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Avielochan cairn

1/14/2025

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Seem to be on a tree theme. Birch & rowan encircling Avielochan chambered cairn, a Bronze Age burial cairn which is well worth a visit - enter through the passageway and sit amongst the stones and trees. 

The rowan that guarded the entrance has now fallen - second pic is from 2022 when it was still upright. 
And the birch just outside the cairn is FULL of witches' brooms, bonus!
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The Avielochan area is full of hut circles, remains of townships, field systems, and has been habited for at least several thousand years. It's got a wonderful feel about it. ​
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Seasonal places

1/12/2025

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This loch only appears in winter, on Granish Moor, so I call it the Winter Loch.

Does anyone know if it has a 'proper' name? Or does anyone have their own names for it?

It's the highest I've seen it in a few years, lapping up to the dead Mini.

​How many other places do you know locally that are seasonal, only appearing in winter or summer? Or spring or autumn for that matter...
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Reading the trees

1/9/2025

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The Scots pines in this seemingly uninteresting picture on Granish Moor north of Aviemore tell several stories... reading a landscape is one of my favourite things, so many layers, so many perspectives too. No two people see the same. 

And there are always signs. Being outdoors is the best practice...
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Remnants, past, future, attitudes, shifting lifestyles and values, different peoples, creatures, faiths, epochs.
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Singing to the land

1/2/2025

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I have a thing about singing whenever I come across ruins of farmsteads or townships, to bring back voice and life, even if for two minutes. I've been doing this for several years without really realising; it just seems quite natural. 

Popped up to Rinanuan today, sang the Parting Glass. Watched the light move and the snow showers come and go, the colour of the bracken and larch against the snow and sky, heard the burns sing too. 
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This croft dates from at least the 1770s, and was originally thatched. The More family lived there then, with their two small daughters. 

Had the whole place to myself, not even any tracks of deer or rabbit. Smelt a fox or two. 
​
What a day.
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    Sarah Hobbs - read more on the About page.

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  This was a fabulous way to spend a morning in the Highlands. Sarah brings the landscape to life with natural history, folklore, and a deep sense of connectedness with the landscape and environment. Great for the whole family - our kids were enthralled with the fairy stories as much as we we excited to learn about the history and geography of the area.

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  • Home
  • Book a walk
  • About
  • Projects
    • Unmapped places: Cairngorms stories
    • Rooted: Voices from Glen Tanar
    • My Place project
  • Stay & explore
  • Blog
  • Hire
  • Contact