DOCSLIB.ORG

Tom Weir's Loch Lomond Wonderland Booklet

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tom Weir's Loch Lomond Wonderland Booklet Explore Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Wonderland Discover Enjoy Welcome ‘From our eyrie on the MacGregor shore we feel as free Welcome to ‘Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Wonderland’ - a very special place that for many years as Rob himself, wage slaves no longer, but with hearts was the home of Tom Weir, Scotland’s most loved mountain man and one of Scotland’s greatest light as the blue sky as we set off on the high contouring storytellers and conservationists. path in a scent of bluebells and rowan blossom.’ Through his writings and broadcasts Tom We hope this booklet will encourage you to explore, introduced several generations to the wonders of discover and enjoy ‘Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Tom Weir - August, 1976 Loch Lomond and other parts of Scotland. Wonderland’ and also support the ongoing efforts of the Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. It is In this publication we share some of Tom’s the only independent conservation charity working evocative insights into the rich and diverse cultural to protect, promote and provide a range of services and natural heritage of Loch Lomond, which he and projects, with the help of local businesses and wrote so passionately about in the Scots Magazine volunteers, for the benefit of people and nature in 50 years ago. the Loch Lomond area and the wider National Park. We also share some of the great work produced You can support the Friends by becoming a by 300 children from the 6 primary schools member, visit: www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk around Loch Lomond who have captured what they consider to be some of the loch’s current day wonders in photographs, drawings, poems, paintings and short stories. Through their work it is clear to see that the children love living in the Loch Lomond area and James Fraser, Chairman are as passionate as Tom was about the scenery, Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs history, wildlife and nature of this wonderland. June 2016 Words and photographs (unless otherwise credited) by Paul Saunders Media & Photography | 3 OTLAND C ’S S N M ‘We strike out for the twisting northern ridge of Ben A Tom Weir 1914 – 2006 O M S Lomond crossing a big, peaty hollow where red deer T Mountaineer, photographer, naturalst, journalist, writer, broadcaster N I and conservation campaigner L rise from the hags and race for a rock outcrop to stand A O T V N E U D in elegance looking down on us.’ O M Tom Weir- August, 1976 © National Library of Scotland om Weir’s origins in the midst of Tom was 26 when war came again, Tom married his other love of In a long and prolific career, Tom TSpringburn’s heavy engineering din and but throughout his service as a gunner many years, Rhona Dickson. won many awards and accolades grime gave little hint of what he would become. his thoughts were never far away from including the first ever John Muir They settled a few miles south of Then again maybe his yearning for the unsullied what he really wanted to do. After the Award for Lifetime Achievement. Balmaha in the village of Gartocharn, beauty of wild places was an instinctive reaction war he worked for a few years with He was vice-president of the Scottish where Rhona worked as headmistress to all of that– a lust for clean air and big the Ordnance Survey before taking Rights of Way Society, an executive of the local primary school. horizons. the plunge into a full-time career as a member of the Scottish Wildlife writer, journalist, photographer and Tom’s output of books, articles, Trust, and president of the Scottish Tom did not shine at school, leaving aged 14 to climber. He published his first book, lectures and broadcasts, was Mountaineering Club from 1984 to a first job cutting firewood. He later progressed Highland Days, in 1948 and in 1949 astonishing and it culminated in 1986. He was also a founding member © National Library of Scotland to a post as a grocery assistant, but it wasn’t for began a 50 year association with the ‘Weir’s Way,’ the Scottish Television and Honorary Vice-President of him. A chance meeting with a kindred spirit on Scots Magazine, writing his regular series which made him a household the Friends of Loch Lomond and a train led to an impromptu camping trip and column “My Month.” name. The show ran from 1976 to The Trossachs and a tireless and Tom was hooked. He had joined the army of 1987 and Tom always appeared in influential campaigner for protecting young working-class men throughout industrial Tom’s first love was still the his trademark Fair Isle jumper and Loch Lomond. Britain who, in the aftermath of the First World mountains and in 1950 and 1952 toorie hat as he explored his country’s War and the Great Depression, were answering he took part in 2 ground breaking landscapes, wildlife and history. to the call of the great outdoors. Any free time expeditions to the Himalayas. There Written by John Urquhart (‘Weir’s Way’ has since been repeated Vice-Chairman was now spent exploring the mountains, glens, were many other mountaineering a number of times and it still gets Friends of Loch Lomond lochs and islands of Scotland. adventures, but in 1959, as he said record ratings) & The Trossachs himself, “at the dangerous age of 45,” | 5 4 | Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Wonderland I am on a narrowing strip of land of shallow lagoons which ends at the Ring Point where the River Endrick discharges into the loch. These lagoons are former mouths of the Endrick, before the river was pushed back by ridges of sand thrown up in winter storms over the past 200 years or so. I put up my binocs towards Balmaha and instantly I am alerted by the slow wing- beats and sailing of a large bird of prey with a white head. The chocolate mantle and light underparts are very familiar to me, for ospreys have been turning up here for a few This one wastes no time. It drops steeply years, and twice I have had the good luck from 500 feet, hits the water with a splash, My Loch Lomond to see them plumping in and taking a fish is under for a moment but seems to be before my eyes. having some trouble rising, bashing its unday morning in Gartocharn where near the top of Ben Lomond sparkle like wings on the water several times to lift off SI live, and I am up early to enjoy a few snow, and cloud shadows float across the hoisting a hanging fish that appears to be hours on the marshes of Endrick Mouth knobbly peaks of the Arrochar Alps. hooked by one talon. The osprey seems before the world is awake. to be off balance, and with an awkward It is not so much a walk I am taking as a swerve drops back into the water and goes This is a time when I don’t want company, series of stops, to enjoy the little things that under with the fish. but like to let my mind dwell only on the tell how the breeding time-clock is ticking: sights and sounds of the Loch Lomond mergansers with big flotillas of fluffy It reappears, seems to be swimming for shore. youngsters, the plumper shelduck which a moment, then after a few slaps with its nest in rabbit holes. The vividly black- wings on the water up it goes, and this time Each day has its own mood. This one has white-and-red adults are swimming about the big fish—a pike I think—is gripped by vigorous clarity. The crags of nearby Conic An extract from an article by with bundles of striped young. Alarmed, a the middle and is being slung head-first Hill are grey. The heather is richly warm. Tom Weir for Scots Magazine dozen of the youngsters try to keep up with and neatly horizontal as I watch the bird Yellow water lilies float with pink persicaria entitled My Loch Lomond, first mother, who puts on a spurt. flapping vigorously to gain height. in the pools. The white blocks of quartz published in July 1976 | 7 6 | Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Wonderland THE WALKERS WONDERLAND bout Loch Lomond I can claim I had the strange vision of being in a To get warm, we ran up and down Aone unwanted distraction. I know dream, watching myself drown when while our companions lit a bonfire on it from within as well as without, for my body was suddenly released and I the beach. Clothing was wrung out, dry with a friend, I’ve been overturned in felt myself going down and down into garments offered and a phone call was the 600ft-deep middle stretch between darkness. put in to Rowardennan to summon Rowardennan and Inverbeg, clinging Again I had the feeling of seeing myself a vehicle to drive round the loch and desperately to an upside-down canoe as on film turning over in the water take us back to the Youth Hostel. and buffeted by a June north-easter. like a seal in a tank and breaking This is what you call paying for your The story, which happened about 20 through a greenish roof into daylight. experience the hard way, and I felt years ago, could be called “How to Lose In front of me was the upside-down lucky to have paid no more for it than £250 of Cameras,” and I would have canoe with my companion clinging to a steep rise in insurance premium for left them ashore had I known then it, shouting my name.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Water Bus Loch Lomond 2013
    Cabs – 01877 382587. 01877 – Cabs £56.00 £40.00 Family Contact J. Morgan Taxis – 01877 330496 and Crescent Crescent and 330496 01877 – Taxis Morgan J. Contact £14.00 £10.00 under & 16 Children allander C and Pier rossachs T . between available is £18.00 £13.00 Adult berfoyle A and tronachlachar S . In the Trossachs it it Trossachs the In . ay D Full hours CES U I 3 R P to p Inversnaid, Inversnaid, between available is service the or call us 01389 756251 01389 us call or direct regular bus service. In the Strathard area area Strathard the In service. bus regular direct www.canyouexperience.com/canoe_hire.php Strathard and Trossachs areas that have no no have that areas Trossachs and Strathard from hired be can canoes and boats Bicycles, This service is provided by Stirling Council for for Council Stirling by provided is service This OCH LL A B AT RE I H E L C Y C BI (has to be booked 24 hours in advance) in hours 24 booked be to (has ORT P TRANS E IV ONS P RES DEMAND £8.00 £6.00 under & 16 Children £18.00 £12.00 Adult next bus times. bus next ay D Full hours CES U I 4 R P to p txt2traveline for service SMS use also can You 01877 376366. 01877 m.trafficscotland.org websites. and cannot be accommodated. be cannot www.katrinewheelz.co.uk calling by or at mobile.travelinescotland.com mobile-friendly due to Health & Safety reasons, electric wheelchairs wheelchairs electric reasons, Safety & Health to due Cycle hire information and prices can be obtained obtained be can prices and information hire Cycle access public transport and traffic info on the the on info traffic and transport public access • weekend break weekend A discuss your particular requirements.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lands of Kincaid in Relation to the Highlands of Scotland
    Peter Anthony Kincaid The lands of Kincaid in relation to the Highlands of Scotland. The physical boundary between the Lowlands and the Highlands of Scotland is the Highland boundary fault. The Highland boundary fault creates a visible change in the geology of the land. The fault comes ashore from the river Clyde near Helensburgh and continues in a north east direction towards Aberfoyle. It continues north east all the way to near Stonehaven on the coast of the North Sea.1 The islands of Inchmurrin, Creinch, Torrinch, and Inchcailloch in Loch Lomond all form visible parts of the Highland boundary Fault.2 The lands of Kincaid are at best about 15.3 English miles or about 24.6 kilometres from this fault (if one takes a direct line from the intersection of Campsie Road and Milton Road to summits north east of Conic Hill). Without doubt the lands of Kincaid are physically in Lowland Scotland. Some may argue that people may have considered a different boundary with regards to what one considered a Highlander. The evidence does not support this. It is not until the 1716 penal laws established against the Highlanders that this author could locate any official boundary. In what we refer to as the Disarming Act of 1716, the western bounds were established as "within the Shires of Dumbarton on the North-side of the Water of Leven, Stirling on the North-side of the River of Forth."3 At that time, Scots must have understood the Highlands to be north of the River Forth and north of the river Leven.
    [Show full text]
  • Land to East of Montrose House, Balmaha
    Agenda Item 3 PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE MEETING: 26 March 2018 SUBMITTED BY: Director of Rural Development and Planning APPLICATION NUMBER: 2016/0399/DET APPLICANT: Rural Stirling Housing Association LOCATION: Land to East of Montrose House, Balmaha PROPOSAL: 20 unit affordable housing development (comprising 12no. houses and 8no. flats), formation of 2 housing plots, access road and associated infrastructure NATIONAL PARK WARD: 7 COMMUNITY COUNCIL AREA: Buchanan Community Council CASE OFFICER: Name: Alison Williamson Tel: 01389 722 610 E-mail: [email protected] 1. SUMMARY AND REASON FOR PRESENTATION 1.1 Planning Permission is sought by Rural Stirling Housing Association for a 20 unit affordable housing development comprising 12 houses and 8 flats, the formation of 2 self-build house plots, access road and associated infrastructure. 1.2 The National Park Authority’s Scheme of Delegation, relative to planning, requires applications subject to a significant level of representation to be referred to the Planning and Access Committee. 115 letters of representation have been received to this application. 2. RECOMMENDATION That Members: Approve the application subject to the imposition of conditions as set out in Appendix 1 of the report. 1 Agenda Item 3 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 The current application was submitted on 23 December 2016. After a period of delay, as a result of discussions over foul drainage constraints, all information required to assess the application has now been submitted and considered. Given the significant level of representation (see section 4 of this report) received in relation to this application, it was agreed at a meeting of the Planning and Access Committee on 18th December 2017 that a special date would be convened, for a hearing, to allow the application to be determined.
    [Show full text]
  • CITATION CONIC HILL SITE of SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST Stirling Site Code: 397
    CITATION CONIC HILL SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST Stirling Site code: 397 PLANNING AUTHORITY: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE: NS 421916, NS 415912, NS 411918, NS413920 OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: Landranger Series 56 1:25,000 SHEET NO: Explorer Series 347 AREA: 60.66 hectares NOTIFIED NATURAL FEATURES Geological: Igneous Petrology : Ordovician Igneous Biological: Woodlands : Upland oak woodland : Wet woodland Upland habitats : Subalpine calcareous grassland : Alkaline fen Invertebrates : Beetle assemblage : Moth assemblage DESCRIPTION Conic Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is comprised of several detached areas and lies on the east side of Loch Lomond, immediately north of the village of Balmaha. The largest portion of the SSSI constitutes the upland part, whilst the lower areas, adjacent to the loch shore, support woodland. Conic Hill is a composite site supporting varying rocks and soils, and wildlife habitats. The Highland Border Complex is of national importance and consists of a number of narrow, fault-bounded exposures of Ordovician sediments and igneous rocks, which crop out intermittently along the Highland Boundary Fault Zone between Arran and Stonehaven. The ultramafic and mafic rocks of the complex are interpreted as incomplete fragments of a greatly dismembered obducted ophiolite. A narrow zone of rocks belonging to the Complex is exposed north of Balmaha, on the eastern side of Loch Lomond. Exposures extending from the lakeside to Druim nam Beurach consist of detrital rocks which have yielded a chitinozoan fauna of probable Arenig age. The rocks contain a wide variety of ophiolitic clasts including serpentinite, gabbro, dolerite and spilite, which by implication were derived from an ophiolite of early Arenig, or more likely pre-Arenig age.
    [Show full text]
  • The Best of Walking in Scotland
    1 The Best of Walking in Scotland Scotland is a land of contrasts—an ancient country with a modern outlook, where well-loved traditions mingle with the latest technology. Here you can tread on some of the oldest rocks in the world and wander among standing stones and chambered cairns erected 5,000 years ago. However, that little cottage you pass may have a high-speed Internet connection and be home to a jewelry designer or an architect of eco-friendly houses. Certainly, you’ll encounter all the shortbread and tartan you expect, though kilts are normally reserved for weddings and football matches. But far more traditional, although less obviously so, is the warm welcome you’ll receive from the locals. The farther you go from the big cities, the more time people have to talk—you’ll find they have a genuine interest in where you come from and what you do. Scotland’s greatest asset is its clean, green landscapes, where walkers can fill their lungs with pure, fresh air. It may only be a wee (small) country, but it has a variety of walks to rival anywhere in the world. As well as the splendid mountain hikes to be found in the Highlands, there’s an equal extent of Lowland terrain with gentle riverside walks and woodland strolls. The indented coastline and numerous islands mean that there are thousands of miles of shore to explore, while the many low hills offer exquisite views over the countryside. There’s walking to suit all ages and tastes. Some glorious countryside with rolling farmland, lush woods, and grassy hills can be reached within an hour’s drive of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
    [Show full text]
  • Mountains and the People Project Delivers
    Spring/Summer 2019 | No. 23 The The magazine of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Mountains and the People Project Delivers ALSO INSIDE Park News, Friends Updates, Mountains and the People, Events, Nature of the Park and more THIS ISSUE: TheVoiceSpring2019V1.indd 1 17/03/2019 19:39 ENJOY FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE Join us for seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, The finest Scottish seafood, served alongside a splendid a fantastic wine list and hand-pulled craft ales. wine list created by expert Matthew Jukes. 01436 860420 lochlomondarmshotel.com 01436 860420 luss-seafoodbar.com LOCH LOMOND ARMS HOTEL MAIN ROAD LUSS G83 8NY LUSS SEAFOOD BAR PIER ROAD LUSS SCOTLAND G83 8NY Traffic Design Consultants Email: [email protected] 1048 Govan Road, Web: www.traffic-design.co.uk Glasgow, G51 4XS Co. No. SC 210509 Tel: 0141 445 2174 VAT No. 829 372796 Loch Lomond Adventures Logo concepts - Logo option 4 - colour Suggestion for how colours could look. Subtle colours. 5* holiday park on the shores of Loch Lomond Book your adventure now at inverbeg.com T. 01436 860 267 [email protected] Join us on a BIKES GUIDED WALKS magical adventure through KAYAK & CANOE BOAT TICKETS the beautiful woodlands SPEEDBOAT CANYONING around Luss Village WATERSPORTS 4x4 ADVENTURE LOCH LOMOND FAERIE TRAIL, LUSS, G83 8PA LUSS CARPARK www.lochlomondfaerietrail.com WWW.LOCHLOMONDADVENTURES.COM 2 The Voice - Spring/Summer 2019 TheVoiceSpring2019V1.indd 2 17/03/2019 19:39 Chairman’s Introduction WELCOME TO THIS SPRING EDITION OF VOICE, which features interesting articles about different aspects of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and news on recent activities of the Friends and others working to make the Park a better place for people and nature.
    [Show full text]
  • A Walking Guide to Inchcailloch Innis Cailleach Leabhar-IIl Do Luchd-Coiseachd
    A walking guide to Inchcailloch Innis Cailleach leabhar-iil do luchd-coiseachd Please give this leaflet back to the visitor centre when you have finished with it! A jewel in Loch Lomond Seud ann an Loch Laomainn lochlomond-trossachs.org Welcome to Inchcailloch Discover how dramatic natural forces and The Summit Path is more strenuous with a steep years of human use have combined to climb to the top of the island. Here you’ll find out how dramatic forces of nature have sculpted the create an island of remarkable diversity. island and created lots of different homes for plants There are two walking routes and animals. on the island – the Low Path You can visit the island all year and the Summit Path. They round weather permitting. can be enjoyed separately or If you don’t have your own boat, together. Stopping points you can be taken there from are marked with numbered Balmaha or Luss by one of the posts on each path which ferry services. More information relate to the sections in this is on the Inchcailloch section Walking Guide. The points run of our website. consecutively from one path to the other. Each path takes 30- The wooded island of Inchcailloch 45 minutes, but take your time is a gem in the loch and part of and enjoy the view. Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. Loch Lomond & The The Low Path is a gentle Trossachs National Park Authority woodland walk with a few manages the island for people slopes. At first sight the woods and nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Paddlemore in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs a Guide for Canoes, Kayaks and Sups Paddlemore in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs a Guide for Canoes, Kayaks and Sups
    PaddleMore in LochTrossachs PaddleMore Lomond and the PaddleMore in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs a guide for canoes, kayaks and sups PaddleMore in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs a guide for canoes, kayaks and sups Whether you want hardcore white water, multi-day touring Kilpatrick Tom & Dolier Grant trips or a relaxing afternoon exploring sheltered water with your family, you’ll find all that and much more in this book. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is long estab- lished as a playground for paddlers and attracts visitors from all over the world. Loch Lomond itself has over eighty kilometres of shoreline to explore, but there is so much more to the park. The twenty-two navigable lochs range from the vast sea lochs around Loch Long to small inland Loch Lomond bodies such as Loch Chon. & the Trossachs The rivers vary from relaxed meandering waterways like the Balvaig to the steep white water of the River Falloch and 9 781906 095765 everything in between. Cover – Family fun on Loch Earn | PaddleMore Back cover – Chatting to the locals, River Balvaig | PaddleMore Grant Dolier & Tom Kilpatrick Loch an Daimh Loch Tulla Loch Also available from Pesda Press Bridge of Orchy Lyon Loch Etive Loch Tay Killin 21b Tyndrum River Dochart River Loch 21a Fillan Iubhair Loch Awe 20 LOCH LOMOND & Crianlarich Loch Lochearnhead Dochart THE TROSSACHS 19 Loch NATIONAL PARK Earn Loch 5 River Doine 17 River Falloch Loch 32 Voil Balvaig 23 Ardlui 18 Loch Loch Sloy Lubnaig Loch Loch Katrine Arklet 12 Glen Finglas Garbh 3 10 Reservoir Uisge 22 Callander
    [Show full text]
  • Self Guided View Trip Dates the West Highland Way Book Now
    Self Guided View Trip Dates The West Highland Way Book Now Trip Grade: Blue 6 Point to Point The West Highland Way The West Highland Way is a classic long distance walk, covering 152 kilometres (95 miles) from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow, to Fort William in the Highlands. The route travels past the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, across the atmospheric Rannoch Moor, past dramatic Glencoe and onwards to finish at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The West Highland Way is one of the classic treks of the world and is undertaken by many people of all ages from across the world, making it a fun and social trek. On this self- guided walk we arrange your accommodation each evening and baggage transfer, as well as providing you with detailed route notes and maps so that you get the most out of this wonderful trek. Highlights • Take on the challenge of Scotland’s most famous and one of the world’s greatest long distance trails - the West Highland Way. • Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery as you walk through the beautiful landscapes of Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. • We will arrange all accommodation, luggage transfer and provide you with maps and comprehensive route notes. Book with confidence • You pick the dates that suit you – we make all the arrangements required. PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors. Planned Itinerary Day 1 | Arrive in Milngavie Day 2 | Milngavie to Drymen Day 3 | Drymen to Rowardennan Day 4 | Rowardennan to Inverarnan Day 5 | Inverarnan to Tyndrum Day 6 | Tyndrum to Glencoe* Day 7 | Glencoe to Kinlochleven Day 8 | Kinlochleven to Fort William Day 9 | Fort William and Depart Arrival Info Make your own transport arrangements to Milngavie and your first nights accommodation Departure Info From Fort William depart for home or onward travel after breakfast the day after completing the hike.
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Management Plan for Loch Lomond NNR 2018-2028
    Draft Management Plan for Loch Lomond NNR 2018-2028 PLAN DETAILS Start 01-APR-2018 End 31-MAR-2028 Site description Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve (NNR) lies in the southeast corner of Loch Lomond, in the southern part of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond NNR as a whole is 430 hectares (ha) in size and is incredibly diverse. The reserve includes some of the woodlands for which Loch Lomond is renowned, including the wooded shores on the mainland, the islands of Inchcailloch, Clairinsh, Torrinch, Creinch and Aber Isle, and the wetlands at the mouth of the River Endrick. Oak woodlands cover the islands, and a mosaic of open water, wetland, grassland and woodland habitats occupy the Mainland. The diversity is high because of its geographical position; it sits on the dividing line between the Highlands and Lowlands so habitats and species at the limits of both their northern and southern ranges in Britain are found here. The climate at Loch Lomond is relatively oceanic with mild winters. The importance of the reserve is reflected by the number of habitats and species which are either legally protected or are covered by Biodiversity Action Plans. People have managed these habitats for a variety of different purposes over the centuries, but today these wonderful woodlands and wetlands are managed primarily for wildlife and for people to enjoy. Scottish Natural Heritage managed the whole reserve up to 2004 when the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park took on the management of Inchcailloch. In 2012 RSPB Scotland purchased the Wards estate on the south side of the Endrick and now manage this as the RSPB Loch Lomond part of the Loch Lomond NNR.
    [Show full text]
  • Part 3 the Clyde Canoe Club
    The Clyde Canoe Club • valeofleven.org.uk Part 3 The Clyde Canoe Club Contents Part 3 38 The Canoe Club and Inchmurrin ......................................................... 55 Pictorial Archive selection. .................................................................. 57 Appendix 1 .......................................................................................... 74 Appendix 2 .......................................................................................... 76 Appendix 3 .......................................................................................... 82 The Linnet, Caledonian Canal, c. 1910. 54 The Clyde Canoe Club • valeofleven.org.uk 38. The Canoe Club and Inchmurrin The island of Inchmurrin was from the outset a favourite stopping off place for CCC members, as it had been for local workmen with their pleasure boats from the mid 19th century onwards. The island had been inhabited since the first written records began – there are reports of the Vikings looting it in the 13th century. In the late 14th century the Earls of Lennox had built the stone castle whose remains can still be seen as replacement for the less secure Balloch castle. It was here that the last Countess of Lennox learned of the execution of her father, husband and two sons at Stirling Castle in 1425 on the orders of King James I. The Countess spent the rest of her life exiled on the island until her death in 1460 and she is the last recorded permanent resident until the gamekeepers of the 18th century. However, there were many other visitors in the intervening centuries. It was one of the favourite targets for raids by Rob Roy in his long-running dispute with the Duke of Montrose, who had bought it in the late 17th century. Other visitors in the 18th and 19th century included unmarried pregnant women who were confined there.
    [Show full text]
  • Inch by Inch Draft Brief Notes
    Table 1 Fast arrival Slow arrival Running (m) Swimming (m) Total dist Description For sighting purposes longer swim exits will have a large inflatable swim buoy close to exit point. Shorter swim exits will have a flag or smaller inflatable buoy. Swim 1 Arden Inchmurrin 25m 50m 1900 1.9km Long, wide open swim. Expect decent swell. When sighting first aim for to the left of Conic Hill and high point of island. Closer to shore aim gap in the trees and then for beach. Large orange marker buoy will be clearly visible. Avoid old submerged breakwater to swimmers right and jetty to swimmers left. BE AWARE of other loch users!!! This is a busy section of water. Run 1 Inchmurrin Inchmurrin Sprint Point 33m 1h 5m 2300 4.2km Follow the path along the spine of the island, then grass and bracken between trees to beach. LIVESTOCK - BULL, 2 long horned goats and 20-30 cows with calves. Ensure both gates are closed behind you. Because of livestock we are unable to use marker flags. Take care of steep drop down to spit beach, take path to the left. SPRINT POINT. Aid station at Sprint Point. Swim 2 Inchmurrin Inchcailloch Port Bawn 1h 7m 2h 35m 2730 6.93km MOST EXPOSED SECTION OF WATER. Depending on water / wind conditions you will be instructed to swim to north or south of Creinch and Torrinch. Sight to the left of Conic Hill, then Port Bawn beach to the left of high point of Inchcailloch. TO STAY IN SPEED RESTRICTION ZONE Swim to island side of Yellow marker Buoys.
    [Show full text]