Glen Nevis podcast episode 2
Here is episode 2 of the Glen Nevis podcast series. This episode covers the walk to the Iron Age vitrified fort of Dun Deardail which overlooks the glen from a spectacular position above the forested western slopes opposite Ben Nevis.
In this episode, we hear from writer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish on the beautiful ancient caledonian pine forest that once covered this glen and indeed much of the highlands. Some of the best remnants of this forest can be seen from Dun Deardail. Local John Muir Trust ranger Ali Austin explains some of the reasons why this forest has retreated over time and how complicated it can be to attempt to reintroduce the pines.
Archaeologist Jennie Robertson talks us through some of the fascinating history of the fort itself and the mysterious vitrification applied to the stone walls at great temperatures. Finally, local Gaelic historian Ron Cameron gives us some leads on where the unusual name ‘Deardail’ may originate from.
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Glen Nevis podcasts with Dave MacLeod
The Friends of Nevis has produced a series of 6 podcasts exploring Glen Nevis. Scottish climber Dave MacLeod takes us on 6 classic low-level walks in Glen Nevis, exploring the sights, sounds, flora, fauna and natural history to be found. Along the way, Dave talks to many experts, long time visitors to the Glen and locals who live there now, hearing their stories and experiences from one of Scotland?s most beautiful and famous highland glens. Maybe the podcasts will inspire you to take the walks yourself?
Each episode covers a different walk, and different parts of the glen. The walks are based on a booklet published by the Nevis Partnership which you can pick up in The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. In this first episode, Dave describes the walk from the Visitor Centre to Lower Falls. He talks to leading climber Dave ‘Cubby’ Cuthbertson about a near fatal adventure in the impressive Five Finger Gully overlooking the walk. Local Mountain Guide and historian Mick Tighe explains more about the long narrow gullies overlooking this part of the Glen on the lower slopes of Ben Nevis. Archaeologist Jennie Robertson talks about the remains of ancient clan settlements here and the curiously named ‘Ach nan Con burial ground. Finally, Geologist and mountaineer Noel Williams waxes lyrical on the extraordinary geological features visible looking into the Mamores range from Lower Falls.
We’ll be publishing each episode weekly and we reckon even the most prolific visitor of Glen Nevis will learn something new about it’s natural and human history. You can stream or download the first episode below. If you’d like to subscribe to the Glen Nevis Walks Podcasts, here is the Podcast RSS feed link.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Annual Dinner and Celebration – 24 March 2012
The Friends of Nevis 2012 annual dinner and celebration will take place at the Pine Marten Cafe/Venue, Nevis Range, Torlundy on Saturday 24 March 2012, 7 for 7.30 pm. Why not join us for an excellent evening out in good company? The ticket price includes bubbly and canapes on arrival, an excellent three course meal with tea or coffee, our legendary raffle and dancing to live music. There will also be presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award (2011). For those guests travelling from further afield, we have negotiated special rates with local accommodation providers and we are also intending organising transport from and to the Fort William central area. Please contact us directly for more details about accommodation and/or transport arrangements.
We’re pleased to announce that ticket prices have been trimmed to reflect the current financial climate and are confident that the whole evening represents superb value for money. To see prices and reserve your ticket(s), please use the online booking system on our events page or contact Friends of Nevis directly on info@friendsofnevis.co.uk / 01397 701088
September Weekend Successes
Despite the best efforts of the weather (heat wave – what heat wave?!), hardy Friends of Nevis volunteers have just completed two days of path maintenance on Ben Nevis and a morning of litter clearance in the Glen. During the weekend of activities we also managed to fit in our Annual General Meeting and a meal/social get together in Cafe Beag, Glen Nevis. Very many thanks to all who took part in any way and we hope to post information about the AGM/forward plans very soon.
Ben Nevis Medal
We are delighted to report that Friends of Nevis has teamed up with Glasgow based JUST DONE IT medals to promote their very smart new Ben Nevis medal – a great souvenir for those who reach the summit of Britain’s highest mountain.
Why not celebrate your achievement by purchasing a medal, in the knowledge that for each one sold, JUST DONE IT medals will make a substantial donation to Friends of Nevis? The medal also makes a great gift for anyone who has already notched up a Ben summit.
For more info and to order your medal(s) please visit JUST DONE IT medals here. Our thanks go to the company for setting up this initiative – a real win/win situation for everyone concerned!
