A wonderful trip to Fort William

Gill and I have just had the loveliest day. To Fort William and back - how boring, not. Sunshine and showers.

We amble across the little Corran ferry. Good job we have a disabled ticket at half price, 3.10p. Calmac and the others pushed the prices up when the oil price climbed last year.

I'm sure they were anxious to take the prices down again when oil dropped, but they just couldn't bring themselves to do it. Sleepless nights around the boardroom, I'm sure.

Cormorants and shags clustering on a different rock from usual as we drive. We stop for a while at Ardgour, watching the fishermen. This is the best fishing area if you get the tide right. Not a spectator sport, really, but pleasant. Masses of solitary herons. If we stop they always wait a mo, then amble off lazily.

We are on the little used single track road on the West side of Loch Linnhe.

Only two cars come the other way in 40 minutes of driving. We are heading for Glenfinnan for coffee.. Coming back, a magnificent double rainbow alongside us to the North, Ben Nevis ahead, wow! The top is occasionally clear. Past Charles Kennedy's old school.

A final amble back to Cuil Bay, look at the 700 year old bridge, look at the little island where the Columban monk lived for 16 years. Watch the Oyster catchers on the beach.

Brilliant.

John
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Honeymoon cottages in Scotland
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
The Viking battle in Glencoe
The true story of the Glencoe massacre
Cottages Scotland and Coastal cottages
Scotland, how to find them
Weather month by month in the area
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William
areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe
information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays
Cheap travel in scotland
Scotlands weather misconceptions
Facts about self catering holidays
Short holiday breaks, special last minute deals, self catering Scotland
Special self catering offers in Scotland
Advice on driving in Scotland

New page in the website

There are about 10,000 cotttages let as holiday homes in Scotland. Some of them are on the coast.

Many are in holiday complexes with several properties together, but a few are, like ours, a family cottage which we let out for holidays.

We don't like properties being left vacant, it is not fair on the locals. At least, this way, we can put something back into the community.

This blog is to link to this new page.
http://www.bayviewkentallen.co.uk/cottagesscotland.html

Here are some other pages which may interest you.
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Honeymoon cottages in Scotland
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
The Viking battle in Glencoe
The true story of the Glencoe massacre
Cottages Scotland and Coastal cottages Scotland, how to find them

Glencoe mountain rescue tops again

The two mountain rescue teams in the area,

Lochaber, based in Fort William, and Glencoe, between them handled 151 call outs, more than 30% of all the mountain rescue calls in Scotland in the last year.

Mobile phones help a lot these days, together with gps systems. But, year after year, trivial calls are on the increase. It is unbelievable that people can call for an emergency helicopter because they feel "too tired" to get down. Still the calls outs are for people with poor clothing, no maps, wearing trainers and no experience. Most of them have not left any message to say where they are going. This is one of the worst, because when people fail to return it takes a long time for people to become worried and then the rescue teams have no clue about where to find them.

But sometimes it is serious. We've had some terrible tragedies this year in the Glen. one only a week or ago coming down the Clachaig gully off the ridge. Experienced people too.

Strangely it is not a dangerous sport because climbers are sensible and take only calculated risks. Most rescues are of amateurs.

John
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Honeymoon cottages in Scotland
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
The Viking battle in Glencoe
The true story of the Glencoe massacre
Weather month by month in the area
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays
Cheap travel in scotland
Scotlands weather misconceptions
Facts about self catering holidays
Short holiday breaks, special last minute deals, self catering Scotland
Special self catering offers in Scotland
Advice on driving in Scotland

Wonderful new social network site for Glencoe

Wherever climbers meet around the world, in the Himalayas, the Andes, the Alps, The Rockies, the Cuillins, or at Napes Needle, sooner or later the conversation will get around to the climbs in Glencoe. Shortly afterwards they'll agree to meet together next time in Glencoe in the Climbers Bar of the Clachaig Inn.

Yes, the Clachaig is that famous, all around the world. There is nowhere else like it.

Now there is a fresh burst of life there. Ed Daynes runs it and has got Glencoe and Ballachulish into the 21st century. With encouragement from David at Crafts and Things he has set up an excellent and simple service whereby if someone has an accommodation enquiry when they are already booked, then it is passed around by e-mail and someone with a vacancy picks it up.

Everyone wins.

Now Ed has gone one stage farther. Acquiring technical skills that are well beyond the range of normal humans, he has set up a "social networking" website for Glencoe. Like YouTube, Twitter and the rest, the site enbables anyone with an interest in Glencoe to post messages or photographs, or videos, and to add comments to others' postings.

Here is the site.
The Glencoe network site

There are some splendid people in this world. Thanks Ed.

John

Weeks commencing June 27th and July 4th Cottage Available Glencoe

We had this lovely e-mail recently. People do enjoy themselves at the cottage, no doubt. We get them a special rate on the Mull Wild Life Tours which saves nearly £30.

Hello John. Thought I'd let you know about our stay in your cottage. First off thanks so much for all the info. it was so so helpful. We had great fun finding some of the walks and getting in a muddle. Nothing to do with your instructions but entirely to do with me. I'm easily confused. Lots of coffee in Crafts & Things. And bought a couple excellent books. Did quite a lot of reading actually. Also we had brill weather unlike down south which got completely rain clobbered. We went on the wildlife safari on Mull which was very very good. Managed to watch golden eagles crusing around then resting up by their nest.Watched two sea eagles over the loch and one swooped down and had a battle taking a duck off the water. Bit worrying as the the eagle looked as though it was getting into trouble and obviously very worrying for the duck. Bad news for the duck as the eagle managed to lift off and go up into the trees. Also had a great view a a couple of otters playing around as they ate some eels. Watched them for quite a while. I managed to get a finger slammed in the van door while we were over there and it was a mad dash for the first aid kit to strap me up. I was very brave though and didn't make to much fuss. Actually I was worried about the sheep everywhere. Not only because the drivers didn't seem to make allowances for the babies right by the side of the road and also because it was just so craggy and scary and anything to do with babies and animals is a biggy for me. Had to avert my eyes a couple of times. We saw lots of kinds of birds on Mull and our man Richard picked up on everything. Also did the supper trip out to the inner hebrides whch was very relaxing. Harry Potter train - GREAT. Got lots of photos.The cottage proved absolutely everything we needed. We borrowed the waterproofs but actually didn't need to use them. Also used the binoculars, the dvds and vids, the computer, scrabble boards and cards and probably just about everything else. Had great meal at the Holly Tree prices much the same. How lovely it was to sit out on their balcony of an eve with a beer and just gaze over the loch. Didn't eat out anywhere else but bought shopping in co-op and sorted outselves. Took 8 - 9 hours driving plus breaks. Not hard at all. Although we drove all the way home with the water temp gauge on red but just decided to ignore it. Good decision because it seems to be broken! Anyway say hello to Scotland from me when you go next and again big thankyous! Barbara and Mary

Still got a couple of weeks free before the school holidays begin.
John
Some pages you might be interested in.
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Honeymoon cottages in Scotland
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
The Viking battle in Glencoe
The true story of the Glencoe massacre
Weather month by month in the area
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays
Cheap travel in scotland
Scotlands weather misconceptions
Facts about self catering holidays
Short holiday breaks, special last minute deals, self catering Scotland
Special self catering offers in Scotland
Advice on driving in Scotland

Cottage still available for World Mountain Bike Championships June 6/7 Scotland

World Mountain Bike Competition, June 6/7 Fort William, Scotland.

If you plan to visit the World Mountain Bike competition at Nevis Range near Fort William, Scotland, then here is a desirable self catering cottage which has availability that weekend June 6 and 7.

The World Mountain Bike competition at Nevis Range will attract a big crowd but this cottage on the lochside is very quiet, has ample parking and plenty of space for bikes. It is about 35 minutes away from Nevis Range, the site of the World Mountain Bike competition. The cottage sleeps four and is exceptionally pretty in a beautiful site.

We offer a special deal. The cottage is available at the moment and will not be occupied again until June 12th. You can arrive any day and leave any day before then for a price of £495, less £20 discount. The only extras are for heating, to be put in the honesty box, and for linen and towels, £10.

See the website for details:
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland

John

Glencoe cottage weeks available June 6th/June 27th/July 4th

In our little Glencoe cottage we still have a couple of dates available before the school Summer holidays start. June 6th/June 27th and July 4th are free. You get a £20 discount on the normal rates, too. Just click on the headline above and it takes you to our short breaks availability Glencoe website for details of rates etc.

We had this lovely e-mail recently.

Hi both of you, Thank you for sharing your lovely cottage with us for a week over Easter. Everything we needed was there, it was comfortable and cosy. It certainly is in a beautiful spot and we didn't have any of the driving rain over the loch but lots of bright sunshine so we could do all we wanted to do, including Ben Nevis (which I feel may be once in a lifetime for me - it wasn't easy!) We have photos galore, as screensavers, PC desktop etc etc, I 'm even turning one of the view from Kentallen into a cross stitch scene as a lasting momento! I'd wanted to take my children to the area for many years and it was well worth the wait, we hope to visit again some day. Debbie ....
We really do have nice guests. The cottage is available still for June 6/June 27th/July 4th/July 4th
John
Here are some useful links to the area.
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Honeymoon cottages in Scotland
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
The Viking battle in Glencoe
The true story of the Glencoe massacre
Weather month by month in the area
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays
Cheap travel in scotland
Scotlands weather misconceptions
Facts about self catering holidays
Short holiday breaks, special last minute deals, self catering Scotland
Special self catering offers in Scotland
Advice on driving in Scotland

3 dates available still for Glencoe cottage

30th May, 6th June, 27th June are available, very pretty cottage sleeps 4

This is the view over the bay in Loch Linnhe from the front room of our cottage in Appin, near Glencoe.

The Glen itself is wondrous, quite spectacular; the finest in Scotland - well, we think so. The peaks rise up either side from sea level to nearly 4,000 feet.

Everywhere you look the scenery is wonderful.

But all the stories of this land are epic as well. The MacDonalds of Glencoe are world famous as the victims of the tragic, viscious and clumsy attempt to exterminate them in 1692.

But Appin, here by the cottage, is renowed as the home of the Stewart Clan. The Stewarts provided the great line of British Kings and Queens, from Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Anne, to the fated king, Charles 1st.

We've got the romantic Stalker Castle just down the road from our cottage to prove it, the second most photographed castle in Scotland. One of the Scottish Kings, rather a good one, actually, stayed in the castle a few centuries ago.

But we have modern amenities as well. 400 yards away, within walking distance so you don't need to bother how much you drink before going home, is the Holly Tree Hotel. They've put in an indoor swimming pool, which can be used by folks who dine with them. The dining is top class, and you will get change from £10 from their bar meal dishes.

Here is the photograph of the outlook from their dining room and bar window.

We have three dates available for renting the cottage before the Summer holidays being to fill up the place.

The cottage sleeps 4 people, in the 2 bedrooms, has all mod cons, has been fully refurbished in the past two years. We are a tiny bit proud of the job they've done on the new kitchen, and on the new bathroom.

The dates available are 30th May at £395 less the £20 discount for the credit crunch; the 6th June at £450 less the same discount and June 27th at £495 less the same discount.

If you fancy it then look first at the website, check the availability page because the dates do fill up at the last minute and the one you want might not be free.
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland

John

Here are some other links to local pages of interest, the first being our availability page
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
Weather month by month in the area
Skiing in Glencoe
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays

Buy your own ski slopes in Glencoe

I ski like a haggis.

In my book salopets are nice tame little animals which need no feeding or cleaning and love you for ever.

Gondolas are for lazing in, attached to Italians, punting.

Buying the Glencoe skiing slopes is as far removed from my imagination as cycling fish. It is Scotland's oldest ski resort.

But someone will do it, you can bet. The slopes were in administration last year, brought back to life and are now being offered for sale.

According to Ski forums;
"I believe they've costed a gondola system as well as other improvements and also have plans for on-site accommodation and other facilities"

"it's an awesome place ... but then do we really want the general population to know about it and crowd the slopes ... not sure"

"It has some steep runs and great scenery. "

Here is the link to the details; http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1125170?UserKey=


Even late in the year, now, there is snow for skiing on the tops. Here is the Nevis Range ski report for to-day:

Date: 06-04-2009 at 08:32
Current weather : CURRENT WEATHER Dry & clear with good visibility. Wind/temp top station: SW 10-20mph, 4CWeather Forecast : FORECAST FOR MONDAYDry, bright morning. Rain or snow above 750m. Wind/temp at 900m: SE 15-20mph > 30-35mph, 3C < 1CSnow level : 800Vertical runs : 400Runs : Weather looks settled until mid afternoon. Fresh soft wind blown snow on summit, upper Goose and Warrens runs. Goose from tower 4 up is complete.Access/downloading on Goose chair. Dry slope for beginners & lower abilities. Back Corrie off-piste and unpatrolled; the walk out is about 25 minutesTerrain Park - features for all levels of ability.

John
ps Someone just said that you can eat haggis. That must be where I'm going wrong.

Skiing in Glencoe and Nevis Range
Our lochside cottage near Glencoe
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
Weather month by month in the area
Skiing in Glencoe
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays
Cheap travel in scotland
Scotlands weather misconceptions
Rain in scotland
Summer weather in Scotland
Autumn weather in Scotland
Winter weather in Scotland
Spring weather in Scotland
Facts about self catering holidays
Advice on driving in Scotland
The Demand A82 upgrade campaign site

The Holly Tree Hotel must be the outstanding success of the West coast of Scotland

Can you imagine dining at a window with this view. This is taken from the Bar at the Holly Tree Hotel. They do the absolute best bar meals in the West of Scotland at the most sensible prices.

Gillian and I know the Holly Tree Hotel as customers. When we cannot stay in our cottage which is only 400 yards away, we stay in the Holly Tree. We eat often in the Holly Tree, and so do the visitors to our cottage. Everyone, without exception gives it top marks.

It was not always so.

When we came here 20 years ago, the Holly Tree was always nice, but expensive under the original owners. So you took out a mortgage and paid it off your credit card over the following year. The standard dropped under different owners, and we gave up.

Then the McFatridge family took it over. They slowly re-built the standard, built up the trade and worked out the best way to go. With a couple of years experience behind them last year they went for broke. They improved just about everything and spent a lot of money. Made major upgrades everywhere. They brought the bar to the front, so everyone could look out at the stupendous view, enlarged the dining area, got a new chef. They put in a real winner then, the indoor swimming pool, which has been a great success.

We did ask them if they could find a way of producing some meals at prices which normal holidaymakers in our cottage would find reasonable. They did better than that, much better.

When their new chef went in, he developed a bar meal drawn from the main restaurant menu, and priced it at around £10 or so for a main course. That makes it the best in the area. Combined with the view, and the super service, I'll bet they are now the best Hotel/Restaurant on the West Coast anywhere from Campbeltown to Applecross.

This is tremendous. With upgrades going on in all the rooms, the reputation is spreading all around the country. They've been packed out through February.

Just as a contrast, the two bigger hotels in the area have gone into liquidation twice in the past four years, and have been saved by the skin of their teeth through a management buy-out. The other classy hotel, too classy, too expensive, arrogant service "no, we only do a three course menu even though there is no one else in the restaurant, that'll be £80 sir" can't sell the business at all.

Good luck Holly Tree. We love success stories like this. It is the well run family business which will survive and grow in this recession.

Gillian and I know. We've lived through four of them.

John
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
Weather month by month in the area
Skiing in Glencoe
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays
Cheap travel in scotland
Scotlands weather misconceptions
Rain in scotland
Summer weather in Scotland
Autumn weather in Scotland
Winter weather in Scotland
Spring weather in Scotland
Facts about self catering holidays
Advice on driving in Scotland