Passing Places Around Scotland

Visit Scotland this Winter

Our clocks are back to GMT and the long dark days of winter are upon us. Visiting Scotland in the winter though can still be a really positive experience especially if you enjoy your winter sports like skiing and hill walking. Star gazing, renting cozy cottages with open fires, enjoying city breaks for Christmas shopping or celebrating Hogmanay can all be included as good reasons why you might want to visit Scotland this winter.

The post 058 Why Visit Scotland in the Winter? appeared first on Passing Places.

Motorhome essentials & Scottish hill walking

A conversation with a Passing Places listener Iain Gillepsie all about motorhomes, campervans, hillwaking , munro bagging and long distance footpaths in Scotland.  It was great to catch up with Iain and to share some thoughts on how best to travel around Scotland and suggestions on essential equipment  and places to go in Scotland.  So if you would like to be a guest on the podcast please don't hesitate to get in touch.  Equally if you would like more information on where to go in Scotland or what to do on your Scottish adventure then get in touch with the podcast.

The post 057 Campervans & Hillwalking in Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Out geocaching & finally seeing the Northern Lights

This week I'm out rediscovering the very enjoyable pastime of geocaching with Caitlin during the school half term holidays and finally after chasing potential sightings of the Northern Lights all over mainland Scotland and the islands I finally catch up with them in a local field by my home!

The post 056 Geocaching and the Northern Lights appeared first on Passing Places.

Out on the Rob Roy Way

I have enjoyed some great walking over the past week or so not only out on the Rob Roy Way where I had the chance to look at the Corrie Aqueduct, part of the Loch Katrine water supply infrastructure to Glasgow but I also visited the Loup of Fintry waterfall near the village of Fintry next to the Campsie Fells.  It was well worth a visit as the recent rainfall had really swollen the river levels.  We are finally giving up the fantastic weather and Scotland is now moving on and into the Autumn so at least we have the colours of Autumn still to look forward to.

The post 055 Walking on the Rob Roy Way appeared first on Passing Places.

The Rob Roy Way and also the Carron Valley

The past two weeks have been great in terms of the weather and I have been out building up my basic walking fitness every day.  In this weeks episode I have audio from the Carron Valley and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.  I also spent a weekend at Strathyre and walked along the Rob Roy Way along the side of Loch Lubnaig.  Skid (my Jack Russell) has been picking up ticks on our recent walks so I discuss the Scottish tick, some of the issues and how to remove them.

The post 054 Scotland’s Great Trails appeared first on Passing Places.

Hill Walking near Glasgow and visiting Glasgow Parks

Enjoying some late summer sunshine this week as I wander the Kilpatrick hills above Glasgow and then pay a visit to Bellahouston Park, the site of the famous Empire Exhibition in 1938 and now home to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed House for an Art Lover which was completed in 1995 from original plans produced by Mackintosh in 1901. Glasgow has a large number of public parks, far more than many cities and the majority of them well worth a visit.

The post 053 Kilpatrick Hills and Glasgow Parks appeared first on Passing Places.

Outdoors in Scotland

Lots of audio clips from Balmaha, Duncryne Hill and around Stirling as I spend a week counting steps in the great outdoors.  I'm using my fitness tracker and local walks to see if I can get back to some form of fitness.  Walking in Scotland especially in fine weather is a real pleasure.  September is a great month as summer comes to end and the first signs of Autumn appear. I spend time tracking down a few memories of Tom Weir as well as tackling some local forest paths.

The post 052 Tom Weir Statue and walking outdoors in Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Anstruther

Another visit to the East Neuk of Fife to one of the coastal fishing villages which is now popular with tourists.  Don't forget to pop into the Fishing Museum.  I stayed at the Silverdyke Caravan Park in Cellardyke and enjoyed the walk into Anstruther through the fishermens cottages past Cellardyke harbour and enjoyed a coffee and some people watching opposite Anstruther harbour.  Would suggest you consider taking a boat trip out to the Isle of May to see the seabirds and seals or take the new boat service over to North Berwick for the day.  All the boat trips are seasonal so check online.

The post 051 Anstruther East Neuk of Fife appeared first on Passing Places.

Flanders Moss

Its great to be back in front of the microphone (yet another new one) after being absent for many months.  I make a few visits to Flanders Moss a national nature reserve near Stirling, some audio from the Western Isles and I update listeners on up and coming developments in the Passing Places podcast.

The post 050 Flanders Moss Stirling appeared first on Passing Places.

Loch Lomond, Angus, Durness & Peterhead

A real wander around Scotland in this episode. I have spent  a fair amount of time in recent weeks clocking up some serious mileage all over Scotland including Angus, Fife, Stirlingshire and the Highlands. As always I'm chasing the weather, the northern lights and the quieter more remote parts of Scotland.  In this episode however I also spend a few days in the busy harbour at Peterhead as well as few great nights at Cruden Bay.

The post 049 Loch Lomond, Angus, Durness & Peterhead appeared first on Passing Places.

Visiting Skye & appearing on The Motorhome Podcast

I'm finally back in front of the microphone. In this weeks episode I cover some of my recent trip to Skye as well as giving you some idea of where I have been the past two months.  I have also included an excerpt from my recent appearance on The Motorhome Podcast.  Finally I also include some musical audio from the Mull of Kintrye.

The post 048 Skye & The Motorhome Podcast appeared first on Passing Places.

East Neuk of Fife and Kirriemuir Angus

Fife and Angus
A great few days on the east side of Scotland.  Some days spent adjacent to the wonderful villages on the Fife Coastal Path.  The coastal villages of St Monan's, Anstruther, Elie, Earslferry, Pittenweem and Crail are often referred to as the strings of pearls. Its a wonderful location for walking and enjoying the very best of the Kingdom of Fife. The second half of the podcast is based in the small town of Kirriemuir in Angus.  I mention J.M. Barrie and his famous novel Peter Pan.  I also reflect on my imminent trip to the the Isle of Skye.

The post 047 East Neuk of Fife & Kirriemuir appeared first on Passing Places.

On The Mull of Kintrye at Easter

The ten days or so I spent on the Mull of Kintrye delivered some great weather, magical sunsets on glorious beaches and a number of starlit nights watching the International Space Station tracking overhead.  I also enjoyed a brief stop at Butter Bridge in Glen Kinglas on my way home. It was a lovely day and a great spot to have a break, take in the views and paddle in the river.

The Mull of Kintrye is almost a hidden gem, shunned by many of the tourists in their rush to head north to the more famous locations of Oban, Fort William and Inverness.  It really is a special place and remarkably quiet even on an Easter bank holiday week-end.

The post 046 Easter & Stargazing in Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Interview with Glen Moyer from Louisana USA

I'm on the Mull of Kintyre in my van talking to a new friend living across the pond about his impending visit to Scotland.  It's also a birthday week and I'm enjoying being away for my birthday and finally again introducing new voices to Passing Places.  It's great to see technology linking the wider Scottish diaspora to each other and finally rejoining all the Scottish connections across the globe.

The internet is bringing people together so check out Glen's blog A Glen in Scotland and for the motorhome and caravan folk I also cover one possible way how you could possibly connect to the web using your mobile phone.

I'll be back next week with more details of my current travels in the motorhome.  I'm back on the road travelling around Scotland.

The post 045 A Glen in Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Culloden & Glasgow's Link to Slavery

A busy week on the podcast wandering from London to Glasgow.  I share some thoughts on the Commonwealth Games and the current controversy around the permission to allow a private housing development on the Culloden Battlefied outside Inverness.

Please checkout the current planning decision about Culloden. It is a site of international importance and one which has been failed by the current planning regulations in Scotland.

The post 044 Culloden Battlefield, Glasgow & The Commonwealth Games appeared first on Passing Places.

Visiting the Trossachs and Update on The Scottish Referendum It is now spring in Scotland and I visit Aberfoyle and the Loch Ard area of the Trossachs and for the first time provide an update on the buzz which is being created around the Scottish vote on independence which will take place this September. Social media is leading the political debate in Scotland and so many people are now organising and and attending public gatherings.  I provide information on where you can access resources online to keep up with the debate and the issues.    

The post 043 The Trossachs and Scotland Referendum appeared first on Passing Places.

The Hills north of Glasgow

Whilst Glasgow unfairly has a reputation merely as an industrial city, it sits in a most beautiful location with some wonderful hills minutes away from the city.  In Passing Places this week I visit The Campsie Fells and mention the exodus of Glaswegians in the 1900's and beyond, as they escaped the smog and discovered the magic of the Scottish countryside. In particular I talk about Tom Weir one of the the most influential men of his time in his ability to share his passion for Scotland.  He is remembered by most, for his STV series Weirs Way but he was much more than that. He was a naturalist, acclaimed climber, prolific writer, photographer and a fantastic ambassador for the wild places of Scotland.

I hope to produce an episode of Passing Places this year all about Tom Weir and the current campaign to erect a statue in his memory on the banks of Loch Lomond.

The post 042 Glasgow – The Campsie Fells & Tom Weir appeared first on Passing Places.

Balmaha Rowardennan Conic Hill & Ben Lomond

In the podcast this week I discuss the merits of visiting the East side of Loch Lomond and taking in a boat trip to some of the many fifty plus islands.  I also talk about climbing Conic hill, walking the West Highland Way and bagging Ben Lomond perhaps your first munro?

The area is beautiful and as well as walking and water sports there are two campsites on the east side of Loch Lomond. Finish your day in either the Rowardennan Hotel or the Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha.

The post 041 East Loch Lomond Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Saint Conan's Church, Lochawe Village, Argyll.

The area around Loch Awe offers the visitor many attractions.  I focus this week on St Conan's Kirk, a real gem, located in the village of Lochawe.  The church is a truly unique, one off example, of an amateur architects vision of a church.  It's free to visit and never busy. Almost every period of architectural design is included in the building. I can't recommend a visit highly enough.

The whole area around Loch Awe from the fishing, the hill-walking and the various visitor attractions creates a must see part of any trip around Scotland.  I mention The Cruchan Visitor experience to the Hydro-Electric scheme as well as the Bonawe Iron Furnace at Taynuilt.

I also mention the week that was and discuss the plans for including guest contributions on the podcast in the weeks ahead.

The post 040 Loch Awe & St Conan’s Kirk Argyll Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Back on the road for 2014

The Clyde steamers mark a remarkable period in Scottish history where people from the central belt, from the poor to the rich, enjoyed the dramatic scenery and landscapes of the The Firth of Clyde.  For over a hundred years until the 1950's over 300 steamers transported passengers throughout the area.  I also talk about the The Kelpies, the dramatic new horse head sculptures on the Forth Canal near Falkirk.

I also rejoice in the fact I'm finally back in my van. I make what turns out to be a dreadful trip to Moffat in Dumfries & Galloway.  It's a lovely wee town and a place I really like but we all remember weekends that just didn't work out.   The whole week-end was instantly forgettable.

I came down with a chest infection and the rest is history. Thankfully.

I'll revisit the Kelpies and make a video as well as record a Passing Places podcast episode in the next couple of months once the site is fully open to the public.

The post 039 Clyde Steamers The Kelpies & Moffat appeared first on Passing Places.

The Rob Roy Way & Camping in the National Park

Out and about in The Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park in search of Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish Robin Hood romanticised in Scottish history and a half baked notion to walk The Rob Roy Way, a lovely long distance footpath from Drymen to Pitlochry.  I also drop into the newly completed visitor amenities located on Loch Lubnaig just north of Callander.

The national park have a development plan for the five lochs in the area which includes regulating camping on the loch-sides, in part by providing new facilities including car parking and camping.  There are also elements of the plan that include attempting to meet the needs of motorhome owners.  I will cover all these topics in more detail in future episodes but  I can't recommend the countryside around the national park and The Rob Roy Way.  It really is a great mix of Scottish landscapes.

Get in touch if you visit the new facilities on Loch Lubnaig and let me know your thoughts.

The post 038 Rob Roy MacGregor & Loch Lubnaig appeared first on Passing Places.

Happy New Year

A Happy New Year from Scotland to everybody who listens to Passing Places. In this weeks episode of the podcast I make a few New Year resolutions and a couple of predictions for 2014.  This year is the most significant year in the  history of Scotland. As a nation we face the momentous decision on regaining our independence for our country.  I'm confident that Scotland will vote positively for such a change. I also feel certain that 2014 will redefine our place in the cosmos.

The knowledge we have gleaned in the last twenty years about astronomy and the cosmos is difficult to fully comprehend. So I fell confident that this year will see the announcement of an earth like planet in the Goldilocks zone and whilst that for me is profound I also feel certain that we will be able to confirm the existence of life beyond earth.

So what an historic year we have ahead.  Join me on my travels around Scotland and get in touch with our listeners if you share an interest, an affinity with, or a desire to travel around Scotland.

Happy New Year.

The post 037 Happy New Year from Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

It's great to be back with another episode of Passing Places. I briefly review a few personal travel highlights from 2013 and go on to mention that 2014 is the Year of Homecoming Scotland. As well as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles we have the independence referendum to look forward to.  It's going to be the biggest year in Scotland certainly in my lifetime.

It is also the seven hundredth anniversary of The Battle of Bannockburn which took place a few miles away from my home. A major refurbishment of the visitor attraction is just nearing completion as well as restoration of the monuments on the site. So if you are visiting Scotland during the year of homecoming a visit to Bannockburn, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument would be highly recommended.  I think Stirling is rightly justified in being called the heart of Scotland.

I hope you all have a relaxing Xmas and festive break as we return to weekly episodes of Passing Places.

Further details of the events scheduled for the Year of Homecoming 2014 can be found at Visit Scotland.com

The post 036 Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014 appeared first on Passing Places.

Motorhome Discrimination in the UK

Passing Places this week touches on the topic of motorhome use in the UK and some of the discrimination and negative perceptions that persist particularly in the more scenic parts of the country where there is pressure on car parks and local beauty spots. What a difference to my experiences in France where motorhomes are actively encouraged and great facilities ensure that local towns and villages benefit from the economic contribution that travellers in motorhomes can make during their visits.

Let me know your thoughts and any experiences you might have had, both good and bad.  Next week I will be back out on the road with some Scottish content and my own personal insights of my travels around Scotland.

Sign up for the Passing Places Newsletter by using the form on the front page of my website.

Kevin

The post 035 Motorhome Discrimination in the UK appeared first on Passing Places.

Living The Dream

How can you live the dream in a motorhome all year round in Scotland?  I touch on the subject for the first of many times in future episodes. I also include the second part of our USA visitors experience in Scotland, including Skye and Plockton.  So are you living the dream or planning to jump off the hamster wheel, escape the rat race and take off?

Giving up the security of a career, a home and employment can sound daunting.  If that security however is gnawing away at you and you yearn for a less restrictive lifestyle, more freedom, adventure or perhaps just a simpler life in which new experience are always just around the next corner?

Get in touch and share your thoughts on full time travel in a motorhome, RV or campervan.  I am just beginning to address the whole topic of the income side of the balance sheet.  Nothing in life is ever free and travelling can be expensive.  Perhaps if you are intending to travel on a budget you may well need to think of ways of developing an income at least during some months of the year.  You might even take off to mainland Europe.

Many travelers spend some of the year out of season earning money to fund their travels during the better weather months of the year.  In any event work can be a good way to keep yourself active, meet new people and even if you don't need an income, you might even consider voluntary work as a way to share your skills and give something back.

Get in touch with your ideas and comments.  I'd love to hear from you.

Kevin

The post 034 Living The Dream in Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

USA - Scottish Travels

Featuring Part One of Joyce & Carlo from Boston on their recent Highland adventure as well as other listener conversations about some great locations to visit in Scotland over the winter months. Many listeners who got in touch favour the North West coast of Scotland as well as the North coast. Gairloch, Lochcarron & Gruinard Bay near Ullapool are all covered.  So whether you live in the UK, the USA or anywhere else in the world, if you have a travel story about Scotland or are considering visiting Scotland, I'd love to you here from you.

in Passing Places this week I also pick up on a wonderful suggestion for a woodland gorge walk in the Cowal peninsula in Argyll.  I mention the importance of  over wintering your van to protect against frost damage and burst pipes in particular.  Part Two of Joyce and Carlo's Highland adventure is in next weeks podcast.  I have just re-listened and can't believe I called Skipness - Skipton.  Dreadful.  Apologies, will correct myself next week.

Kevin

The post 033 Scottish Travel Conversations appeared first on Passing Places.

Winter in Scotland

Ideas for short breaks in quieter parts of Scotland are on my agenda this week. Where would you go for a short break to escape the crowds? I cover places on my bucket list for the winter : Moffat, Pittenweem, Elgol, Portmahomack and Durness on the north coast.

Get in touch with Passing Places and share your experiences and ideas with all our listeners.  You can leave a comment here on the website, leave a voicemail or join us on The Passing Places Podcast Group on Facebook.

Kevin

The post 032 Winter Breaks in Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

USA Visitors to Scotland

I'm in the village of  Killin in Stirlingshire.  In this weeks episode of Passing Places I catch up with Joyce and Carlo from Boston, USA, to say hello and to hear first hand how they have enjoyed their vacation in Scotland.  I also have an in-depth interview with Bonnie Hofkin from her home in California.  I also touch upon the feedback I have had about Passing Places and how I might improve the weekly podcast of my travels around Scotland in the coming weeks.

If you are from the USA and you plan to visit Scotland in the future please get and touch and our podcast community of listeners will offer you whatever help we can to ensure you have the the very best vacation in Scotland.   You can get in touch on Facebook by typing into the search box at the the top of the Facebook screen - Passing Places Podcast Group.  Just join our group and share your passion for Scotland with all of us.

Killin is a lovely little village to visit or to base yourself for a few days.  The falls of Dochart are wonderful.  They flow through the old bridge at the top end of the end of the village.  In summer it's a great spot for a picnic and in winter the awesome strength of the river as it thunders through Killin is a really impressive sight to experience.

Subscribe to the podcast and get in touch.  Use the Speakpipe free voice-mail service here onsite and we can get your audio onto the podcast.

Thanks

Kevin

The post 031 USA Visitors to Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

The Sounds of Scotland
In Passing Places this week I review the progress of the podcast over the past seven months and seek listener feedback on how to take the podcast forward in the coming weeks and months over the winter here in Scotland.  My podcast to date has been largely in a monologue format with a few interviews of people on my travels and a fair sprinkling of the sounds of Scotland.

I'm keen to record more audio out and about and I'm very interested in what you the listener would like to hear on Passing Places.  I often talk about where I am and what I'm up to.  I also stray at times into my version or recollection of Scottish history.  Of special interest to me however is to bring you more of the sounds of Scotland. I feel that might help you have the sense that you are there with me on location.

So please get in touch and give me your opinions and your preferences, if you have any, as to what you would like to see and hear by way of content.

I have I think improved the audio this week.  If you can hear the difference in the audio quality I would also appreciate you letting me know.  Why don't you try using the Speakpipe voicemail service which is free and available here on my web site.  You can practice your submission before finally pressing send. :)

Thank you so much for listening to and supporting Passing Places.  I do hope you get in touch.

Kevin

The post 030 Sounds of Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Autumn in Scotland

In this weeks episode of the podcast I consider why visiting Scotland is a great idea in the autumn. There are very few tourists around, no midges and the autumn display of our woodlands can be a spectacular sight for photographers and all visitors alike.  I suggest some great woodlands that you might like to visit and I look forward to the onset of winter, the shorter days and longer nights and the arrival of snow at any time from now on.

The jewel in the crown for autumn colours is Glen Affric fifteen miles west of Loch Ness.  Glen Affric is a national nature reserve and conservation work and replanting is ongoing to improve the remnants of the ancient caledonian pine forest.

I also cover the new Shure SM58 microphone which I have purchased from donations to the podcast.   I have also improved my setup to allow me to take Skype calls and record them directly into the podcast episodes.

Kevin

The post 029 Autumn Colours in Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Talbot Motorhome Owners Club - Tarland Mini Meet.

What a fantastic week-end on Deeside.  I'm on a campsite at Tarland in the the North East of Scotland on a Sunday evening and I have just enjoyed such a good time with owners of  Talbot motorhomes and similar vans.

In this weeks episode I cover the week that was but focus on the mini-meet on Deeside.   If you are thinking about buying a van for the first time or you have a van consider joining the Talbot Owners Club as you will meet like  minded folk and get access to super support as well as making some great new friends.

For more information visit the Talbot Owners Club and join their free forum.

Kevin

The post 028 Tarland Royal Deeside appeared first on Passing Places.

Dumbarton Castle

A week spent in and around Glasgow & Ayrshire with a visit down to Dumbarton Castle.

Dumbarton Castle is an excellent place to stop off on your way towards Loch Lomond to enjoy the great views from the top of the castle and to reflect on the amazing history surrounding the ancient fortress.  From vikings, William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots Dumbarton Castle has played a key role in Scottish history.

The castle sits on a prominent volcanic plug guarding the entrance to the River Clyde and the leven vally leading to Loch Lomond and the Highlands beyond.

I also touch upon shipbuilding and whisky distillation in Dumbarton as well recalling the impact of the slave trade in generating significant wealth on the River Clyde and Scotland as a nation after The Act of Union in 1707.

Kevin

The post 027 Dumbarton Castle appeared first on Passing Places.

Touring the Scottish Highlands

Some advice tips and information around planning a trip in the Scottish Highlands.  In this weeks episode I discuss possible routes through the Highlands and including a visit to the Isle of Skye.  We travel from the central belt as far as Ullapool and return via the Trossachs.

Its is possible to plan and book your trip around Scotland before you arrive but there advantages in being flexible too, not least the changeable weather.  I also mention a few iPhone apps that will provide you with weather, mapping and tourist information during your Scottish vacation.

If you do travel as far as Ullapool  you may well find that you feel compelled  to continue up the spectacular north west coast.  It's hard not to.

Kevin

The post 026 Highlands Tour appeared first on Passing Places.

Loch Ness Campervan & Motorhome Mini Meet

Loch Ness and the scenery around Dores is just wonderful.  This week  I enjoyed a long weekend near the banks of Loch Ness in the highlands, with a group of like minded folk in their campervans and motorhomes.  It's the first time I have attended a meeting of motorhome users and I can't speak highly enough of the experience.

If your interested in campervans and motorhomes or if you are a new owner attending a meet is a great way to meet people and pick their brains in terms of advice and experience.   It is also just a great social experience.

The weekend was really well organised but also very informal so it was possible to participate at whatever level I fancied.  The podcast covers the weekend including an interview with the organisers and it wouldn't be complete without some reference to the Loch Ness monster.

Here are some useful links to the sites and topics mentioned in this weeks episode of Passing Places.

Wild Camping Forum

Motorhome Fun Forum

Nessie Hunter

Loch Ruthven RSPB

If you have an older motorhome or are considering getting an older campervan please check out the Talbot EXPRESS Campervan/Motorhome Owners Club Forum.

Thanks for listening

Kevin

The post 025 Loch Ness Monster appeared first on Passing Places.

Summers End

I enjoyed another visit to The Mull of Kintyre this week amid some glorious late summer sunshine.  As I headed back I was acutely aware of the end of summer both in terms of less tourist traffic but also a real sense of Autumn being in the air.  In the coming weeks I hope to spend a lot more time in wild areas rather than on campsites.

I have just discovered a new website called The Motorhome Tourist Organisation of the UK.   I have joined and the purpose of the organisation is to raise the profile of the needs of motorhome travellers and to campaign for better facilities across the country.

Check it out TMCTO

I'm off to a motorhome mini-meet today on Loch Ness.  It will be the first time I have attended such a gathering so I'll provide you with an update on my experiences in next weeks podcast.

Kevin

The post 024 Summers End appeared first on Passing Places.

Back from France

Well I'm back from France and returning to my weekly podcast schedule about my ongoing travels around Scotland. France turned out to be a great trip and a country I would like to live in on a more full time basis at some point in the future.  However in the meantime let's get on with celebrating and enjoying the more remote and rugged parts of Scotland. In this weeks episode I reflect on my time in France and look forward to getting back out in the motorhome next week probably, given the weather, somewhere on the East coast of Scotland.

It would be great to hear from listnerews to the podcast so why don't you get in touch with Passing Places either by voice-mail, Twitter or Facebook.

It's good to be back online.

Kevin

The post 022 Back from France appeared first on Passing Places.

Scotland Sheep & France

The podcast is recorded in Stirling this week with some reference to Birnam & Dunkeld in Perthshire where I stayed last week-end but also some outdoor recording of a local livestock sheep auction and reflections about my preparations for my up an coming trip to France.  I don't intend to produce my normally weekly podcast over the next five or six weeks but I will be podcasting during my trip on an ad-hoc basis.

A big thank you to everybody who is listening to Passing Places.  I have now been podcasting for four months and I have traveled far and wide across Scotland and it's islands.  I'll return to the normal weekly show in mid August when I'll get back out in the Scottish countryside to enjoy some wild camping as well as the facilities on some of the many Scottish campsites.

Have a great holiday if you are travelling this summer.

Kevin

The post 021 Scotland Sheep & France appeared first on Passing Places.

Oban Argyll

I enjoyed a wonderful sailing back from Tiree to Oban on Monday.  The views and weather were superb and entering the harbour at Oban gave excellent views of the town and McCaig's folly on the hill as well as the cathedral and other prominent buildings.

I stayed the night at  a campsite a few miles south of  Oban.  In the morning I headed off from Oban and scouted a few possible overnight stops on my way back towards Stirling.  I ended up staying at an overnight stop near Dalmally.  In one of the car parks on the way south it was disappointing to see significant amounts of litter.

It really is sad and appalling that people choose to leave litter behind in such beautiful locations.  Argyll & Bute Council do not provide litter bins generally in laybys, preferring to encourage people to take their litter home.  In Perth & Kinross I have seen the council provide wheelie bins and this system appears to be more successful in reducing litter.

I'm off again somewhere in Scotland this week end but have yet to decide where I am going.

Kevin

The post 020 Oban appeared first on Passing Places.

Isle of Tiree - Inner Hebrides

Tiree is the most magical of islands.  I arrived on Tiree last Monday and have enjoyed some great weather, fantastic beaches and wonderful sunsets.  The island is so peaceful and quiet and the machair meadows are full of buttercups and daisies. The ferry trip over on Monday from Oban was flat calm with superb views going through the Sound of Mull.  As you approach Tiree and Coll the islands appear as thin strips of gold and green on the horizon.

This really is one of the most beautiful ferry trips you can undertake in the whole of Scotland.   The Isle of Tiree is perhaps my current favourite location in Scotland. I have had some technical difficulties this week with the podcast so sound levels may be variable.  I may have to edit the file when I return home next week.

I'm off out to enjoy the Tiree evening sunset.

Kevin

The post 019 Isle of Tiree appeared first on Passing Places.

The Inner Hebrides

The Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland comprises some  79  islands of which 36 are inhabited and a further 43 are uninhabited islands.  Some of the larger and better known islands include Skye, Mull, Islay, Gigha, Tiree & Coll.  I discuss the magic of island hopping and the joy of using the ferries between the islands to enjoy seeing the Scottish landscape from the sea.   Island hopping in Scotland lends itself really well to cycling vacations as bicycles go free on all the ferry routes.  Ferries routes are increasingly subsidised within the Inner Hebrides making the islands more affordable to visit and more economically integrated into mainland Scotland.

I also talk in more detail about my excitement and anticipation about visiting Tiree next week.   I mentioned Tiree before in Episode 003 of Passing Places when discussing wild camping.  Tiree has an excellent scheme in place to allow motorhomes and campervans to visit the island without putting undue pressure on the fragile ecosystem.

Links:

Caledonian Macbrayne Ferries

Kevin

The post 018 Inner Hebrides appeared first on Passing Places.

Island of Gigha

One of the most magical experiences yet of my ongoing travels around Scotland.  The island of Gigha is only a few miles off the coast of the Mull of Kintrye, Scotland and is a truly magical small island.  A regular ferry crossing from Tayinloan takes only 20 minutes and Gigha is such a wonderfully fertile and visually beautiful island with it's lovely beaches and some amazing artifacts associated with its historical heritage.

Most importantly of all Gigha is an example of the success of islanders buying their island and investing in it's future.   Since they took ownership in 2002 Gigha has managed to increase its population and lay the foundations for it's ongoing economic success.  It is a great example of how land reform in Scotland has to accelerate further in the years ahead.

I can't recommend a visit to Gigha highly enough.   It's such a different story from the sad demise of Stroma a similar sized island I talked about before in Episode 015.

Kevin

The post 017 Island of Gigha appeared first on Passing Places.

Travels Around Scotland

A review of my travels around Scotland this week.  From John O Groats along the north coast to Durness then down through Lairg, Dingwall, Beauly, Fort William, Glen Coe and finally some days later, I am now on The Mull of Kintyre.

I discuss island communities, cycling, and the West Highland Way.  I also catch up for the first time with folk I have met through my Passing Places podcast.  It's also the first time that I really see summer arriving in Scotland.

Get in touch with Passing Places and let me know what you think of the podcast and any areas you would like me to cover in future episodes.

Kevin

The post 016 Travels around Scotland appeared first on Passing Places.

Orkney

After the buzz of Islay I immediately headed off to Orkney. A land or more correctly a group of islands off the north coast of Scotland that I have always wanted to visit but have never managed to do so.

I talk about Skara Brae, The Ring of  Brodgar, Ness of Brodgar, The Churchill Barriers and The Italian Chapel.  In five days I only managed to scratch the surface of what Orkney has to offer the visitor.

I will have to return some time soon as the Ness of Brodgar archaeological site was not being worked upon nor open to the public.   It's a site I'm really keen to see.

Kevin

The post 015 Orkney appeared first on Passing Places.

Isle of Islay

I'm enjoying a fantastic five days on the island of Islay often referred to as the queen of the Hebrides.  Islay has played a major part in the history of Scotland but it also enjoys fantastic beaches, lovely seaside villages and a world wide reputation for malt whiskey.

Islay malts are characterised as being smokey full flavoured whiskeys and their reputation across the globe is well deserved.

I visit the Lagavullin distillery and some of Islay's best beaches.

I'm staying at Port Mor campsite.

The other campsite mentioned in the podcast is at Kintra Farm.

The post 014 Isle Of Islay appeared first on Passing Places.

Portpatrick & Dumfries & Galloway

A long weekend spent in Portpatrick a lovely little fishing village on the South West coast and a visit to the lighthouse at The Mull of Galloway, the most southerly point in Scotland.

I then travelled north to Loch Lomond and have been on the loch-side for the past fours days.  Next week I might be in the Borders or somewhere in the Hebrides.  Get in touch and let me know what your favourite places are  in Scotland.

Kevin

The post 013 Portpatrick appeared first on Passing Places.

Arrochar Loch Long & The Cobbler

I pitched up in Arrochar on Tuesday evening in preparation for climbing The Cobbler on Wednesday afternoon.  Arrochar is a small village at the head of Loch Long in Argyll.  I stayed two nights in a quirky campsite and I cover the climb up one of Scotland's finest mountains  - The Cobbler, a midnight walk the evening before and a brief recording of the dawn chorus this morning.

Kevin

The post 012 The Cobbler Arrochar appeared first on Passing Places.

Flanders Moss & Gillies Wood

Out and about around Stirling with visits to Flanders Moss and Gillies Wood. A little bit of Scottish history and my first encounter with a red squirrel this year. If you ever visit Scotland I suggest a visit to Stirling. It has the most amazing history of Scotland and the struggle with England over many hundreds of years.

I have also added videos of Stirling Castle, The Wallace Monument and the Bannockburn Memorial on my website below.

The most exciting part of this weeks episode for me is the great news that Mariearad Green who composed Passing Places a wonderful hour of Scottish traditional music has agreed to let me use her music on my podcast. I'll be adding a full page on Mariearad Green's music in due course.

Kevin

Bannockburn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki-AdH6Lb0A

The post 011 Red Squirrels in Stirling appeared first on Passing Places.

Buying a Motorhome & Crail - Fife

Well what a wonderful week-end. Lots of information and insights into why you should visit Crail & Fife but mainly this weeks episode is all about buying your first campervan or motorhome in the second-hand, private or classified market.

It's an experiment in that the episode is twice as long as normal but it is also my first episode involving multiple voices/mics within my van. So please get in touch with your comments about the podcast and especially about this weeks episode. Better? Too long?

Kevin

The post 010 Buying a Motorhome appeared first on Passing Places.

Speyside & Boat of Garten

A review of my four days in Boat of Garten including the Speyside Way, The Strathspey Railway and the Loch Garten Osprey Centre.

It was my birthday this week and as well as some friends joining me I managed a short walk from Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge.  I also popped down to have a look at the steam train as it arrived at Boat of Garten station.   Last night I stayed over in Glen Dochart near Killin and today I have travelled over to a fabulous spot at Crail in the East Neuk of Fife for the week-end.

Links for the show notes are:

The Strathspey Railway

RSPB Loch Garten 

Boat of Garten - Community web site

A day late because I had no wi fi in Speyside.

Kevin

The post 009 Speyside appeared first on Passing Places.

Podcasting from The Van

This weeks episode is recorded in my motorhome for the first time as I enjoy a weeks holiday with my daughter.  I have spent a night on Loch Lomond and I'm currently now having a peaceful few days on the Mull of Kintrye.  A great location for visiting the island of Gigha.  I'm also off to walk on the Speyside Way for a few days next week.

An interesting topic covered is the need for the UK to catch up with France and other mainland European countries in becoing much more motorhome friendly.

I also cover some developments on my own website and how you can personally particapte in the Passing Places podcast.

Kevin

The post 008 Podcasting from The Van appeared first on Passing Places.

Motorhome Forums

A quick review of the week that was but also an initial appraisal  of a couple of on-line motorhome forums that you might like to check out if you are new to motorhomes or campervans,  or think that one day that you would be keen to get into the hobby.

The weather in Scotland over the last 3 weeks has been unusually cold so I also have some coverage  of a few uneventful days on Loch Tay last week.  It was a very.......very.......slow few days, but my week ended today with a really a decent walk on Loch Ard.

Check out Wild Camping for Motorhomes.   My impression over two weeks is that this site is easy to navigate, is an optimum size in terms of members and my experience so far has been entirely positive.  I am already meeting some great folk.

Highly recommended.

A less informed impression is of Motorhome Facts a much larger site that I joined this week.   I'll do a more detailed review in future episodes but it is very large and probably a bit daunting for a new member.

I have also added my own draft forum.   It's called Pitch Up.  Check out the Menu entry at the top of the page.  Am I mad?  Why I am talking about other forums if I am setting up one myself.? Well the answer simply is that I can't and have no time or intention of competing or running a mass membership forum.  My own little forum is all about creating some form of editorial direction for Passing Places.  Please register and contribute to the forum and my site and help ensure that Passing Places improves its relevancy to you the listeners.

Thanks again for listening.  I really do appreciate your interest and your participation. :)

Kevin

The post 007 Motorhome Forums appeared first on Passing Places.

Winter Walking Skills Day - Adventure & Misadventure

My day out on Meall nan Tarmachan with Willie Hill, an ex mountain rescue team leader, trying out walking in the snow with an ice axe and proper winter gear in the south corrie just below the summit.

Some information on The Scottish Crannog Centre  I can certainly recommend a visit.  See the replica crannog which was a dwelling built on stilts in the loch during the Iron Age some 2,500 years ago.  Archaeologists have made some remarkable finds on the loch floor including cooking utensils, clothing and the remains of an ancient boat.

A great day out on the hill, even with man flu, but a rather painfully slow and protracted return journey home.

Check out this great wee blog site.  Katieallsort

Kevin :)

The post 006 Winter Walking Skills appeared first on Passing Places.

Chance Encounter with Brad Pitt

This weeks episode is pretty brief  and includes recalling meeting Brad Pitt for coffee  in a remote part of NW Scotland.  The episode also features Dave Jackson podcasting guru.  I'm keen to keep the episodes coming and to keep you the listener up to speed with how the podcast is coming along.  So watch out for weekly episodes.

I had a little problem with my iTunes feed which is hopefully now sorted, so if you have subscribed and the episodes are not updating in the weeks ahead, you might have to search for Passing Places again and re-subscribe.

I have realised that I'm suffering from a cold and a sore throat and I'm breathing too near the microphone so I'll try and sort that for the next episode.

Check out Dave Jackson at The School of Podcasting

Check out my You Tube video Channel.

Subscribe to the podcast using the links on the RHS of the page or type in Passing Places into iTunes podcast app. :)  Leave me some feedback if you have a second or two on iTunes.  If you love Scotland contact me.

Kevin :)

The post 005 Brad Pitt Chance Encounter appeared first on Passing Places.

The Mull of Kintyre

I'm just back from three nights wild camping on The Mull of Kintyre. It's very early in the season and the weather after the first evening was pretty disappointing.  In this episode of Passing Places I detail my trip and give you some information and advice on what to see and do.  Highlights include Skipness Castle, Arran, Islay and an obvious but very quiet route around the east side of the Mull of Kintyre.   I do touch on the motorhome wave. :)  Get in touch and tell me all about it?

I also take the opportunity to thank in person all the folks that have commented on Passing Places over the past few days.  I really do appreciate your involvement.  So please get in touch.

Kevin

The post 004 Mull of Kintyre appeared first on Passing Places.

Episode 003 Wild Camping

Wild Camping in a motorhome in Scotland.  I'm exploring why the audio on this episode seems so fast?  I'm still a newbie to podcasting.  Maybe I'm relaxing into the way we Scots talk but even to me it sounds too quick.  If I come up with an answer and I can fix, I will.  if not I'll just have to slow down.  What a change from Episode 001.

Welcome to Episode 003 of Passing Places.   Wild camping broadly defined as staying overnight somewhere without electrical hookup or other other facilities you would normally enjoy on a dedicated camp site.  In this episode I explore wild camping in Scotland and suggest some good points of reference regarding the freedom to roam, the outdoor access code and local by laws in place in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.  I also include details of the scheme running on Tiree and also a great offer from Sango Sands Campsite in Durness on the north coast.

Remember I'm not a lawyer, I'm just passing on some of my own views and information that I currently have.  Please do some personal research and get in touch with the site if you can add to the debate or if you have additional advice to offer listeners.  Finally remember the situation can change in local areas so always check before you travel.

Freedom to Roam Land Reform Act 2003

Start here and carry out your own research on the do's and don't s of wild camping in Scotland.

Scottish Natural Heritage

Another good reference site which covers most of the topics relating to access and enjoying the great outdoors.

Outdoor Access Code

A must visit site.  Read and retain a copy or summary of the Outdoor Access Code and you won't go far wrong.

Isle of Tiree

Visit the site for details of the scheme currently in place to facilitate motorhome and campervan access and holidaying on the island.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Check out the web site for all the information you need on what the national park has to off the visitor.  You will also find detailed information on camping and the by laws that apply.

Sango Sands Camp Site Durness

Check the Sango Sands web site.  Its a lovely location on the north coast and they will be happy to let you use the camp site during the winter months when it is normally closed.  You will have access to the toilet block and cold running water only. No showers.  If you need electric hook up phone them in advance and I'm sure they will arrange this for a small fee.

Kevin :)

The post 003 Wild Camping appeared first on Passing Places.

Wild Camping on Loch Earnside Perthshire

Well after a couple of days on Loch Lomondside I headed over to Loch Earn for two nights wild camping. The Scottish weather was terrific including two nights of clear starry skies. The resulting podcast has some audio issues but hey that was nearly two weeks ago and I was a complete newbie. I'm almost a pro now. I have learned a fair bit since the trip (don't drink and do star trails) so next time the audio will be better.

Podcast includes two iPhone/iPad apps. The first one is a great wee bird song app and the second is all about finding out when the International Space Station is flying overhead.

My trip also included some night time photography including time lapse star trails using my Nikon D90. When the Scottish weather is good Scotland just shines.

Kevin

The post 002 Loch Earn appeared first on Passing Places.

Passing Places Episode 001

You might be one of those folk who is asking what is a podcast?   Well welcome to the first and introductory episode of Passing Places.  A podcast is primarily an audio or video file which you can subscribe to just by clicking on the subscribe button.  Podcasts can be listened to directly from my website or through iTunes/iPhone/iPad  or through a podcasting app directly to your android phone.  By subscribing you will automatically receive an update when new episodes are released and you can un-subscribe at any time.  Another cool feature is that unlike magazine and other subscriptions, I will never know if you are subscribed and I will have no information about who you are.  So you are in complete control at all times.

Passing Places is part travel podcast and part personal diary of my travels around Scotland.  I decided to start podcasting as a way to capture some of the memories of my adventures around Scotland.  I'd searched a number of times on-line for podcasts and blogs about the topic without much success.  So perhaps I'm filling a small gap or maybe nobody is really interested.  I doubt that.

So I'm hoping to make contact with anybody who shares a passion for Scotland, particularly the more remote and rugged areas of the country.  This web site and blog will also help me keep in contact with many of the people I have already met over the last three years.

The term wild camping is often applied to staying overnight in a motorhome or campervan, anywhere without electrical hook up and basic camp site facilities.  Obvious places include lay bys, car parks etc.  It's hardly wild camping in these examples as my own memories of wild camping are with a back pack, a small tent, a stove and a head torch.  I do know that some people do take their vans to some of the most remote areas including the many hidden beaches around the mainland or on the islands.  They may stay f0r a few days or even a few weeks. Whilst there they do wild camp in the sense they make camp fires, latrines etc and rely upon their leisure battery for basic lighting overnight.

In my own case whilst I prefer wild camping I do stop in overnight on designated sites every few days to get a decent shower, power to use my laptop and ideally in search of wi-fi.

I'll produce a podcast episode on wild camping soon, covering some of the do's and don'ts , pros and cons and other advice and information that I can share with you.

Producing a Podcast

Its a steep learning curve getting to grips with new audio equipment like microphones, audio mixers and audio software.  As if that wasn't enough, the real challenge is still my battle in overcoming the stage fright of talking into a microphone, whilst trying to think about what I actually want to say.

So I have just decided to dive in at the deep end and start publishing.  Hey it can only get better.  Playing the episode back though, I reckon I could probably get a job hosting funerals.

On the plus side my audio quality  is already far better than when I started experimenting two weeks ago, so I have  learned from  some of the mistakes I made in this episode e.g. in the little interview in the van on Loch Lomond.  A few tips I'm willing to share from my new found expertise in podcasting from home.

Switch the PC off (fan noise)

Switch the fridge/freezer off (humming sound)

Strangle Skid (luckily asleep on the audio this time)

Switch fridge/freezer back on

Passing Places is a podcast about my personal wanderings around Scotland and I'm really looking forward to getting into a dialogue with my listeners about where to take the show.  Podcasters call these things shows!  That's cool by me.  So please get in touch and we can share all the very best of the more remote and rugged parts of Scotland and the Scottish Islands.  Continuing the grand theme I'll happily invite you onto the show as a guest....