The popular Loch Lomond waterbus service has been extended to take in additional locations around the world-famous loch, meaning visitors now have even more choice when exploring the area. Due to popular demand, the waterbus will now operate a new service between Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch to Inchmurrin and Inchcailloch, giving people the opportunity to explore two of Loch Lomond’s most popular islands. Furthermore the Inchmurrin service includes a morning tea/coffee and scone, or soup and a sandwich at lunchtime, depending on what time you sail. Situated only 50 minutes by train from Glasgow, Balloch is the southern gateway…

Due to recent heavy snowfall, high accumulations of snow and low temperatures on the mountains, the SportScotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) will continue to provide a forecast for the Northern Cairngorms and Lochaber this weekend. SAIS said there was currently the potential for avalanches on steep east-facing slopes. The SAIS told the BBC “Late winter snow conditions above 1,000m (3,280ft) on north through east to south facing slopes in the Cairngorms and Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor areas may present a hazard. Additionally, isolated snow fields remain on north to east aspects above 750m (2,460ft) in most areas and will…

May Bank Holiday is approaching fast, but the high mountains of Scotland are still hanging onto winter after an unseasonably cold spring. The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) and British Mountaineering Council (BMC) are joining forces to recommend hill walkers north and south of the Border be prepared to deal with late-lying snow conditions when they head for the Scottish hills this weekend. This spring has been unseasonably cold, with a northerly airstream and accompanying cold conditions affecting the whole of Scotland. This has resulted in some of the best skiing and winter climbing for several years. It looks like…

Celebrations for the second anniversary of the John Muir Way are running throughout this week with events across the Central Belt. The festivities, taking place from 16-24 April, honour the famous Scottish American environmentalist’s birthday and his namesake trail. Ian Ross, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) chairman, said: “Many people have enjoyed walking and cycling the John Muir Way since it opened in 2014, with over 60,000 visitors a year. It’s a wonderful resource for people of any ability or fitness. You can walk a mile along the route near where you live – or walk the entire 134 miles. The…

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service has reached the official end of its daily forecasting for the winter. However due to the amount of snow still around forecasts will be issued for next weekend in Lochaber and North Cairngorm. Further details can be found at the SAIS website.