday I ran an Abseil session at Badaguish for a lovely family group who have one child in a wheelchair, the weather was good it was very enjoyable. Ian was out with another family group who we have seen for a few years now, out on Loch Morlich in Rafted Canoes. It was windy, but again they enjoyed the challenge, even their dog was having fun!

River Spey

2011-03-28T21:33:00.002+01:00

On Saturday, BT Al, Ian and myself set off from Grantown to paddle down to Craigellachie. The river was really moving and we did the trip in less than 6 hours even though we stopped a couple of times. On Sunday we continued to Spey Bay. We were lucky enough to see otters in 2 places, they came very close to the canoes and seemed quite happy about it. Ian was so close to one he could have patted its head! Lovely way to spend a weekend.

Today we worked with a group of people from Forth Valley College on Team Challenges and tomorrow we are going to be doing Archery and Orienteering. Lovely group who did not know each other very well before we started work on them!

Active kids and Charleston youth group

2011-03-21T10:27:00.002Z

We had a Treasure Hunt and some Indoor Climbing on Saturday with a few 'Active Kids'. Always a fun day out with these guys!

Sunday and we were at the Lodge again, this time with a group of girls from the Charleston Youth Group. They were really keen and up for trying things so were quickly climbing, belaying and abseiling. Spent the last 40 mins doing some Team Challenges.

Birthday Boys on the Indoor Wall

2011-03-13T17:03:00.002Z

Charlie and his friends joined us for some fun on the indoor climbing wall at Glenmore Lodge. We should have been doing Archery and Den Building but the heavy snow put paid to that! However, they had a really good time Climbing and Abseiling and all took a lot of interest in the belaying.

River Spey, Loch Insh to Grantown on Spey

2011-03-06T15:03:00.002Z

On Friday, Sylvia joined us for a trip on the Spey. We went on at Loch Insh and paddled down to the island just past the bridge at Boat of Garten to camp for the night. Sylvia did not know this section and we were using it as a training day, looking at hazards etc. Carried on to Grantown the next morning. Pleasant weather, good to see lots of curlew, oystercatchers and lapwings as well as our first skylark this year!

Team Building

2011-03-04T07:35:00.002Z

Yesterday we were with a group of management from the BASI office doing some Team building ie Challenges and Indoor climbing. Some were none too sure about the climbing but all enjoyed it at the end of the day!

Today we are off with Sylvia to paddle on the Spey from Loch Insh to Grantown, camping on the island at Boat of Garten

Ben Loyal and Ben Hope

2011-03-02T13:13:00.002Z

The weather was glorious on Monday as we strolled around all the Tops of Ben Loyal. It is a spectacular mountain and hours of fun can be had scrambling on all the tors. On Tuesday, the weather was kind again and we paid our second visit to Ben Hope, the first being 24 years ago, our first hillwalk. It was this hill that inspired us to move to Scotland.

Indoor Climbing

2011-02-27T08:22:00.002Z

Yesterday morning we had a few of our 'Active Kids' up the wall, a team of 2 girls and 1 of 3 boys. All did really well and it was a good session for us. In the afternoon, a group from Dataco joined us, most of whom had never climbed before but they were all surprised by how much fun it is, hopefully a couple have been converted!

Carn Fhreacadain

2011-02-23T09:13:00.002Z

It was almost white-out up here yesterday, a few ptarmigan and hare around. Always a good circuit and particularly good in the white stuff.

Active Kids on Low ropes

2011-02-17T15:01:00.002Z

Yesterday we met a big group of Active Kids at Alltnacriche for fun on the Low ropes followed by Indoor Archery. The youngest was Ruby at 3 years. She did everything the others did and wanted to do more!

Weaselling

2011-02-15T12:57:00.003Z

Met up with our Youth Inclusive group yesterday at Duntelchaig for a damp, cold day of Weaselling and Abseiling. Another great day, most were challenged including the leaders!

Creag Dubh Newtonmore

2011-02-05T11:22:00.002Z

We knew the winds were going to blow up suddenly during the day so thought this would be a good hill for Terry to finish his week on. It was a great day, lots of fresh snow and snow showers en-route, a bit of mist added to the wintry feel. Windy on top but otherwise quite benign.

More fun with Terry

2011-02-03T18:07:00.002Z

Yesterday we did Cairn Fhreacadain, a Corbett near Kingussie and had the best of the weather as there were storms all around.

Today we spent time on the Indoor wall at Glenmore Lodge looking at Abseiling and Climbing techniques. An enjoyable day for all of us.

Bad weather week for Terry

2011-02-02T07:41:00.002Z

Monday was a good day, a bit misty and windy but pleasant for Sgairneach Mor which Terry enjoyed. Yesterday as the wind was looking a bit stronger we elected for Meall Cuaich, weather not as bad as expected so another good day for Terry! We will offer him a choice of hills today depending on how blasted he wants to get!

Youth Inclusive

2011-01-29T16:28:00.002Z

Today we did Orienteering and Archery with Drew, Brian, Lorraine and a group of young people. This is the second time we have worked with them and it was another great day. They are always keen and enthusiastic to get on and do things. We are looking forward to our next day together when we are hoping to go Weaselling and Abseiling.

Sgairneach Mhor

2011-01-28T11:33:00.004Z

On Wednesday we bimbled into Coire Ardair of Creag Meagaidh, nicely wintry looking. Yesterday we went to Sgairneach Mhor and the weather was sparkling. Good firm ground and snow conditions superb for walking.

Active kids

2011-01-16T11:45:00.002Z

Yesterday we used the Indoor Wall at Glenmore Lodge all day for Abseiling and Climbing with some of our 'Active Kids'. They keep us on our toes and it is always fun with these youngsters.

Creag Beag

2011-01-11T15:25:00.002Z

Snow conditions were really lovely to walk in yesterday and we just paid a visit to one of our close low hills.

New Year in a tent

2011-01-02T13:39:00.002Z

On Friday we set off from Moy Bridge and walked up to the bealaich at 750m between Beinn a'Chlachair and Geal Charn. It was very misty, very windy and very drizzly. Eventually found a suitable campsite and got sorted. It snowed during the night and became so cold that everything froze solid including the boots. What a lovely view in the morning though, straight down to Loch a' Bhealaich Leamhain, it was a real Winter Wonderland. Took a while to get packed as things were stuck together with ice but eventually packed up and set off across the col between Geal Charn and Creag Pitridh. Descended Coire a Mhaigh down to Lochan an Earba and back to van. A grand way to spend New Year!

Team Building in the snow

2010-12-29T16:49:00.002Z

Today we hired facilities at Allnacriche for a youth group to do Team Building outside in the snow and indoor Archery. There was also a nice warm classroom to have lunch. They were brilliant at working together to achieve various tasks and keen to accomplish the challenge without any cheating! They were all excellent at the Archery too with hardly any arrows missing their target. We are hoping to work with them again soon.