Big Al's Mountains

This is a rock face on the north side of Beinn Ime, a mountain in Arrochar, 40 miles from Glasgow in Scotland. Traditionally every year it builds up into a mass of ice formations, shaped by the wind. Beautiful sunny day Saturday 11th February 2017.

An annual outing, taking work buddies into the hills. Bank Holiday Monday 30th May, me and Iain had great conditions on Beinn an Lochain [901 m above sea level] west of Arrochar. An untypical view of the rear of The Cobbler, with Beinn Narnain to the left and the conical appearance of Ben Lomond in the distance, looking eastwards. Argyll & Bute, Scotland.

This is another photo for my Cobbler album. I led this walk on Saturday 27th June for Glasgow HF Outdoor Club. Up the riverbed route, but it was too wet to walk on the stone. Myself, Allan and Stewart, with a couple of other tiny people accidentally creating a cool photo bomb. Ben Arthur (884 m), above Arrochar, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.

At the end of a wonderful day on the mountains above Ballachulish, the sun said goodnight in spectacular fashion. Looking west over across Loch Linnhe to the Ardgour peninsula from South Ballachulish, close to the bridge. Sunday 27th April 2014, Scotland

This mountain ridge is called The Buachaille Etive Mor and is the striking mountain you see as you drive north on the A82 as you enter Glen Coe. Beautiful in all weathers, in winter it is majestic. I've been on the summit of Stob Dearg, pictured left about 6 times, several times in conditions like this. 22nd March 2014, Scotland.

16th February 2014 on the summit of Meall nan Tarmachan [1,044 metres] in Tayside, looking west towards 2 distant climbers on the peak of Meall Garbh [1,026 metres]. A rare dry and beautiful sunny day in one of the wettest winters I can remember. Near Killin, Scotland with Shaun + Gerena. To see the larger sizes, click More options then See all sizes

This is quite possibly the best example of what draws me to the mountains. I'm lucky that I get to see these places in my country, that the majority don't know exist. Yes, it's the Cobbler and me - again. Ben Arthur above Arrochar at 2,900 ft above sea level. Scotland, November 2008. Climbing The Cobbler

Ripples in lochan reflecting clouds on ridge between Ben Starav (1078m) and Beinn nan Aighenan (950m) down Glen Etive, Scotland. Sunny day, 11 hours of walking, 3 munros, BIG day out. 15th July 2007. View large.

On the path up the Cobbler from Arrochar grow a number of these Blackthorn trees (prunus spinosa) producing sloes in the Autumn. Not something I'd like to fall into while coming down the path in the dark. Scotland December 2006.

Solitary green caravan above Bridge Of Orchy Station, below Beinn Dorain. Looking South towards Tyndrum. 2nd September 2006

February 18th 2008 beneath the south peak of the Cobbler around 5pm looking west towards Beinn an Lochan. A wonderful day on one of Scotland's best mountains with not a little excitement. My bonny climbing buddy rivals the views!

An ice flower, rare and delicate, befitting an ice princess. Found on Ben Lui 16th December 2007.

View North from Stob Dearg (Buachaille Etive Mor) across the A82 to Ben a' Chrulaiste, Blackwater Reservoir with my buddy Carl. 17 June 2006

A blade of grass splashed so much by the stream, has become a lethal weapon. On the slopes of Ben Lui. November 1st 2008, near Tyndrum Scotland.

Returned to the Dolomites and climbed the Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina in cold damp conditions with Shaun and Gerena. The first snowfall was 2 days before this, and it made it much more difficult and uncomfortable. But great to be back and fabulous views and exercise. 4th September 2017.