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Dalnaspidal Trail Run

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Dalnaspidal is located a couple of miles south of Dalwhinnie, just off the A9. There is a small parking area, just next to the level crossing. The initial plan was to run around Loch Gary, however upon closer inspection I noticed that the trail on the far side of the loch was submerged due to the rising water of the loch.  From the level crossing I followed the trail down to the bridge. I continued south on the trail which takes you down the side of the Loch for about 5km. The surface here is compact with lots of stones so it can feel a little tough  going on the feet. It would have been easier with better trail shoes, something with carbon plating to protect the feet a little better. As this was February, the weather was particularly miserable. With low hanging clouds and sleet. I decided to turn back on the same trail, running back the way I had come.  In better weather I would plan a loop of the loch or a longer circular over the hill that rises to the east of the hill...

Hanimex Point and shoot

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  Film photography using a Hanimex point and shoot camera, circa 1990.

Ben More and Stob Binnein

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  This majestic Munro is situated just outside Crairnlarich. There is a narrow strip of land that you can park next to the start, although there is a proper layby a couple of hundred meters further along the road. We parked at the layby and walked back to the signpost.  The start of the walk follows a familiar farm track with the accompanying sheep in the field. After you are through the top gate, look out for the wooden sign post showing the track to the top of Ben More. This track is the steepest way to get to the summit.  Follow the track upwards, take your time as it can be quite a challenge. Take regular breaks to take in the views. During our walk we were enveloped by clouds. Even because of this we were able to get to the summit without any issues. From the top we continued along the ridge, be careful here especially in bad weather. The tracks descends to the col. From here it ascends again up to the summit of Stob Binnein. To return, retrace your steps back to the...

Film Photography in Glasgow

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A walk about the city centre on a rainy February weekend. The images below were taken on a Praktica MTL5. They were shot on Kodak Vision 250D.

Loch Ard Walk

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Loch Ard and its walking routes are part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park , near Aberfoyle. It covers over fifty thousand acres of woodland and lochs, with lots of different paths and tracks. It is easy to imagine that no two walks would be exactly the same. Trees line the route Tree storm damage There is not one typical route at Loch Ard, rather several interlinking paths which make for an enjoyable walk in the woods and with some scenic views of the loch. This path is firm underfoot, which makes for ideal walking, cycling or even trail running. You never know, you may also see people on horseback.  Typical path As it is a “choose your own adventure” style walk, I took the path west from the car park, or the path that leads off to the right. This path undulates and slowly rises up to a small loch called the Lochain a’Ghleannain. Some wonderful shots can be taken of this loch nestled amongst the trees. Lochain a’Ghleannain From there I continued west then north west, tracking clo...

Film photography at Chatelherault

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Below are some images taken on Cinestill 400D at  Chatelherault  Country Park just before the turn of the year. The images were taken on a Canon EOS 300 with a 50mm lens. 

Dumgoyne and Earl's Seat

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  Distance: 11.91km Time: 2 hrs 51min Ascent 781m The Route From the lay by next to the distillery, cross the road to the start of the walk to Dumgoyne. It is obvious to spot, a large open green lawn surface leads you up a tree lined rise to a stile.  Green Lawn Path up to Dumgoyne Looking back Once over the fence, follow the muddy track up which bends to the right, under the top of Dumgoyne. It then ascends up onto the shoulder to the trig point. 57mins, 420m Dumgoyne Summit To get to Earl's Seat, descend off the back of Dumgoyne, this can be steep and tricky, especially when wet or cloudy. Follow the track east for 3.5km. There is a faint track for most of the walk. The summit of Earl's Seat runs alongside a fence to the trig point. 2hrs 5mins, 574m.  You can return by the same direction, skirting around the base of Dumgoyne.  Descending Dumgoyne Onward to Earl's Seat Towards Earl's Seat Summit of Earl's Seat This is a decent short hike walk with Munro like views...