Day Two - Loch Morlich

After looking at pictures of beautiful Loch Morlich on the internet, I had decided I wanted to visit. It was within walking distance from Aviemore and back, so on Tuesday morning I packed some sandwiches and Sybil's tennis ball and we set off at around half past eight. The walk there was beautiful, along a forest path which unfortunately ran too close to the road to let Sybil off the lead.

Rothiemurchus

Between the trees you could see the mountains, and when there were no cars going past all you could hear was birdsong. Chaffinches in particular were everywhere. The weather had changed since the day before, and a refreshing fine drizzle was coming down. The rain had caught in thousands of spider webs all along the path, in gorse, heather and even in the trees, making them sparkle and even for an arachnophobe like me, really quite beautiful.

Just some of the thousands of webs in the forest

After about an hour and a half, we finally arrived at Loch Morlich where I was promptly attacked by midges. The day was overcast and the loch probably didn't look as outstanding as it did under clear skies; however I didn't mind as this meant that fewer people were visiting the loch. I played ball with Sybil until she destroyed it, which took all of five minutes. She keeps the ball in her mouth and chews on it until it splits in the middle; quite why she does this I don't know as the ball is not half as much fun to play with.

Loch Morlich

Watersports at Loch Morlich

I heard a cuckoo calling from the trees somewhere around the loch - only the second cuckoo I have ever heard. On the way back I was also in for a treat as I looked up to see a red squirrel peering at me from a tree at the side of the road. Unfortunately I'd put my camera back in my rucksack, and before I could reach for it the squirrel ran off, chased by another one through the trees.

After a rest back at the cabin, Sybil and I set off for our evening walk to Craigellachie. Halfway around the path, she suddenly bolted off into the undergrowth. I shouted her back as I didn't want her disturbing any wildlife but wasn't too worried as she normally disappears for a couple of minutes only to come and check I'm still there. However, after about ten minutes had passed I started shouting her name louder, and climbed up a little hill to see green everywhere - but no Sybil. I really started to panic now as about fifteen minutes had passed and I still could not hear the jingle of her collar or the pounding of her feet. Eventually though she reappeared, slinking up behind me with her ears down expecting to be told off. Instead I gave her a massive cuddle with tears in my eyes, as with the reserve being so big and having a busy road at the side of it, I was scared that something terrible could have happened. I clipped her lead back on and needless to say, she didn't get much off-lead time the next day as I found the large amounts of rabbits around were just too tempting for her to chase.  

Sybil

Day One - Aviemore and Craigellachie Nature Reserve

On Monday, Sybil and I set off on a short holiday to Aviemore, in Scotland. Having been through the Cairngorms on the train before, I quite fancied visiting here so booked a chalet for three nights. We set off on the early train to Edinburgh from Doncaster. I sat in my reserved seat, but realised that Sybil would not be happy scrunched under my seat for three hours, surrounded by lots of other people. So I decided to move to the entrance of the carriage, where she would have more room. I looped Sybil's lead around the seat's armrest, and as I was getting my rucksack down from the overhead rack her lead came loose, and she immediately headed for the open train door. Running behind her, shouting her name much to the amusement of the other commuters I managed to snag her lead just before she made her break for freedom.

Without further incident we arrived in Edinburgh. I had arranged for an hour gap between trains so I could walk Sybil around and let her "do her business". It was a scorching hot day so we sat on a bench in the shade. "Morning there" I heard from an American couple walking past. "Do you mind if we stroke your dawg?" Of course I didn't mind, and from here on until the end of the trip a theme started, where Sybil was continually proclaimed to have outstanding manners by all members of the public who stopped for a fuss. This was news to me, of course. She would obviously make a very fine actress!

Aviemore station

Last time I was at Edinburgh Waverley, I got lost. This time, I got lost again. It didn't help that they were redesigning the whole station, so there were metal fences and JCBs everywhere. After asking a member of staff where platform 17 was, I realised I had no clue whether my train was actually leaving from this platform. Nevertheless I stood with a hundred other people, watching the departure boards as two trains got cancelled, and the trains that weren't cancelled were delayed. Apparently there were signal problems somewhere on the line. The train to Aviemore was not advertised as delayed, however the platform was not announced until ten minutes after it was supposed to have departed. A tad stressed we surged forward with the other hundred people to arrive in Aviemore half an hour late.

By this time and not accustomed  to travelling such distances, Sybil was in a foul mood. In Aviemore she tried to eat two dogs, one of them a huge Husky on whom I would have placed my bets. An innocent man on the train also felt the brunt of her bad mood as she growled and barked at him for committing the crime of wearing all-white.

The entrance sign

To cheer her up, we went on a two-hour walk around Craigellachie Nature Reserve. Apparently this site is good for spotting breeding Peregrine falcons. These I would have loved to see but unfortunately they never made an appearance. We headed up towards the viewpoint, and back down again after I realised how far it was to the top. Nonetheless I still managed to get a good view of the town from halfway up:

Aviemore from Craigellachie

We then walked around a huge pond, or a small loch take your pick, which was blessed with tons of wildlife including little tadpoles swimming around the water's edge. At this point however, Sybil spotted two ducks and decided to dive in after them. I was not pleased as we had yet to meet the owner of the place we were staying, in order to get our keys. I gave her a good rub with her towel and hoped the wet dog smell would soon dissipate.

The pond

We met a toad on the way back round to the exit, and after Sybil almost squashed it decided that we'd had enough adventure for one day and went to find out where we would be staying for the next two days. The cabin was to an excellent standard and a wonderful place to come home to after each hard day's walking.

The toad

Edale, Mam Tor and Hollins Cross

On Tuesday night I took Sybil on her first camping trip. We stayed at the Fieldhead campsite in Edale, having a lovely quiet night with only two other tents on our field.

View from the tent

In the morning we set off up Mam Tor, via Hardenclough Farm. The path headed up towards the road, where I turned left and climbed the steps to reach the blustery summit. 

Over towards Castleton were blue skies and sunshine, yet behind us black clouds were closing in. We headed down to Hollins Cross when the clouds caught up with us and started pelting us with hailstones, making me wish I had packed my gloves!

I put Sybil back on the lead as we headed back down towards Edale. In one field a herd of cows refused to move off the path, and having my dog with me I decided not to risk pushing through and made a lengthy detour through ankle deep mud. My new boots certainly justified their price tag at this point!

Back at the tent I quickly dried Sybil off and we retreated to the tent until the hailstones stopped. Afterwards, the little madam decided that she would rather not come out again now that she was dry and clean!

"I'll stay in here, thanks"

An enjoyable couple of days. Total distance on the second day was approximately 3.5 miles.

Bamford and Ladybower Reservoir

Yesterday was my first visit to the Peak District this year. I wanted to take advantage of the weather we've been having lately so decided to take the train to Bamford, accompanied by Sybil of course :o).

I figured a walk around Ladybower would be easy enough to get my body used to walking again. The walk started at Bamford, which was a pleasant village. It took me just under an hour to get to Ladybower; I veered away from the main road up Lydgate Lane which led to a path to the left of the reservoir ideal for Sybil to be off-lead, giving my arms a much-needed rest.

Bell-mouth Spillway

 The main path was quite busy with other walkers and cyclists so we took a small diversion through the plantation at the side of the path. This made the walk even more pleasant; the sounds of the birds contrasted nicely with the traffic noise from the A57.

View up Ladybower

We did a circuitous route of the reservoir, coming back along the A57 which was rather unnerving as motorbikes and cars whizzed past at high speeds. We soon joined the main pavement again and watched a female kestrel alight in a tree, then take off again up towards Derwent Edge.

Sybil posing

Another run off the lead again for Sybil and we were ready to head back to the village. We had a bit of a jog down in order to make the train, or else face waiting two hours for the next one. We made it with time to spare.

Start time: 09:41
End time: 14:15
Approximate mileage covered: 12.2

Thrybergh Country Park

Today, after feeling that Sybil and myself have not been getting enough exercise lately, I decided to take us on a walk up to Thrybergh Country Park. It took us about an hour to get to the park, walking mostly on tarmac and boy, are my feet suffering now! It was all worth it when we got there though; the weather was gorgeous and there were quite a few people out birdwatching and walking their own dogs.

Sybil at the reservoir

Half of the footpath round the reservoir is usually closed during the winter; however this year there are signs up saying that a new path is in use. This is to minimise disturbance to overwintering birds such as wigeon, I believe.

Gorgeous weather

As we finished our circuit of the reservoir I noticed a buzzard soaring high up in the blue sky. The usual birds were on or around the lake itself: Canada goose, mute swan, coot, moorhen, tufted duck, great crested grebe, greylag goose, cormorant and lapwing, amongst many others. All in all, a fantastic couple of hours out, however I did decide to get the bus back to the bottom of our hill :o). Total approximate mileage covered: 5.1

Old Moor

Last week I set off to visit a rather frosty Old Moor. Just a quick flit round the hides this time, as I had other plans for the rest of the day.

It was my first visit to the new Garden Bird hide, and happily the garden was full of activity. Garden birds are my favourite; I still get a jolt of excitement when I see a blue tit. As my I.D. skills are still not the best, it's the easier birds to identify that keep me coming back for more :o).

Bullfinch and Greenfinch

Chaffinch

The Tree Sparrow Farm was also alive with little birds. Among the birds I can remember were reed bunting, robin, great tit, blue tit, tree sparrow, chaffinch, pheasant and woodpigeon.

Robin at the Tree Sparrow Farm

A visit to the Field Pool East hide gave a brief glimpse of the kingfisher, who unfortunately didn't hang around for a photo. Other birds around the reserve included plenty of cormorant, a grey heron and the usual visitors.

A frosty morning

Passing the Garden Bird hide on the way back to the visitor centre, I spotted this fellow. He was quite happy to phose for a photo or two.

Pheasant

An enjoyable visit, and I will be back soon.

The Loxley Valley

Yesterday I decided to go for a walk in Loxley. I've heard that the area is good for wildlife, so packed my binoculars and camera and set off from my house at 9am. I caught the train to Sheffield and the tram to Malin Bridge, and started my walk from here.

River Loxley

I walked along the River Loxley, keeping my eyes and ears peeled for birds. There were plenty about, unfortunately no kingfishers that I saw, but a flock of long-tailed tits kept me amused for a good few minutes as they didn't seem at all bothered by my presence. Behind the tits were a couple of squirrels; unfortunately too far away for my camera to capture but still good to stand and watch.

Beyond this weir I spotted a heron flying away. These majestic birds are amongst my favourites. Walking on I came to the Mill Dam where I stopped to have a rest and enjoy the nature around me:

There were quite a lot of derelict buildings next to the footpaths, although the beauty of the area wasn't affected too much by them. Below is a photo of one of the more attractive buildings; most of the others seemed to be the remnants of an industrial site.

After a couple of hours walking I left the houses behind and emerged onto access land. Climbing up through the wood I disturbed a kestrel that had been perched high in a tree. Joining the road again I discovered I was in the village of Dungworth:

After a few more minutes rest and admiring the view, I decided to head back the way I had come.