The Hills and Outdoors thread

[manc_don]

stunning second photo there mate!

[Elgindon]

What a difference a week makes.Last weekend on Ben Rinnes.All gone this weekend

Cairngorms on the way up

 

Edited March 18, 2023 by Elgindon

[manc_don]

Finally made it out on the mountain bike after probably nearly a year and a bit. All the stars aligned which meant I could make it to Makara which is west of Wellington. Good gruelling 1hr long ride up and then a good few decent down hills. Didn’t fall off this time (hadn’t done this track for 4 years). second pic is looking north east towards Wellington harbour.

[Elgindon]

Nice.

   Is that a gorse with the yellow flowers,first pic. I heard Scots introduced it over there as a cheap means of fencing livestock,but its since become a bit of a nightmare from spreading and the fire risk

[manc_don]

6 minutes ago, Elgindon said:

Nice.

   Is that a gorse with the yellow flowers,first pic. I heard Scots introduced it over there as a cheap means of fencing livestock,but its since become a bit of a nightmare from spreading and the fire risk

Aye, still plenty of it about and can be a fire risk. Makara itself is part of a reserve, and they’re trying to be predator free to enable the reintroduction of the kiwi. Gorse is ok in certain situations like this as it helps the native planting growing then when they outgrow it, it dies off. Issue being that wild goats do like it so attracts them which ruins the landscape

[RicoS321]

12 minutes ago, manc_don said:

Aye, still plenty of it about and can be a fire risk. Makara itself is part of a reserve, and they’re trying to be predator free to enable the reintroduction of the kiwi. Gorse is ok in certain situations like this as it helps the native planting growing then when they outgrow it, it dies off. Issue being that wild goats do like it so attracts them which ruins the landscape

Is that the place where they're eradicating the rats? Maybe get them to head to Govan if successful.

[manc_don]

2 hours ago, RicoS321 said:

Is that the place where they're eradicating the rats? Maybe get them to head to Govan if successful.

There are a few of them around NZ, but have seen some huns flying under the radar. Their car license plates are usually the give away 

[Elgindon]

Just back from Achiltibuie.Cooler than usual around 14oC,(been up at 26oC in the past),but dry and midge free.

  A bit of fishing below Cul Mor mountain

And an evening stroll up Stac Pollaidh.Very popular wee hill with great views.Hour up,hour down,but steep and a bit scrambly near the summit.https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/stacpollaidh.shtml

[Elgindon]

Just back from another few days on Lismore,but first time in summer.Whole island road network is cycleable in a day if fit,comfortably in 2.Very few cars on the roads.

  Theres also a number of fine tracks as bottom pic,and the coast is walkable in many places,

Looking up Lismore coast(from Achinduin castle) on Loch Linnhe.Looks pretty walkable

 

Old track near Achinduin castle

[RicoS321]

1 hour ago, Elgindon said:

 

 

I assume you've reported the UFO sighting?

[Elgindon]

6 minutes ago, RicoS321 said:

I assume you've reported the UFO sighting?

Aye.From planet Mankolensii

Edited August 22, 2023 by Elgindon

[Elgindon]

Avoided last nights mauling with another stroll in Glen Esk(Edzell).

Looking up Glen Esk towards Lochnagar and Mount Keen

The blue door walk along River North Esk is a cracking low level walk https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/angus/edzell.shtml

River North Esk

 

[Elgindon]

Did this wee hill at Aviemore(quiet at work due to weather).100m lower than Bennachie,with easier walking underfoot.Adjacent to Loch an Eilean,always worth a walk too. Great views,will give it another go in summertime

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sub2000/ord-ban

[manc_don]

Family trip out to Sumner beach today, which is a nice part of Christchurch. Spent the long weekend down here from Wellington. Averaging 30 degrees for us here with a high of 34 fortunately that day I was in the local office so airconditioned and my boys found a good shaded pool! Such a family friendly city, they really are making the most of having to reset after the earthquakes. Just wish it wasn’t such a car heavy city. Or full of cantabs

[RicoS321]

1 hour ago, manc_don said:

cantabs

What does that mean? Some sort of New Zealand Hun?

[manc_don]

43 minutes ago, RicoS321 said:

What does that mean? Some sort of New Zealand Hun?

Very much so. Cantabrians from Canterbury. The huns of NZ.

[Elgindon]

34oC?,Ooft...happy to stick with our balmy(15/16oC) summers at Hopeman 

   Found this website built up by a retired local couple,...for more local walks you might not find on your 'walk highlands' etc. Lots of detail,and description,with a good variety of walks

  https://themackwalks.wordpress.com/category/walks/area/aberdeenshire/

  

[manc_don]

Bike ride around the hills in martinbrough over Easter. 50Km ride with the father in law as he prepares to follow the giro d’Italia later this year.  Haven’t been out as much as I’d like to have been so far this year, life has a habit of getting in the way!  Anyway, stunning part of the world, and wellingtons closest wine region (excluding Marlborough as that’s over water).
 

 

[Elgindon]

Back on Lismore a couple of weekends ago. A couple of local lovelies,and looking across Loch Linnhe to Appin.Munro top left,Sgurr na Ulaidh I think.

   Population only 160,and for some reason a comparatively high percentage of visitors are Yanks.

[scotfree]

On 03/04/2024 at 18:22, manc_don said:

Bike ride around the hills in martinbrough over Easter. 50Km ride with the father in law as he prepares to follow the giro d’Italia later this year.  Haven’t been out as much as I’d like to have been so far this year, life has a habit of getting in the way!  Anyway, stunning part of the world, and wellingtons closest wine region (excluding Marlborough as that’s over water).
 

 

I enjoy watching the bike racing on the telly but the thought of standing next to some guy with a whistle and a big bedsheet and missing the bikes go by because I'm trying to open my bottle of Prosecco is not my idea of a holiday.   

[dons8321]

On 03/04/2024 at 21:44, Elgindon said:

 A couple of local lovelies,

Hope you are talking about the mountains.

[Elgindon]

Were only SSB...

[manc_don]

Sticking with the sheep theme, A trip up the back of my in laws place. Getting their land ready for subdivision so who knows how long we’ll still be able to venture up. But excellent view out towards the South Island.

 

[Elgindon]

Guessing South islands far left on horizon,or next along?  Whats happening because of subdivision ?

 Meant to get out this weekend but faffed about in the garden instead,hopeful next weekend

[manc_don]

On 06/05/2024 at 06:45, Elgindon said:

Guessing South islands far left on horizon,or next along?  Whats happening because of subdivision ?

 Meant to get out this weekend but faffed about in the garden instead,hopeful next weekend

Aye, left on the horizon, although it does actually stretch further to the right, but most of that is low lying so not really visible. 
 

in laws are selling off what was their forestry block. Was always their long term plan but unfortunately won’t make as much as they’d been sold (the dream). So very reliant on the subdivisions to be a success. There’s 6 house sites of varying vista, but all 5 acres. They’re what they call lifestyle blocks here. Completely off grid but power could be extended up. Not looking to keep their current house which will be a shame but age isn’t ideal for the location.