ACTIVE OUTDOORS: More seasons of adventure to look forward to in 2023

Making the extra effort to get out and explore the beautiful landscapes of the Highlands can be a challenge, but it is so rewarding for body and mind.

Looking back on some of this year’s adventures is a great way to remember what has been achieved, as we start to look forward to what’s in store in 2023.

These images are mostly from the summer onwards, and I enjoyed some great outings including running the Lairig Ghru from the Linn of Dee near Braemar to Inverdruie at Aviemore with Trail Running Scotland.

We enjoyed perfect weather for this one, with some of the group even managing a dip in the Pools of Dee to cool off at the halfway point!

With the family, I also had great weather for a wild camping trip in Glen Feshie during the summer holidays. We cycled from the RSPB reserve at Invertromie near Kingussie to a great spot in the depths of the glen where we set up our two small tents for a glorious evening.

There was more wild camping for me this year on a couple of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions I was supervising on with Inverness Royal Academy – one to Glen Feshie and one to Ardverikie.

More recently I stayed at the youth hostel at Loch Ossian, from where I tackled a few new Munros is some pretty grim conditions, while I also took my eldest daughter up Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach in the autumn.

We’ve walked under the viaduct at Glenfinnan, run at the beautiful woodland at Migdale and cycled on the old railway route on the Speyside Way, as well as enjoying a walk back in time to mark the 200th anniversary of the Caledonian Canal.

There are already one or two things in the diary for next year, and I’m looking forward to sharing more adventures with readers in 2023. Happy New Year!

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