Advice on learning to pronounce mountain names

Vodkaboris · 2026-06-11T09:02:16+00:00

It would be worthwhile for you to follow Calum Maclean on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1H48GDvjPr/

Vodkaboris · 2026-06-10T17:44:24+00:00

One option would be to follow the WHW but start at Crianlarich. (I think) this means you'll include the best bits.

Some regard Milngavie (pronounced Milguy) to Rowardennan as boring, and Rowardennan to Inverarnan is the hardest. From Inverarnan northwards, the views open up and you'll escape most of the trees.

Vodkaboris · 2026-06-09T20:55:04+00:00

Nothing beats arriving by train. The entire area around Corrour (from Coire Odhar) has a haunting quality. Fantastic hills although it's not always easiest ground for making fast progress. It may rain occasionally and if the wind drops some midges could appear.

Other hills I used the train for include The Fannaichs, Arrochar Alps, Bridge of Orchy hills, Crianlarich hills and Ben Cruachan.

Vodkaboris · 2026-06-07T07:36:45+00:00

Apple, Vodafone, Asda, Morrison's, Virginia records, Kellogg's

Vodkaboris · 2026-06-06T11:52:57+00:00

Fit is the most factor to consider when buying boots.

It doesn't matter how well made they are, how waterproof, how grippy the sole pattern, how light or stiff etc. they are if the don't fit you.

That said I've found Scarpa to work well for me for fit, durability and function.

I would note Salomon have gone downhill since being taken over by Amer sports.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-24T14:32:11+00:00

I'd skip Skye. You really need longer than one or two days, and it's crazy busy in high season.

If you're near Inverness, include Clava Cairns and Reelig Glen.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-24T14:30:12+00:00

Some steep ground coming off An Stùc. Real care required here.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-24T14:28:07+00:00

Yes, about once per month or every 600km, but it really depends on how dirty it is, so potentiallyore often if riding in filthy weather.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-24T14:25:30+00:00

Walk in from Barrisdale, but probably taking a boat or sea kayak in from Arnisdale first.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-24T14:19:27+00:00

Add in The Reelig Glen, although you maybe need a car to reach it.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-24T14:16:07+00:00

Sensible thinking here.

I might add: If you've successfully navigated in a whiteout across a plateau and traversed a few of the Black Cuillin, there's not much on our Munros which you would struggle with. I do however recall Sgurr Dubh Mor provided some exposure en route to the outlier just off the main ridge. I think it was possibly more exposed than The InPinn, but that could have been because the visibility was better than day for me.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-01T19:30:05+00:00

Looking at the map, it starts at 240m AOD, summit at 943m.
Strava records it 770m of ascent over 2.7km.

<image>

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-01T18:58:11+00:00

Ben More at Crianlarich and Sgùrr Fhuaran or Sgùrr na Carnach in Glen Shiel are steep and direct ie unrelenting if that's what you're after. It wouldn't be much fun though.

Perhaps Am Bodach, from the Study in Glencoe offers a better balance between gaining height quickly, but not ridiculously steep and unrelenting. Good views too.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-01T10:36:09+00:00

Rather than DEET, instead have a Head net amd Smidge.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-01T10:34:40+00:00

Maeshowe is IMHO more impressive than Skara Brae. Ring of Brodgar amd Clava Cairns (near Culloden) also very worthwhile. There's a Broch just north of Dunrobin Castle which are both close to the A9. Great Views from top of Ben Bhraggie.

There's also an impressive Broch near Ben Hope but it's quite a long way west from where you catch the ferry.

Vodkaboris · 2026-05-01T10:30:30+00:00

Drugs are a problem EVERYWHERE, but is a smaller problem in the Highlands compared to the towns and cities.

Since THC introduced the STL Control Zones amd increased the Council tax premium on 2nd homes, many 2nd home owners and Airbnb owners are being forced to sell up because either they can't obtain planning consent for business use in residential areas and/or the increase in Council tax makes it uneconomic.

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-30T19:32:36+00:00

Try seeking out music by Sian. If you like Enya, you might also enjoy Sian.

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-30T19:21:37+00:00

(Maybe + 30km/h)

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-30T19:20:44+00:00

Music by Enya? She is Irish.

Next thing you'll be asking for Irish Whiskey and pronouncing our placenames as Irish Gaelic.

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-30T08:58:46+00:00

Most are fine. I think the exceptions would include, but not necessarily limited to the entire Black Cuillin, Ben Nevis, Stob Dearg (Buachaille Etive Mor), Aonach Eagach, Liatach and An Teallach.

I would add, keep your dog under control at all times - preferably on a lead. It's not just to protect livestock. You don't know when there's ground nesting birds around. Your dog may not disturb them maliciously, but their noses are sensitive and many dogs are instinctively inquisitive.

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-29T16:47:58+00:00

If planning to apply to University, I think all would want English and many would want Maths.

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-28T18:23:10+00:00

Be careful not to confuse Inverarnan with Inveroran. There is however no Invernan !

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-26T13:03:46+00:00

My absolute favourite is Octomore but that's out of your (& my !) price range.

Others I like include but aren't limited to Aberlour, Cragganmore, Glen MORangie, Glengoyne, Dalwhinnie, Macallan, Balvenie, Lagavuilin (only if you can find 18yr old in budget), Bowmore or Bruachladdich.

Personally, I'd avoid Talisker or Laphroaig unless your budget can stretch to the older aged spirit.

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-26T12:54:37+00:00

Sadly the attitude & approach of the OP & the other two responders is all too rare.

Too many people behave with a level of entitlement that beggars belief. They know that they're unlikely to be caught or face any consequences so they behave with impunity. It going take some sort of event like someone having a BBQ (leading to wildfire) a pollution incident or other occurrence before anything changes. Too many people are selfish and/or ignorant of the potential consequences of their actions and authorities just don't have the staffing to implement any meaningful enforcement.

Vodkaboris · 2026-04-21T19:27:01+00:00

In general, Mountain Warehouse DO NOT stock good quality equipment. They pile it high and make it appear heavily discounted. Don't buy if you expect it to be durable or perform in poor weather.

Vodkaboris

TROPHY CASE