Iolair-Bhara
Loch Cuaich (Quioch)
You could argue that this kind of photograph merely papers over some considerably large cracks in Scotland's landscape. Quite frankly, Loch Quoich & its environs bear all the hallmarks of typical wholescale exploitation of landscape for 'Man's' needs, with the result being a hideous mess of reservoir 'tide marks', pylons, jarring sitka plantations & topography stripped almost entirely of native woodland. It typifies all the worst aspects of our prevalent & domineering attitude of 'milking it dry', with thoughts for nature & aesthetics less than a priority. It would be entirely justified to say that this landscape is actually a very poor one; a land ravaged. With that in mind, it could be said that my photography may divert the mind from dwelling on these realities by actually suggesting all is well with the Highlands & its ecology. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are troubling thoughts I have from time to time & make me question what I'm doing.
Upon reaching Gleouraich's summit ridge-line, the revelation of Sgurr na Ciche & all the rugged western hills produced a flood of memories that spanned many years. Traversing that iconic peak ten years ago, on a multi-night backpacking trip, my stove decided to die on me. Using freeze-dried food for meals, I was thus in a perilous situation of conceivably dying of hunger in a decidedly remote location! Pondering my predicament on Sgurr na Ciche's exposed summit, I was joined by two Aberdonians on a similar outing, one of whom started moaning about being overburdened by packing too much food! He proffered a large beef & tomato sandwich (the best I've ever tasted), which I did my best not to grab too eagerly. He had no idea of my problem! Talk about serendipity. . .
As a descent route, I used the old stalkers' path on Gleouraich's Sròn na Chuillin ridge. Quite simply, this feature is a breathtaking work of art. You could liken it to a scaled-down version of the legendary Passo dello Stelvio, in the Italian Alps, with meticulous attention to keeping a manageable gradient, using numerous switch-backs, at even the most testing obstacles. And yet at no point whatsoever is this construction anything less than complimentary to the surrounding landscape. Given the path's great age, its current state of virtual flawlessness & solidity is a wonder in itself. It was the most delightful descent off a Highland hill I can ever remember, with me even considering turning around & climbing it again!
Just a thought: Sgurr na Ciche possibly possesses the most 'imaginative' & appropriate name of any Highland hill. Honestly, tilt your head to the right & you'll see what I mean. Just saying!!!
Loch Cuaich (Quioch)
You could argue that this kind of photograph merely papers over some considerably large cracks in Scotland's landscape. Quite frankly, Loch Quoich & its environs bear all the hallmarks of typical wholescale exploitation of landscape for 'Man's' needs, with the result being a hideous mess of reservoir 'tide marks', pylons, jarring sitka plantations & topography stripped almost entirely of native woodland. It typifies all the worst aspects of our prevalent & domineering attitude of 'milking it dry', with thoughts for nature & aesthetics less than a priority. It would be entirely justified to say that this landscape is actually a very poor one; a land ravaged. With that in mind, it could be said that my photography may divert the mind from dwelling on these realities by actually suggesting all is well with the Highlands & its ecology. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are troubling thoughts I have from time to time & make me question what I'm doing.
Upon reaching Gleouraich's summit ridge-line, the revelation of Sgurr na Ciche & all the rugged western hills produced a flood of memories that spanned many years. Traversing that iconic peak ten years ago, on a multi-night backpacking trip, my stove decided to die on me. Using freeze-dried food for meals, I was thus in a perilous situation of conceivably dying of hunger in a decidedly remote location! Pondering my predicament on Sgurr na Ciche's exposed summit, I was joined by two Aberdonians on a similar outing, one of whom started moaning about being overburdened by packing too much food! He proffered a large beef & tomato sandwich (the best I've ever tasted), which I did my best not to grab too eagerly. He had no idea of my problem! Talk about serendipity. . .
As a descent route, I used the old stalkers' path on Gleouraich's Sròn na Chuillin ridge. Quite simply, this feature is a breathtaking work of art. You could liken it to a scaled-down version of the legendary Passo dello Stelvio, in the Italian Alps, with meticulous attention to keeping a manageable gradient, using numerous switch-backs, at even the most testing obstacles. And yet at no point whatsoever is this construction anything less than complimentary to the surrounding landscape. Given the path's great age, its current state of virtual flawlessness & solidity is a wonder in itself. It was the most delightful descent off a Highland hill I can ever remember, with me even considering turning around & climbing it again!
Just a thought: Sgurr na Ciche possibly possesses the most 'imaginative' & appropriate name of any Highland hill. Honestly, tilt your head to the right & you'll see what I mean. Just saying!!!