Today, I am focusing on the Cairngorms which is the highest
massif in Britain and located in north central Scotland. The Cairngorm
Mountains consist of a series of peaks and ridges which reach altitudes
of up to 4,300 feet (1290 m). The rock is granite. The mountains
comprise two contrasting landscapes: smooth, rounded summit areas and
deep troughs and corries. The massif constitutes the most extensive area
over 3000 feet in Scotland.
Video clip taken from the Mountain Railway
Snow-Capped Cairngorm Mountains viewed from Aviemore
The coincidence of landform and climate has given rise to ideal
skiing conditions.The high elevation results in extensive snowfall which
stays in situ for long periods thus allowing skiing to continue well
into the Spring.
Winter Scene, Cairngorms
Remoteness of the mountains has fostered a diverse wildlife which
includes golden eagles, ptarmigan, capercaillie and other species
coupled with unusual alpine flora.
Winter Scene, Cairngorms
The four key peaks which dominate the Cairngorms are: Ben Macdhui
(4295 ft.), Braeriach (4294 ft.), Cairn Toul (4242 ft) and Cairn Gorm
(4085 ft.).
The key visitor sites in the area are:
The town of Aviemore which is focused on skiing and other outdoor activities.
The Rothiemurchus Estate which offers a diverse range of outdoor
pursuits set in a landscape of mountains, lochs and pine forest.
The Strathspey Steam Railway which operates (April-October) from Aviemore to Boat of Garten.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Visitor Centre at Aviemore.
A furnicular railway up the flank of Cairn Gorm to the ski area.
Ospreys on Loch Garten.
Loch Morlich which is surrounded by pine and spruce forest and benefits from a sandy beach and watersports centre.
This evening, I am reporting on my visit earlier today to a meticulously reconstructed Roman Villa in Somerset, England. Funding for the project was provided by a South African billionaire. Specific features of the reconstruction project which is known as 'Villa Ventorum': Employed hundreds of architects, builders, archaelogists, mosaic makers, fresco painters and experts on ancient plumbing. The new build was built close to the remains of the original villa which dates from AD351. Incorporates the only working hypocaust system in Europe to create authentic Roman underfloor heating. Thne system also provides heating for the internal baths. Designed to appear to visitors as though still in use. Mosaics and frescoes have been made below the top standards of the time (e.g. Chedworth ) to reflect the social rank of the resident family. Incorporates a Roman 'fast food bar' allong the lines of that found in Pompeii . (Core of above information sourced from the Times newspap...
This afternoon, I am reporting the route of Glen Quaich in Central Scotland. This is a scenic, single track road which is usually closed to traffic in winter. The route covers about twelve miles and runs between the villages of Amulree and Kenmore on the northern tip of Loch Tay in Perthshire. Depending on time of year it is possible to encounter low lying snow, many sheep, grouse and other exceptional opportunities for photography. Incidentally, Quaich means a drinking cup. In a certain place the landscape is shaped like a bowl. Glen Quaich, Perthshire, Scotland Glen Quaich Black Grouse at Glen Quaich Here are a couple of video clips.
Loch Ness from flight of locks at Fort Augustus, Scottish Highlands This evening, I am posting information on Fort Augustus, a busy tourist village on the southern tip of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Summary information on Fort Augustus as follows:- Population about 650 persons. Distance, about 160 miles from Edinburgh and 35 miles from Inverness entailing journey times of 3.5 hours and 1 hour respectively. Well endowed with hotels and other accommodation plus shops, restaurants and visitor attractions. From here visitors can avail of boat trips on Loch Ness. Home to an impressive flight of five locks on the Caledonian Canal. Latter dates from 1822 and is now primarily used by pleasure boats. Closely linked with the 18th century Jacobite uprising in that (a) the village was renamed Fort Augustus (after Prince William Augustus, third son of King George II) consequent upon construction of a British military (redcoat) fort in 1742 and (b) the same Pri...
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