This Saturday, competitors will plunge down a two mile stretch of the Glen Nevis River clinging only to flimsy airbeds to raise funds for Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.

The race has been started up again after a six-year absence. Older or more nostaligic readers will remember a terrified-looking John Noakes taking part in the race for Blue Peter in the 1970’s.

Competitors start by hurling themselves off a ledge at the head of the glen, before plunging into the river and later dropping down a 9 metre waterfall at Lower Falls Leap (pictured). In between they must negotiate pinch points called Gurgling Gorge and Leg Breaker. Previous entrants have taken between 20 minutes and an hour to compete the event.

Posted in Uncategorized | No comments so far

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park planners are due to decide on the future of the gold mine at Conoish near Tyndrum soon. Scotgold Resources have ordered specialist drilling equipment from Chile and South America to enable them to start exploratory work at the mine.

The site covers 2,200 square kilometres, very near the Ben Lui National Nature Reserve and regenerating forest areas. Some of the area still bears the scars from the previous work carried out by Fynegold Exploration who used to own the site but the new plans are likely to cover a much larger area. The current company, which is Australian owned, is expected to start drilling in the next couple of weeks. The Company says it hopes to create 60 jobs at the site and that there could be gold worth £70 million to be extracted.

When exact plans are known for the extent of the works a further update will be posted here - for the moment if you want to beat the gold rush, best get down to Tyndrum and start gold panning!

Posted in Access issues, Conservation | No comments so far

Five people camping at the Glenrosa campsite on the Isle of Arran had to be winched to safety by a helicopter early this morning after a river broke its banks. Heavy rain in southern Scotland meant that the campers became cut off on a mini island created by the river in spate.

The Royal Navy Helicopter was scrambled at approximately 8 o’clock this morning and the campers were airlifted to a local community centre. The rest of the campsite was evacuated and at one point during the rescue operation the campsite owner waded into the swollen water to try to reach the campers but had to turn back.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “This was a close-run event. The water levels were rising rapidly and there was simply no other way they were going to escape.” Other agencies were also involved in the operation, including the local rescue team, the coastguard, police and ambulance service. None of those rescued are thought to have suffered any serious health effects.

Posted in Uncategorized | No comments so far

The walker’s bridge that provides access on the main routes to Sgurr nan Gillean and Am Bastier has collapsed and can no longer be used. It is possible to wade across above Alltdearg House but local reports suggest that this would be impassable and dangerous after wet weather. Walkers and climbers therefore need to take extreme care when planning routes especially if planning to use this crossing as a return route from the Cuillin. The bridge is at NG483296. Updates on the situation will be posted here.

Posted in Walking News | 1 Comments

Friends of Nevis is now in a position to offer opportunities, with full training, in path maintenance and repair work on Ben Nevis this summer. We are planning to carry out repairs and maintenance on sections of the path from John’s Wall to the CIC hut and path construction expert, Bob Brown, has agreed to lead volunteer work parties and offer training and insights into this fascinating area of work.

This is a great chance for anyone looking to “put something back” into the Ben in a hands on/practical and outdoor environment, with all equipment and plenty of support provided, whilst also learning valuable skills. Liz Wilshaw from Friends of Nevis said, “There is also the possibility of further work in path construction at a later date, so I urge you to get in touch soon if you are interested in becoming involved. A minimum commitment of one full day would be required – but more would be welcomed!!”

The weekends that have been pencilled in for the work so far are: July 19/20
August 9/10, 16/17, 23/24
September 6/7, 13/14

If you think you can help, please contact Liz Wilshaw at The Friends of Nevis

Posted in Conservation | No comments so far

Walkhighlands is offering the chance to win a set of 6 guidebooks from Pocket Mountains. The competition is open to anyone in the UK who signs up for Walkhighlands’ monthly newsletter before 30 September 2008. Anyone already signed up will be automatically entered. For further details and how to enter click here.

Posted in Walk Highlands news | No comments so far