Highland Calm…..

I have to admit that it is the most northerly Highlands of Scotland that really capture my imagination, the rugged and wild peaks, the mountain ranges that seem to go on for ever….. until they fall off the end of the island.  However a stop off in Perthshire always refreshes.  Loch Tay a typically beautiful expanse of water is overshadowed by Ben Lawers  at a majestic 3983 feet is no pimple. Yet compared to its more northerly cousins, on a sunny day, it looks rather docile….but don’t be fooled, on a bad day it is an exposed and unforgiving mountain.

Loch Tay and Ben Lawers

But Perthshire is beautifully deceptive.  The greens always seem more verdant, the valley floors so fertile and the slops productive woodland and the whole all very civilised.  The area seems prosperous and well populated and in parts acts as a dormitory area for the Edinburgh high flyers.

But despite all this you can still find tranquillity.  One of my favourite Glens lies beyond the ridge above…Glen Lyon.  A walk from Bridge of Balgie to Cashlie is rewarding. Rewarding for the scenery, the woodlands, the Deer and the occasional (if you are lucky) Eagle but also for its peace and solitude. Yes, there is a road but it is one way in and the same way out, so there is little if any traffic to disturb the peace*….

Glen Lyon from near Cashlie

I have to admit that these Perthshire Glens do not have the wildness that they would have further north in the Highlands.  That is in part because of a climate which is not quite as harsh but mainly because there are a good number of large estates, estates that thrive on the Hunting, Shooting and Fishing fraternity.  Commercial businesses who’s clients demand, pay for and get the best……and may be that is no bad thing as it ensures the survival of long established communities.  Nor do these activities detract from the ability to explore and enjoy some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscape.  So explore and enjoy….

Falls above Glen Lyon.

* I did mention that the road is a dead end…it reaches a man made reservoir and that is it.  Well not quite, if you have a sturdy 4×4 there is an old road across the top of the  Glen that takes you in a circle to Killin on the shores of Loch Tay.  Take your time and it is worth the detour.

4th September