This looks like a tough challenge. I don't believe I am up for this one - the Strathpuffer 26/27 January 2013. http://www.strathpuffer.co.uk/home.

The An Teallach Brewery is run by a husband and wife team. The brewery is at Dundonell, which is round the cost from Greenhill. Anyhow it is up for sale - lock, stock and barrel.

The Kinlochewe Hotel is up for sale also.

Are you tempted? Check it out.

http://www.asgcommercial.co.uk/Ross_and_Cromarty/

The Great Wilderness Challenge ("GWC")

This challenge is less than four weeks away now and I am not sure I will be ready for it. I hope the other members of the "Cadogans Grouse Beaters" feel more confident. The Cadogans Grouse Beaters has previously successfully completed the Caledonian and Rob Roy Challenges.

The GWC is a 25 mile walk (we are not running) between Dundonnell and Poolewe, which takes place on 18 August 2012. We will be raising money for the following principal local charities.

Highland Hospice    

Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers Project 

CLIC Sargent

Archie Foundation - Raigmore Appeal

Children 1st

Ross-shire Womens Aid         

All donations would be gratefully received.

I will of course let you know how we get on.

Pine martens are elusive members of the weasel family, and sport a creamy yellow throat bib. Found throughout most of central and northern Europe, this once heavily persecuted marten is now extinct from most of England and Wales. Their last remaining UK stronghold is in Scotland. They favour well wooded areas where they can nest in hollow trees and old animal homes. Pine martens eat small mammals and seasonally available produce such as autumn fruits and berries. They are also treetop hunters that can race skillfully along branches, leaping from tree to tree in pursuit of squirrels.

Pine Marten Siting 28 June 2012

Having alighted from the Westerbus last Thursday evening to walk the 15 mins to the house, I saw a Pine Marten. It crossed the main road and hopped up on the stone wall where it proceeded to walk towards me. I got a very close view before it jumped down and disappeared in amongst the rhododendron. A great bonus to the weekend.

This was a five star walk, which starts and ends at Greenhill. We set off at about 3pm and arrived home just before 10pm.

We followed the route from the Slioch car park to Loch Maree and then up Glen Bianisdale to Lochan Fada. Walk round the shore of the Lochan to find the good path down to the Heights of Kinlochewe. From there to Greenhill. You know you are almost home when Ben Eighe comes into view.

Lochan Fada

Slioch and Lochan Fada

Beinn Eighe could lose Unesco Bioshphere Status

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are internationally recognized, nominated by national governments and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. Biosphere reserves serve in some ways as 'living laboratories' for testing out and demonstrating integrated management of land, water and biodiversity. Collectively, biosphere reserves form a world network: the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Within this network, exchanges of information, experience and personnel are facilitated. There are over 500 biosphere reserves in over 100 countries.

The designation gives areas greater international recognition among scientists and tourists. The alliance has started working with the Centre for Mountain Studies UHI in Perth to investigate how the status could be secured.

Visit the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve Directory to read details on all biosphere reserves, including contact information. Contact also the National MAB Committees and focal points for information on national action on biosphere reserves, including on plans for new biosphere reserves.
The UNESCO-MAB Secretariat would be interested to receive donations of high quality photographs of biosphere reserves for its own publications, for which all photo credits would of course be acknowledged.

We intend letting everyone know about local news and items of interest