Sunday, 10 March 2013

River Garve and Red Kites at Tollie.

After a walk along the River Garve...

River Garve near Little Garve

River Garve near Little Garve

Rafe tip-toes through the woods at Little Garve after a snow shower

We called into the RSPB reserve at Tollie to watch the Red Kites have afternoon tea.

Red Kite at Tollie

Red Kites at Tollie

Well worth the trip out, even in the freezing wind and snow showers.

Red Kite at Tollie

Red Kite and crows at Tollie

My wildlife photography leaves a lot to be desired, but never mind..!

Red Kite at Tollie

We finished up with a warm drink at the Museum Coffee Shop at Strathpeffer. Luuuvly hot chocolate.

Sunday, 3 March 2013

Crovie, Aberdeenshire Coast.

A drive along the coast and a walk around this famous tiny fishing hamlet....


Crovie (pronounced Crivie apparently) was established by crofters cleared from the interior to make way for sheep in the late eighteenth century. 

Crovie from near the visitors car park

East Crovie from the pier

Crovie cottage

Crovie, looking west

The houses have been built on a narrow strip of land between the cliffs and the shore, most having their gable ends facing the sea. The locals use hand carts to move their belongings from the residents car park at the end of the village to their homes.

Crovie looking west

Most of the cottages seemed to be holiday lets now - a shame. But its easy for me to say that, visiting on a nice day - it must be wild down there during a winter storm...

Crovie - cottages at the east of the village

We were glad to have visited in March. It was very quiet, most of the cottages shuttered up for winter, so we were able to explore a little bit more around the lovely cottages.

Eastern Crovie

Western Crovie

After exploring the village we followed the coast path around, under the cliffs, to Gardenstown, a little to the west of Crovie.

Crovie from the coast path

We were hoping to find somewhere nice to get a hot drink (and possibly a slice of cake), but we were out of luck.

Gardenstown from the pier

We returned to Crovie back along the coast path. A lovely short walk.

Thursday, 28 February 2013

February in Hopeman.

Photo's taken in and around Hopeman last month. You'll have to go right to the bottom for some glorious sunsets....

Rig on its way for a lil holiday at Invergordon - over Daisy Rock

East Beach, Hopeman and rig on the Moray Firth

Rafe, East Beach, Hopeman

East Beach and huts in Hopeman

Oyster catchers take a nap

North from Hopeman

Over the Moray Firth from Hopeman

Daisy Rock, Hopeman

From East Beach, Hopeman


Just east of Hopeman


Cove Bay, Moray Coast


Natural Arch, Cove Bay, east of Hopeman


Early morning full moon over Hopeman rooftops


Sunset from Hopeman Harbour

Sunset from Hopeman Harbour

Sunset from Hopeman Harbour

Sunset from Hopeman Harbour
  
Sunset over Hopeman

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

A Few More Days in Scarborough.

Traveled south for a few days to visit family.

Scarborough Castle from North Bay

The weather was a bit grey - this was about the only time the sun came out....

Rafe at Scalby Mills, with views south to Scarborough Castle.

Rafe at Scalby Mills, with views north to Jackson's Bay

Rafe enjoys the wide open spaces on Scarborough's North Bay

Sunday, 17 February 2013

Sunset at Lossiemouth.

Snapped these whilst on West Beach at Lossie. Glorious....

Covesea Lighthouse from West Beach, Lossiemouth

Covesea Lighthouse from West Beach, Lossiemouth

Covesea Lighthouse from West Beach, Lossiemouth

Covesea Lighthouse from West Beach, Lossiemouth

Saturday, 9 February 2013

Fulmars in Cove Bay.


Fulmars choosing their digs for 2013 in Cove Bay (Clashach Cove), east of Hopeman last Saturday.


They put on quite a show....







Beinn Bhrotain and Monadh Mor

Setting off from Glen Feshie - it was chilly - before the sun had a chance to peep over the hills...  Off we go! Jim - Setting off near Auch...