The Inchree Blog

Over the Sea to Skye...on the Glenelg Ferry

If you're visiting Skye this year, you might not be aware that as well as the 2 main routes onto the island, (the bridge at Kyle, & the ferry from Mallaig) there's also another way..that's much more fun.

From Easter to end of October, The Skye Ferry plies its way over the 500 metre strait between Glenelg & Kylerhea. Privately owned, this 6-car, manual turntable ferry is believed to be the only one of its type in the world still operational, and provides a historic & unique way of reaching Skye.

You catch the ferry from the small hamlet of Glenelg, which is a half-hour drive off the A87 main road to Skye. (Turn off at Shiel Bridge.) Once off the A87, the route takes you over a stunning pass with superb views of the surrounding mountains, reaching a high point of 350 metres, before dropping down to Glenelg. Booking not required, as it operates every 20 minutes from each side.

Related links: The Skye Ferry

World Cup Mountain-biking Championships, Fort William, 6th - 8th June

Nevis Range, near Fort William, will once again be hosting a World Cup mountain-bike event this year - As one of up to 10 international venues to host this prestigious event throughout the mountain-biking competion season, Fort William has become firmly known as a world-class biking venue, following on from hosting the successful 2007 World Championships.

This will be the one opportunity in the UK to see all the potential Cross Country Olympic medal winners in action as they prepare for Beijing. Tickets can be bought on-line. Here at Inchree, we've still got a few dormitory bedspces available this weekend, at the time of writing. Please contact direct to book.

Related links: Fort William World Cup; Nevis Range.

Loch Shiel Spring Music Festival, 11th - 16th May

If you're visiting Lochaber between the 11th & 16th this month, then consider checking out the Loch Shiel Spring Festival. Leading artists from all over Scotland and beyond will be teaming up to perform classical & chamber music at venues in the villages around this beautiful loch.

Related links: Loch Shiel Spring Festival

High Deer Risk for Drivers in May

Taken from this week's Oban Times:

'Drivers in the West Highlands are being warned this week that May is the 'high risk' month for colliding with deer on the road.

The Deer Commision for Scotland has discovered that the next four weeks are the most dangerous for drivers and deer. The commision says that motorists should be on their guard because juvenile roe deer are moving from the area of the hill where they were born. Red deer are also more likely to be near the roadside grazing because of the shoots of fresh spring grass.

The research, conducted by the Deer Initiative, also said drivers are far more likely to hit deer in the early morning and evening. There are around 8500 vehicle collisons with deer in Scotland every year.

Warnings about deer near-collison 'hotspots' will be displayed throughout the west coast by Transport Scotland in the next week. Drivers are advised to use full headlights at all time after dark, although they should be dipped when a deer is seen on the road. they should also be aware that one animal crossing the road might be followed by other deer.'

Deer are an ever-increasing hazard on local roadsides, particularly at night / during winter, and especially on the A82 between Glencoe & Bridge of Orchy. Whilst it's tempting to put the foot down on this stretch of road with its long straight sections, it's not recommended (Through personal experience.) due to sheer numbers of deer hanging around.

Related links: The Oban Times; The Deer Commison for Scotland.

Mountain Forecast operational again on site

Our own 5 - day West Highland Mountain Forecast is back up and running again  - it provides a handy 'at a glance' summary of local mountain conditions, and is updated every few days.

View it at: http://www.inchreecentre.co.uk/weather.htm & from the 'Webcam & Weather' page on our site.

For a more detailed forecast on Highland mountain conditions, there are of course, the excellent forecasts produced by the Mountain Weather Information Service.