Balmore Cottage and Dunalastair Estate

Recently my mum and I went away for a long weekend to relax, do some walks, climb a hill and relax in front of the fire. Our destination was Balmore Cottage on the Dunalastair Estate near Aberfeldy and Pitlochry. I had never been to this area of Scotland before but after seeing images of the cute cottages and nearby forests and hills I was convinced.

We were given a map of the estate and a guide to getting to the cottage prior to arrival which made it simple to find where to go. Thankfully, we arrived just before the sun set so no need for my mum to drive in the dark on that night! The cottage was beautiful. Being two traditional stone cottages joined together, it was far bigger than I had expected. We had parking off the road and a nice sized garden which looked over the fields, hills and brooks. There was also a log hut and outdoor dining set which I imagine being lovely for evening meals in the Summertime. Inside the cottage there was a utility/ toilet as we entered the back door, a good sized kitchen, 2 bedrooms (one with en-suite, the other had a four-poster bed), bathroom and a welcoming living/ dining room with a wood burning stove. The cottage had everything we needed; towels, shampoos, hairdryer, utensils, internet... In the morning I looked out my window to see sheep in the field opposite and from the kitchen window we spotted Schiehallion shrouded in morning mist.

I am so impressed with the cottage and could have easily stayed there a week (or for ever...). I got a good sleep despite a pheasant waking me in the early hours of the morning and the bedrooms were really warm and cosy. The livingroom has a storage heater which I am generally not a fan of but because there is a wood burning stove I had no need to complain. Altogether I really loved the cottage and would happily go back for future trips. Oh, and did I mention it has a window seat?

The cottage is part of the Dunalastair Estate which my mum and I spent some time exploring. From the cottage we walked along the road, then to the left and at the corner we entered a rough track towards Dunalastair Water. We passed some sheep munching on turnips who were surprisingly friendly and posed for our pictures! We continued on the track to find an old stone building that looked like it had been destroyed by fire. The exterior of the building still looks fresh with the clear coat of arms at the entrance and the shutters still intact. From the windows we could look in and see the fallen wooden floors and overgrown weeds. Its a creepy yet enchanting sight and reminded me of Jane Eyre.

As we continued to wander round the grounds of the estate the gothic theme continued as we stumbled on an old burial site, the gate to which was chained and locked. This point offers a stunning view over Dunalastair Water and the surrounding mountains. It also felt like quite a secluded spot and a view that only a few will see. While looking round this area we also found a stone Celtic Cross which was mounted on the top of a grassy hill. It's exciting to explore an area and find such large ruins left by the people who once lived there.

I feel there is a lot more to the estate than we managed to find in our brief stay and I'm sure every season will bring with it new views and scenic spots. I'd highly recommend a stay on the estate and hope I'll return in the future. Did I mention that one of the holiday houses is an actual castle? I may have my eye on that one...

For more information on the estate and the cottages you can visit their website here.

Craig Varr, Kinloch Rannoch

As dawn broke on this November Sunday morning my mum and I set off to climb Craig Varr which overlooks the Perthshire village of Kinloch Rannoch. Although not as challenging as Schiehallion we were still looking for a good walk and a beautiful view. Craig Varr did not disappoint.

We set off from the car park on the Pitlochry side of Kinloch Rannoch which has a signpost across road pointing to the "Craig Varr Path". In hindsight we could have parked in the village itself and followed a shorter and clearer route but we got a couple of extra miles walk out of this mishap. I also think this might be a good spot to park in the Summer when the village is really busy. The path almost immediately turns left and climbs gently through a woodland path. Around half way to Kinloch Rannoch there is another sign pointing straight ahead. We ignored this and started to climb upwards to the path on the right. I enjoyed this part of the walk with the rust coloured ferns, gentle brooks and autumnal leaves. We also spotted a deer prancing through the trees ahead of us.

As we followed the path out of the trees the route took us away from the peak we thought we were heading to and towards a larger hill, which we then realised was Craig Varr. At this point the path continues over more moor land, past a cairn and towards a bridge over a small waterfall. This is a beautiful spot offering views down to the village below and across to Schiehallion. As we had set off early the sun was now rising further in to the sky and sending rays over the mountains and lochs around us. A really stunning sight!

We continued over the bridge and turned to the left. Once we got to a rough old stone dyke (keep your eyes peeled for this- we missed it the first time!) we started to head across the rough moorland and up the hill. There is no path at this point so we tried to roughly go up and leftwards avoiding swampy patches. As it had been raining that weekend the ground was very squelchy at some points and there were small streams running from the top of the hill.

As we climbed upwards another rough path emerged which was covered with fern and heather roots. We carefully followed this until we got to a stone dyke which we followed up to the top of the hill. From here we were rewarded with captivating views of Kinloch Rannoch, Loch Rannoch, Dunalastair Water, Schiehallion and the mountains all the way to Glen Coe. We spent some time taking in these views and the peaceful isolation that can be found at the top of hills.

After this pause we set back off on our way down the hill, this time heading towards the village following the river and waterfall. Most of this path had turned in to a stream. We were able to walk through it but in bad weather this may be a more difficult route. This took us out at the waterfall in the centre of Kinloch Rannoch. We then continued along the woodland path beside the road which completed our circular route and took us back to the car park.

Altogether this route took us longer than we had expected but if you were wanting a shorter walk I suggest parking in Kinloch Rannoch and climbing up the route we climbed down from as this did not take long. I think this is a great walk for all abilities at any time of the year, especially if the weather is clear to take full advantage of the view!

The Facts on climbing Craig Varr:

• We started from the park park around 1 mile before Kinloch Rannoch, however you could also park in the village for free.
• I believe there are public toilets in Kinloch Rannoch.
• Climbing Craig Varr from the further car park took us around 3 hours.
• Distance is around 7k.
• Difficult points: Some of the paths had turned in to streams which could be slippy and there was no path once you got near the top of the hill.
• Wear: Hiking/ hill walking boots and trousers that you don't mind getting a bit muddy.
• Perfect for those who enjoy finding their own path and being rewarded with amazing views of the lower Highlands.

Further Reading:

• Another guide to climbing Craig Varr, this time starting from the village.

Autumnal Brogues

Autumn is my favourite season for clothing; cold enough to wear layers but not so cold that I need to start wearing my hiking gear for a trip to the corner shop. For this inbetween time I think brogues are perfect, but the search for the just right pair can be a tough one (firstworldproblems...). The ones I want to share today are my recent favourites and I think they look great for smarter occasions (I wear them to work and dinners out) aswell as casual strolls on the high street or through the park.

We don't have a Massimo Dutti shop in Scotland and although I love looking round their shops abroad I had never purchased anything before. But when I saw their Brogued Brown Bluchers online I couldn't resist! I think it is worth spending a little bit more on shoes and the quality of these is instantly noticeable. The soles are sturdy and can withstand a damp Autumn stroll, as well as looking polished enough for a nice meal out. I've also had a few compliments on the shoes remarking how comfortable and smart chic they look.

When I buy shoes I always expect there to be a wearing in period and I'll admit I did get a couple of blisters with these shoes, but nothing a plaster and a think pair of socks can't handle! After about a week they were worn in and comfortable.
I think it has been a couple of years since I have had brown shoes and I am really enjoying it. They go really well with navy trousers or jeans and work well with skirts and dresses during Autumn. Also, they break up my shoe-drobe of black boots! I like to wear them with striped tops and tartan scarves for a casual weekend outfit.

I'm really happy with these brogues and am now eyeing up some other shoes on the Massimo Dutti site. I'm always on the look out for the perfect brogues/ smart shoe so if there are any places you always go I'd love to hear about them!

Massimo Dutti's Brogued Brown Bluchers are available on their website for £89.95. 

PS I'm now on twitter @onawildhunt Come say hi.

A Short Walk to Tea

Some Sundays are for long, exploring walks but this week we decided on a more relaxed route to take in the Autumnal scenary and possibly even stop in for some cake. This shorter walk would be great if you don`t feel like going far, or just fancy a leaisurly stroll on a colder day. It starts from the main car park as you enter Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond. This car park is the starting point for ferry trips on the Loch and provides beautiful views across to Ben Lomond.

Exit the car park across from the hotel and continue to the right. Walk along the pavement which crosses several burns. At one point we had to walk on the side of the road as the pavement stopped. The road is a busy one with it being the main route to Fort William so take care! We crossed the road to the left hand side which had more of a path and continued a short stretch until there was a path that led up to the wood.

Across from the path you can see Tarbet Isle and stunning views of Loch Lomond. We stopped here for a bit to admire these views and noticed that there had been a campfire recently. It`s amazing that such a peaceful spot can be found so close to a main road.

Back across the road we followed the trail into the woods. This gentle up and down path led us through ferns and trees, coming out at the Bonnie Braes tearoom. Through the wood you can catch glimpses of the loch and the mountains around.

Reward yourself for being half way through the walk with a nice hot chocolate and a wee nibble at the tearoom! Unfortunately, on the day we went it was closed (but thankfully my mum brought a back up chocolate bar for us!)
On the way back, take the right hand route through the wood which gently climbs. This path takes you through some ferns and provides a nice view of the Loch on the wander back. I do love a circular walk!

This gentle woodland trail is perfect for all weather types and I can imagine it providing beautiful views whatever the season. Also, a warming cup of something nice half way through a trip is a rare treat!

The Facts on this Walk:

• Starting point is from the car park as you enter Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond. Parking is free.
• Nearest public toilets are in the snack shop in the car park, which are also free.
• This walk took around 1hour- 1hr 30mins. May take longer if you order cake.
• Distance is 5km/ 3miles
• Difficult points: Generally easy walk, but I did slip on the grass at the car park so you never know what you`ll find hard... Also, be careful when walking along the road.
• Wear: weather appropriate clothing, may be a bit muddy in the wood.
• Perfect for those who want a gentle walk with rewarding views and a slice of cake!

The Kelpies

I recently made my first trip to The Kelpies and took some pictures to share with you. They are beautiful modern sculptures filled with movement and attract the eye from all angles. However, we hadn`t prepared for how busy the park around The Kelpies was; the car park was completly full and the queue for the 2 toilets they have was about 20minutes long. I have now learnt that The Kelpies is a very popular day out where kids take their bikes and footballs and older couples take picnics and small (and large) dogs. There is also a tourist centre opening next year!

It is great to see that people are interested and captivated by the giant water horses and that contemporary art is appealing for all. Have you been to see The Kelpies?

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

I was always going to enjoy Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki; I am a Murakami fan. I find his writing instantly accessible and welcoming and the prose approachable, even when dealing with complex issues. I also love his blurring of reality with the edges of science fiction to make the reader question larger philosophical and cultural issues. Let me tell you why you should enjoy it too...

The story spans Tsukuru Tazaki,s life from when he is a teenager to his late thirties and offers fragments on who he was then, who he now is and what made his life take a certain road. The central mystery that the novel focuses on is why his close group of friends as a teenager turned their backs on him without reason. Although, a perhaps mundune premise to base a story Murakami uses this background for a 298 page character study of the eponymous Tsukuru Tazaki. Long sections of the narrative focus on the details of Tsukuru;s life and ponderings. Tsukuru is an introvert and enjoys evenings by himself, despite finding his greatest peace observing busy railway stations. But it is in the deep relationships Tsukuru has with others that the book captivates and puzzles readers. Often these relationships are temporary, providing insight to Tsukuru that can only be noted in reflection- as with most relationships we have.

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki is more open and fluid than the other Murakami books I have read and I can imagine that this may be frustrating for some readers. Often fragments of stories are raised, or ideas floated which never progress or come to a conclusion. However, for me, that is the point of this novel. It offers a fragment of a mans life and how he attempts to balance the past and future while struggling through the present. This is a beautiful book that entices and allows plenty of time to ponder and reflect. I think it is effective as both a disposable, quick read; but if you are wanting more, wanting to invest and reflect on your own life, it also allows you to do that.