ACTIVE OUTDOORS: Events and exploring during a busy year of action in the Highlands

Striding out in 2022 seemed like the culmination of a few years of anticipation after repeated delays. Not only did the Highland Cross return for the first time since 2019, but the inaugural Loch Ness 360 Challenge also finally got under way.

I’d been looking forward to it since it was first mooted, but the pandemic put paid to it starting in 2020 and again in 2021.

Three marathons on three consecutive days was a new challenge for me, and in some ways no amount of training could have prepared me for it!

Yet the experience was fantastic, and the small team we formed over the three days made the experience a treasured memory – the camaraderie was like nothing before.

Outside of the events calendar, I’ve also managed to fit in some great outings this year, from a trek to Clachtoll Broch with Historic Assynt to a walk along the north coast at the Portskerra Drownings Memorial.

I’ve climbed one or two hills – although not as many as I would have liked – and been on a few bike rides, including exploring below Ben Hope on the wonderful little road that snakes north from Altnaharra.

Add in some great runs – including a 29-miler from Fort Augustus to Dores in the build up to the Loch Ness 360 – and it shows just how much variety and fun can be had here in the Highlands.

This is just a small selection of some of my favourite images from the year – with more to follow next week. In the meantime, I hope all our readers enjoy a Merry Christmas!

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