New hiking PB distance record for me around the long Clatteringshaws loch Scotland
13.85 miles hike around Clatteringshaws loch 29th Sepember
Embarking on my recent PB hike around Clatteringshaws Loch in Scotland was nothing short of an exhilarating adventure. The journey was adorned with awe-inspiring landscapes, painting a picturesque scene at every turn. Armed with my camera, I captured the rugged beauty of the Scottish hills, steams and rivers, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As the day dwindled into night, the last 5 miles of the hike unfolded under a blanket of total darkness, adding an element of thrill to the experience. Navigating the trail by the soft glow of two small torches, the challenge became an exciting escapade, filling the night with dark hillsides. It was an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping trek, reminding me of the sheer joy found in the heart of nature's wilderness.
Clatteringshaws loch Scotland seen from afar
After Thursday's 5.6-mile run, I had no idea if I would be able to do the hike due to a left knee injury. But, being the person I am, I tend to push myself to the breaking point. The image above shows the loch and the valleys I will be hiking to.
As usual, I was carrying camera equipment but not using it. I wasn't in the mood, but after 4 miles, I felt I should get the camera out as the lighting was starting to get very nice.
In considerable pain with my left knee, stopping was only making things worse, so I was trying to photograph at a high speed. Only 9 miles to go!
A lovely view but a manmade landscape!
Another mile in, and I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with the Canon R6. This camera, which cost me £2500, fell far short of the quality I had anticipated from a device at this price range. It struggled with reproducing accurate colors, the auto viewfinder brightness kept fluctuating between light and dark, and it couldn't keep up with the speed at which I was attempting to capture shots.
A stunning view of the hills and landscape of Clatteringshaws scotland
Just over 5 miles in, I found myself questioning if I had taken the wrong track.
Part of me mocked, "You tool, I meticulously planned the route, how could I end up in the wrong valley?" Despite my initial doubt, I chuckled at the situation. I reassured myself, realizing that getting lost was improbable in this area. Plus, I had packed enough food and drink to last about 8 hours. With determination, I pressed on. The views around me had transformed into a breathtaking panorama, emphasizing the sheer vastness of the countryside.
Website The Wild Thing Photography
On the right track! The river Dee and the hills near loch Dee in low sunlight
As the sun was setting, I stood looking over the River Dee on the bridge, now at the furthest point of my journey. The colors around me were becoming vibrant, but the camera was proving to be a real issue with its EVF (Electronic Viewfinder). Ahead, the path led uphill for about 1 mile.
Left knee is painfull but holding, no issues with energy levels or back issues.
Final view of the landscapes towards loch Dee, ohh that lighting!
Just left the bridge and wanting to capture the final shot of the landscape, here the camera was a nightmare. Its EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) was becoming more confused and now misting up due to the colder conditions. I felt like throwing the camera; I missed the main lighting due to the camera messing me about.
Just a few weeks earlier, I was jogging in parts, having to stop and start. That's why I love making videos; I can see my own progress.
First View of Clatteringshaws Loch in the Far Distance
What a Breathtaking View!
After leaving the forest about half a mile from the bridge and still heading uphill, I couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking view. I couldn't believe how far Clatteringshaws Loch appeared in the distance. It was a moment filled with awe and amazement.
Feeling Like Scott at the South Pole!
I felt like Scott, imagining myself at the South Pole, saying, "I could be gone for some time!" Haha. When I set out at 4 pm, I had roughly calculated that I would be back around 8 pm. The adventure was unfolding in ways I hadn't expected.
Alone in nature is the only way
In the hush of twilight, as the sun dips below the horizon, there exists a moment that transcends the ordinary—a moment where the very fabric of reality seems to quiver with anticipation. It is in this ephemeral juncture that you find yourself standing on the precipice of wonder, gazing out into the vast expanse before you. You, my friend, must be there, amidst the grandeur of nature's masterpiece, to truly grasp the magnitude of what unfolds. It's not just about witnessing, but about being enveloped by the sheer magnificence that stretches out as far as the eye can fathom. Words falter in the face of such splendor, for you are not merely a spectator; you are an integral part of a spectacle so breathtaking, it etches itself into the very core of your being. You have to be there, amidst the whispers of the wind and the awe-inspiring silence, to take in the amazing views that paint the canvas of existence.
The magic hour
With only the sunlight on the hillsides, it was looking unreal, stunning. The wind had stopped, and I felt as if I was the only person on planet earth. I have felt this many thousands of times in my adventurous life, and it's why I live the life I do.
Back along Clatteringshaws nearing darkness
About 4 miles have passed since the last photo, with about 3 miles to go. It's now almost dark and raining; it's time for some black and white photography.
Getting worn out but loving it, still in pain and still at a high walking pace."
Changes made:
Clatteringshaws loch and farm in black and white mood
Hell, it's getting so damn moody now. I was shouting "black and white photography!" That old farm has 4 dogs, and this time I was thinking, "Don't chase me, I will cramp up!" lol..
It's Been a Brilliant High-Speed Hike
The last shot, and the camera was now out of action. It was too dark, and I didn't have a tripod, so I switched to the action camera for the final 3 miles. Night fell quickly. Having two torches in my kit bag, I started to use them along the main road. Hiking in the dark became great fun, and it's something I need to do more often. This was the longest hike I have ever done, covering 13.85 miles, despite a very bad injury to my left knee. I'm writing this blog two days after the hike and feeling like I shouldn't have pushed through with the injury. My knee is in a very bad way, and I have a hospital appointment in the morning for a scan on the same leg. I hope to get my knee checked during the same appointment.
I do what I do because I know my health issues will get the better of me. I'm living life as much as possible, and if I die out hiking, it would be the perfect end in my eyes.
Hike took place on 29th September 2023, started at 4 pm, and ended at 8:30 pm.
Unfortunately, I am injured and will be out until next time.
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About me
Katey Jane
Hi, I,m Katey Jane and live full time in my motorhome to be closer to nature, to walk and hike the country while taking all kinds of photos along the way. I also post videos via Youtube of my adventures.
Clatteringshaws loch Scotland seen from afar
After Thursday's 5.6-mile run, I had no idea if I would be able to do the hike due to a left knee injury. But, being the person I am, I tend to push myself to the breaking point. The image above shows the loch and the valleys I will be hiking to.
As usual, I was carrying camera equipment but not using it. I wasn't in the mood, but after 4 miles, I felt I should get the camera out as the lighting was starting to get very nice.
In considerable pain with my left knee, stopping was only making things worse, so I was trying to photograph at a high speed. Only 9 miles to go!
A lovely view but a manmade landscape!
Another mile in, and I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with the Canon R6. This camera, which cost me £2500, fell far short of the quality I had anticipated from a device at this price range. It struggled with reproducing accurate colors, the auto viewfinder brightness kept fluctuating between light and dark, and it couldn't keep up with the speed at which I was attempting to capture shots.
A stunning view of the hills and landscape of Clatteringshaws scotland
Just over 5 miles in, I found myself questioning if I had taken the wrong track.
Part of me mocked, "You tool, I meticulously planned the route, how could I end up in the wrong valley?" Despite my initial doubt, I chuckled at the situation. I reassured myself, realizing that getting lost was improbable in this area. Plus, I had packed enough food and drink to last about 8 hours. With determination, I pressed on. The views around me had transformed into a breathtaking panorama, emphasizing the sheer vastness of the countryside.
Website The Wild Thing Photography
On the right track! The river Dee and the hills near loch Dee in low sunlight
As the sun was setting, I stood looking over the River Dee on the bridge, now at the furthest point of my journey. The colors around me were becoming vibrant, but the camera was proving to be a real issue with its EVF (Electronic Viewfinder). Ahead, the path led uphill for about 1 mile.
Left knee is painfull but holding, no issues with energy levels or back issues.
Final view of the landscapes towards loch Dee, ohh that lighting!
Just left the bridge and wanting to capture the final shot of the landscape, here the camera was a nightmare. Its EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) was becoming more confused and now misting up due to the colder conditions. I felt like throwing the camera; I missed the main lighting due to the camera messing me about.
Just a few weeks earlier, I was jogging in parts, having to stop and start. That's why I love making videos; I can see my own progress.
First View of Clatteringshaws Loch in the Far Distance
What a Breathtaking View!
After leaving the forest about half a mile from the bridge and still heading uphill, I couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking view. I couldn't believe how far Clatteringshaws Loch appeared in the distance. It was a moment filled with awe and amazement.
Feeling Like Scott at the South Pole!
I felt like Scott, imagining myself at the South Pole, saying, "I could be gone for some time!" Haha. When I set out at 4 pm, I had roughly calculated that I would be back around 8 pm. The adventure was unfolding in ways I hadn't expected.
Alone in nature is the only way
In the hush of twilight, as the sun dips below the horizon, there exists a moment that transcends the ordinary—a moment where the very fabric of reality seems to quiver with anticipation. It is in this ephemeral juncture that you find yourself standing on the precipice of wonder, gazing out into the vast expanse before you. You, my friend, must be there, amidst the grandeur of nature's masterpiece, to truly grasp the magnitude of what unfolds. It's not just about witnessing, but about being enveloped by the sheer magnificence that stretches out as far as the eye can fathom. Words falter in the face of such splendor, for you are not merely a spectator; you are an integral part of a spectacle so breathtaking, it etches itself into the very core of your being. You have to be there, amidst the whispers of the wind and the awe-inspiring silence, to take in the amazing views that paint the canvas of existence.
The magic hour
With only the sunlight on the hillsides, it was looking unreal, stunning. The wind had stopped, and I felt as if I was the only person on planet earth. I have felt this many thousands of times in my adventurous life, and it's why I live the life I do.
Back along Clatteringshaws nearing darkness
About 4 miles have passed since the last photo, with about 3 miles to go. It's now almost dark and raining; it's time for some black and white photography.
Getting worn out but loving it, still in pain and still at a high walking pace." Changes made:
Clatteringshaws loch and farm in black and white mood
Hell, it's getting so damn moody now. I was shouting "black and white photography!" That old farm has 4 dogs, and this time I was thinking, "Don't chase me, I will cramp up!" lol..
It's Been a Brilliant High-Speed Hike
The last shot, and the camera was now out of action. It was too dark, and I didn't have a tripod, so I switched to the action camera for the final 3 miles. Night fell quickly. Having two torches in my kit bag, I started to use them along the main road. Hiking in the dark became great fun, and it's something I need to do more often. This was the longest hike I have ever done, covering 13.85 miles, despite a very bad injury to my left knee. I'm writing this blog two days after the hike and feeling like I shouldn't have pushed through with the injury. My knee is in a very bad way, and I have a hospital appointment in the morning for a scan on the same leg. I hope to get my knee checked during the same appointment.
I do what I do because I know my health issues will get the better of me. I'm living life as much as possible, and if I die out hiking, it would be the perfect end in my eyes.
Hike took place on 29th September 2023, started at 4 pm, and ended at 8:30 pm.
Unfortunately, I am injured and will be out until next time.
About me
Katey Jane
Hi, I,m Katey Jane and live full time in my motorhome to be closer to nature, to walk and hike the country while taking all kinds of photos along the way. I also post videos via Youtube of my adventures.
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