# Our Spectrum Adventures
> Love Adventure, Travel & Getting Outdoors - Discover, learn & be inspired with expert advice, guides and stories, authentically written to help you become the ultimate adventurer and trailblazer!
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/about.md) - Welcome to Our Spectrum Adventures! Hi, I'm Ian, & this is my wife Sarah and our daughter Eve. About us I'm an outdoor writer and hiker living in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in Scotland, with a passion for the outdoors, particularly hiking! I started this blog in 2022 to share our j…
- [Account](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/account.md)
- [Affiliates](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/affiliate.md) - Affiliate Disclosure Page Affiliate links are a way for us to make money through retailers commission Affiliate Disclosure Statement This statement will appear on all posts and pages throughout ourspectrumadventurers.com when I have used affiliate link(s). Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains a…
- [Archive](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/archive.md)
- [Article Request](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/article-request.md) - Article Request Request an article, video or podcast You know what you want to read better than me. I have an exhaustive list of article ideas, but the best, most useful article ideas will always come from you, the reader. If there's something you want me to write about, send me an email. All I nee…
- [Authors](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/authors.md)
- [Collaboration](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/collaboration.md) - Lets Work Together
- [Contact Us](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/contact.md) - Get in touch - we cant wait to hear from you.
- [Cookies](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cookies.md) - Cookies Page Cookies help the website to function What are cookies? Cookies are small text files that live in the internet browser on your devices. Cookies get downloaded to your devices from websites that you visit. What do cookies do? Cookies allow your device(s) to be recognised by websites. The…
- [Membership](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/membership.md) - Join thousands of other people and become a free or paid member. You will get immediate access to everything we publish & get everything delivered to your inbox for free! You can also start discussions, ask us questions and get access to loads of other benefits & perks
- [Newsletters](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/newsletters.md) - Newsletters Get exactly what you want delivered to your inbox, ad-free, for FREE. Subscribe Here Updated and Refreshed Newsletters Our newsletters have been refreshed to give you greater choice and control. After several thoughtful conversations with our members, many of you asked for more flexibil…
- [Our Story](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/our-story.md) - We’ve dedicated our lives to seeking adventure, blazing a trail through life by not following the crowds. We've learned a lot over the years and are here to help you on your journey, wherever it may take you...
- [Privacy](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/privacy.md) - Privacy Page On this page I will tell you exactly what information we collect, how we collect it and what we do with it. Why do we have a privacy page? I want you to know exactly what we do on this website, how we do it and most importantly how it affects you. After many hours of writing, I have tr…
- [Submit a question](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/questions.md) - Ask us Anything Sometimes we all need a little help and support beyond what we can find through a Google search or on a Reddit forum. Send me your questions Whether you have a question about packing for a week-long hike of the West Highland Way or concerns about home educating your children, there…
- [Sign In](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/signin.md)
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- [Tags](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/tags.md)
- [Website Terms & Conditions](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/termsandconditions.md) - Website Terms & Conditions On this page you will find loads of information about how this website works and how it effects you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Hi, I’m Ian Alderman. I can’t help but think it would be a good idea to write a few pages explaining exact…

## Posts
- [The Affric Kintail Way](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-affric-kintail-way.md) - How to hike and backpack the Affric Kintail Way - including advice, hints, tips and advice.
- [Nine things you don’t know about Loch Ness](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/nine-facts-you-probably-dont-know-about-loch-ness.md) - Loch Ness is a place of science, exploration, engineering and geology. In today's article, we’ll explore nine lesser-known facts beyond its most famous resident, the infamous Loch Ness Monster
- [Eve's Crochet Amigurumi Plushies - Early access for paid subscribers and members 🎉](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/eves-crochet-amigurumi-plushies-early-access-for-paid-subscribers-and-members.md) - As a paid subscriber and member, Eve is giving you early access to her newest collection of crochet amigurumi plushies!
- [17 Easy Walking & Backpacking Games](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/17-easy-hiking-backpacking-games.md) - Here are 17 of our favourite walking & backpacking games to keep y/ou motivated, entertained, and smiling — no gear needed, just your imagination!
- [Kelburn Park to Erskine Bridge | Walking the coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/kelburn-park-to-erskine-bridge-walking-the-coast.md) - Third and final video of our walk along the Clyde Coast Path, crossing the Erskine Bridge to start the formidable west coast of Scotland
- [King Charles has officially opened England’s 2700-mile Coastal Path](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/king-charles-has-officially-opened-englands-2700-mile-coastal-path.md) - King Charles III has officially opened the world’s longest coastal footpath, a spectacular 2,700-mile National Trail that runs around the entire coast of England. King Charles III England Coast Path
- [The itinerary of our walk along all 29 of  Scotland's Great Trails](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/itinerary-scotlands-great-trails.md) - 1: Great Trossachs Path Day 1 - Callander to A821 near Loch Achray Campsite Day 2 - A821 near Loch Achray Campsite to Loch Katrine Day 3 - Loch Katrine to Stronachlachar Day 4 - Stronachlachar to Inversanid 2: Three Lochs Way Day 1 - Balloch to Helensburgh Day 2 - Helensburgh to A871 Day 3 - A871 t…
- [Walking the entire coast of Great Britain](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/walking-the-entire-coast-of-great-britain.md) - Together, we are walking the entire coast of Great Britain with a straightforward plan: stay as close to the coast as possible and keep walking
- [Route & Itinerary of our John O'Groats to Lands End (JOGLE) End to End (E2E) Hike](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/itinerary-jogle-john-o-groats-to-lands-end.md) - Walking 1300 miles from Dunnet Head to Lizard Point (E2E) via John O'Groats to Lands End (JOGLE), setting a new record and raising money for charity
- [Gourock to Kelburn Park | Walking the coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/gourock-to-kelburn-park-walking-the-coast.md) - Second video of our walk along the Clyde Coast Path as part of our walk around the UK coast
- [Wemyss Bay to Gourock | Walking the coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/wemyss-bay-to-kempock-point-gourock-video.md) - The first YouTube video of our walk around the coastline of Great Britain
- [Happy New Year, broken links, a note on galleries and Catterline to Whinnyfold galleries](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/happy-new-year-broken-links-a-note-on-galleries-and-catterline-to-whinnyfold-galleries.md) - A short catch-up, a note on galleries and some gallery links as we walk from Catterline to Whinnyfold
- [Hackley Head / Forvie Ness to Whinnyfold | Gallery](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/hackley-head-forvie-ness-to-whinnyfold-gallery.md) - Walking around the entire British coast - a collection of photos and videos as we walk the entire coast of Britain. This gallery is accessible to paid members. To view this gallery and join us on this adventure, please subscribe.
- [Belmedie Beach to Hackley Head / Forvie Ness | Gallery](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/belmedie-beach-to-hackley-head-forvie-ness-gallery.md) - Walking around the entire British coast - a collection of photos and videos as we walk the entire coast of Britain. This gallery is accessible to paid members. To view this gallery and join us on this adventure, please subscribe.
- [Aberdeen to Balmedie Beach | Gallery](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/aberdeen-to-balmedie-beach-gallery.md) - Walking around the entire British coast - a collection of photos and videos as we walk the entire coast of Britain. This gallery is accessible to paid members. To view this gallery and join us on this adventure, please subscribe.
- [North of Portlethen to Aberdeen | Gallery](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/bay-north-of-portlethen-to-aberdeen-gallery.md) - Walking around the entire British coast - a collection of photos and videos as we walk the entire coast of Britain. This gallery is accessible to paid members. To view this gallery and join us on this adventure, please subscribe.
- [Skatie Shore, Stonehaven to north of Portlethen | Gallery](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/garron-point-to-bay-north-of-portlethen.md) - Walking around the entire British coast - a collection of photos and videos as we walk the entire coast of Britain. This gallery is accessible to paid members. To view this gallery and join us on this adventure, please subscribe.
- [Catterline to Skatie Shore, Stonehaven | Gallery](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/catterline-to-skatie-shore-stonehaven-gallery.md) - Walking around the entire British coast - a collection of photos and videos as we walk the entire coast of Britain. This gallery is accessible to paid members. To view this gallery and join us on this adventure, please subscribe.
- [Haughs Bay, Johnshaven to Catterline | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/haughs-bay-johnshaven-to-catterline.md) - A day filled with challenges and reflection that will help answer questions Eve and I have not yet even thought to ask ourselves!
- [Haughs Bay, Johnshaven to Catterline | Gallery | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/haughs-bay-johnshaven-to-catterline-gallery.md) - Photo & video gallery of our walk around the entire British coastline for our paid members. This gallery is from Haughs Bay, Johnshaven to Catterline.
- [Montrose Bay to Haughs Bay, Johnshaven | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/montrose-bay-to-haughs-bay-johnshaven.md) - We hiked a closed clifftop trail, visited the stunning St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, and found a perfectly flat wild camping spot where we enjoyed trail pizza.
- [Montrose Bay to Haughs Bay, Johnshaven | Gallery | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/montrose-bay-to-haughs-bay-johnshaven-gallery.md) - Photo & video gallery of our walk around the entire British coastline for our paid members. This gallery is from Montrose Bay to Haughs Bay, Johnshaven
- [Lunan Bay to Montrose Bay | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/lunan-bay-to-montrose-bay.md) - A day of feeling relief and escapism, of sunshine and beaches as we hike the UK coast. Oh, and finding the grave of a person who died years before they were even born!
- [Lunan Bay to Montrose Bay | Gallery | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/lunan-bay-to-montrose-bay-gallery.md) - Photo & video gallery of our walk around the entire British coastline for our members. This gallery is from Lunan Bay to Montrose Bay.
- [Carlingheugh Bay to Lunan Bay | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/carlingheugh-bay-to-lunan-bay.md) - A day of blackberries, cliff-dwelling goats, and stunning wild camping overlooking Lunan Bay
- [Carlingheugh Bay to Lunan Bay | Gallery | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/carlingheugh-bay-to-lunan-bay-gallery.md) - Gallery of Carlingheugh Bay to Lunan Bay as we walk around the UK coast
- [What are Scotland's Great Trails?](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/scotlands-great-trails.md) - Scotland’s Great Trails number only 29 and cover 1,952 miles, forming part of Scotland’s trail network. So, what makes Scotland’s Great Trails ‘great’, and how do they earn this status?
- [Cramond to North Queensferry | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cramond-to-north-queensferry.md) - Leaving the industrial coast of Edinburgh behind, we walked towards the Forth bridges over Drum Sands to cross the Firth of Forth into North Queensferry, joining up with the Fife Coastal Path.
- [Cramond to North Queensferry | Gallery | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cramond-to-north-queensferry-gallery.md) - Photo & video gallery of our walk around the entire British coastline for our members. This gallery is from Cramond to North Queensferry.
- [Musselburgh to Cramond | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/musselburgh-to-cramond.md) - Through the urban and industrial coastline of Edinburgh, we reached the historic and strategically important Cramond Island.
- [Musselburgh to Cramond | Gallery | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/musselburgh-to-cramond-gallery.md) - Photo & video gallery of our walk around the entire British coastline for our paid members. This gallery is from Musselburgh to Cramond.
- [Carnoustie, Westhaven to Carlingheugh Bay | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/carnoustie-westhaven-to-carlingheugh-bay.md) - Whale spotting and the sea stacks along the Arbroath Cliffs before night spent in Carlingheugh Bay plus... I think we were being followed!
- [Craigmore from Aberfoyle](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/craigmore-from-aberfoyle.md) - Walking from The Lodge Forest Visitors in Aberfoyle, Craigmore Hill offers breathtaking views of Loch Ard to the west and the Scottish Lowlands to the south.
- [Creag Uchdag from Glen Lednock](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/creag-uchdag-from-glen-lednock.md) - A hike up to the summit of Creag Uchdag (Corbett), including Meall Dubh Mor, Creag Uchdag, before descending into Glen Lednock to scramble along the banks of Lednock Reservoir.
- [Loch Tinker - The Trossachs](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/climbing-to-loch-tinker-the-trossachs.md) - Hiking to Loch Tinker showed me the importance of route selection as I ‘ticked off’ another place that's been on my bucket list for years!
- [Day 0 - A spectacular send off and the long drive to Thurso | JOGLE](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/day-0-a-spectacular-send-off-and-the-long-drive-to-thurso-jogle.md) - It feels unreal to be here, in Thurso, about to start walking End to End and JOGLE in a matter of hours, especially after such a spectacular send-off from our local community in Aberfoyle!
- [Day -1 - 36 hours until we start walking the length of the UK | JOGLE](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/day-1-36-hours-until-we-start-walking-the-length-of-the-uk-jogle.md) - JOGLE is starting to feel very real, and the nerves are definitely kicking in! In just 36 hours, we're going to start walking the length of the UK!
- [Why are we moving Facebook posts to our website?](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/why-are-we-moving-facebook-posts-to-our-website.md) - After nearly three years and hundreds of hours spent writing thousands of Facebook posts to record our charity hikes and other outdoor adventures, I’m moving them to our website. This post will explain why!
- [Stob an Lochain, Red Deer and a temperature Inversion](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/stob-an-lochain-red-deer-and-a-temperature-inversion.md) - Stob an Lochan, located between Loch Ard and Loch Katrine, gave me the most dramatic and awe-inspiring weather inversion I have ever experienced. I wouldn't have witnessed this stunning phenomenon without the Red Deer prompting me to change my plans for the day!
- [South African Koeksisters](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/south-african-koeksisters.md) - A traditional sticky donut that’s deliciously sweet and fun to make
- [The ultimate guide to visiting Great Cumbrae](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-visiting-great-cumbrae.md) - Great Cumbrae, a small island with a big heart, is just a 10-minute boat ride from Largs on the Ayrshire coast
- [Walking the UK Coast 🇬🇧 - Cockburnspath to Longniddry](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/walking-the-uk-coast-cockburnspath-to-longniddry.md) - Another big section of coast walked, and boy was it an adventure! These are your journals...!
- [Broadsands, North Berwick to Ferny Ness, Longniddry](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/broadsands-north-berwick-to-ferny-ness-longniddry.md) - Today was anything but uneventful. Getting trapped by a thunder and lightning storm on the open expanse of Aderlady Bay is not something we would like to repeat... but the views, they were outstanding!
- [Seacliff Beach to Broadsands, North Berwick | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/seacliff-beach-to-broadsands-north-berwick.md) - Despite being the shortest day, today was your favourite! Ending at a spectacular beach wild camp on Broadsands overlooking the island of Fidra
- [John Muir Country Park to Seacliff Beach | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/john-muir-country-park-to-seacliff-beach.md) - Yesterday we drank from a public toilet, today we washed ourselves in a public toilet... and even had a camp fire on the beach, perfect! Oh... and we had to walk 2 miles back to camp!
- [Barns Ness Lighthouse to John Muir Country Park | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/barns-ness-lighthouse-to-john-muir-country-park.md) - A day of pure joy and pushing through the wall, but hey, not so bad really. We had ice cream and coffee and even got to drink from a public toilet...!
- [Cockburnspath to Barns Ness Lighthouse | UK Coast](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cockburnspath-to-barns-ness-lighthouse.md) - So were off... on our way around the coast of the UK. It almost feels underwhelming but you have to start somewhere!
- [A day trip to the Isle of Bute](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/a-day-trip-to-the-isle-of-bute.md) - A wee island that packs a punch!
- [Ben Vane | The Munro that punches above its weight!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/ben-vane-the-munro-that-punches-above-its-weight.md) - Ben Vane was a tough, steep climb, more of a scramble than a walk, that left us speechless on its plateau summit. Surrounded by towering munros and Loch Lomond stretching out below, Ben Vane was anything but underwhelming and tougher than either of us had expected.
- [How to walk the Elie (Fife) Chain Walk safely](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/how-to-walk-the-elie-fife-chain-walk-safely.md) - The Elie Chain Walk in Fife is the only chain walk in the UK. With a good head for heights, a sense of adventure, and being more of a scramble than a walk, the Elie chain walk gave us all a thrilling mini-adventure. This is how you can complete the Elie Chain Walk safely.
- [The Elie (Fife) Chain Walk | A near-death experience](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-elie-fife-chain-walk-a-near-death-experience.md) - The Elie (Fife) Chain Walk is a short walking (scrambling) route that utilises chains permanently attached to the base of sea cliffs. Located at Elie, a small coastal village in Fife, the Elie (Fife) Chain Walk has been on our bucket list for years. Today we finally got to complete it…
- [Vegan Biscoff Flapjack](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/vegan-biscoff-flapjack.md) - This sweet, high-energy, vegan flapjack is packed full of flavour. It’s easy to make, quick to bake and one of our favourite foods on the trail. We always have a stash in the freezer ready as a quick grab-and-go meal for those last-minute adventures!
- [WIN one of two chunky wool hats crocheted by Eve!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/win-one-of-two-thick-wool-hat-beanie-crocheted-by-eve.md) - Eve is offering you the chance to win one of two extra-thick, chunky wool hats she has crocheted to help raise some money for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
- [The Brack and Cnoc Còinnich | Two Corbetts and a wild camp](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-brack-and-cnoc-coinnich-two-corbetts-and-a-wild-camp.md) - This was no gentle stroll in the hills or simple night under canvas. This was a summit camp on a Scottish mountain which demanded a great deal of grit, determination and sweat! I embarked on a two-day mountain trek in the Arrochar Alps to reach the summits of The Brack and Cnoc Còinnich.
- [Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) | Climbing into the clouds](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/ben-vorlich-loch-lomond-climbing.md) - Climbing Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) into the swirling clouds above was exhilarating and exciting. The anticipation built with each step as the world below faded away. Cold air filled our lungs, the wind wrapping around us, and breathtaking views, albeit brief, stretched for miles in every direction.
- [Lismore | Three days hiking & wild camping around the island of Lismore](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/lismore-three-days-hiking-and-wild.md) - Located close to Oban in Loch Linnhe, Lismore gave us a diverse and exciting adventure full of history and rugged coastlines.
- [A failed attempt to bag Meall Ghaordaidh and a cookout beside Loch Ard](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/a-failed-attempt-to-bag-meall-ghaordaidh.md) - Once bitten, twice shy... and a lesson learned in avoiding the crowds on Scotland's munros.
- [Meall Nan Tarmachan | Thoughts on the pointlessness of Munro bagging](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/meall-nan-tarmachan.md) - The last few days have ushered in the start of spring. A perfect day to head up a busy munro and ponder the purpose of bagging Scotland's highest peaks!
- [Another Update](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/another-update.md) - It’s been a while since we spoke… It's time to catch up!
- [Why are my words like climbing a mountain...!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/why-a-dyslexic-writes-a-metaphor-for-my-personal-challenges-2.md) - I’m dyslexic. I’m also autistic and dyspraxic, but it’s the dyslexia that bothers me the most!
- [Beinn Each | A mountain to contemplate life](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/beinn-each-a-mountain-to-muse-life-on.md) - Beinn Each is part of the southern Grampian Mountain range in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. This simple mountain makes for a great hike and an opportunity to muse on life.
- [A day in Loch Ard Forest. The Trossachs.](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/a-day-in-loch-ard-forest.md) - Yesterday, Eve and I spent the day hiking through Loch Ard Forest behind the beautiful Loch Ard. With Storm Bert predicted by the Met Office to hit us today, we wanted to escape the walls of the house before the weather closed in. We spent the day walking towards Aberfoyle from home. Why? To meet S…
- [How to climb Ben A'an](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/how-to-climb-ben-aan.md) - Ben A’an is an easy-to-climb rocky wee hill in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Described as a Munro in miniature, it's a fantastic day out in the Scottish hills for the whole family!
- [Benvane | The gentle giant of Trossachs](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/ben-vane-the-gentle-giant-of-trossachs.md) - Benvane is a soft hulk of a mountain that sits quietly in the shadow of its big brother, Ben Ledi. Climbing it would be a more joyous and solemoving adventure than I had ever expected!
- [Lyme Disease vaccine may soon be available in the UK](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/lyme-disease-vaccine-may-soon-be-available-in-the-uk.md) - Every year, the NHS issues warnings about the risk of contracting Lyme Disease from the bite of infected Ticks. But help could soon be on the way with the development of a vaccine that targets the bacteria Borrelia, which causes Lyme Disease.
- [Hunt for the missing Kists on the Southern Upland Way!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/hunt-for-the-missing-kists.md) - We missed two Kists on the Southern Upland Way, so we returned to hunt them down and complete The Hoard.
- [Beinn a' Choin | An arduous Corbett in the heart of the Trossachs.](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/beinn-a-choin-an-arduous-corbett-in-the-heart-of-the-trossachs-2.md) - Beinn a' Choin was a hard mountain to climb. It was also my first without Eve in over three years!
- [Ben Chonzie | The first snowball fight of the year!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/ben-chonzie-and-the-first-snowball-fight-of-the-year.md) - Ben Chonzie gave us a fantastic hike! Ben Chonzie isn’t a particularly challenging Munro, but it did allow us our first snowball fight of the year on the summit!
- [A video message just for you](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/a-video-message-just-for-you.md) - A short video message (that only took us five attempts) for our (amazing) paid members.
- [It’s official… Eve’s the first and only person to complete all 29 of Scotland's Great Trails!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/ten-year-old-girl-is-first-to-complete-all-29-of-scotlands-great-trails.md) - NatureScot has confirmed that Eve (10) and her father (me) are the only people to have ever completed all 29 of Scotland's Great Trails! 🎉 🥳 🎈
- [Ben A'an | Hike & Summit Camp](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/ben-aan-hike-summit-camp.md) - Ben A’an is a small rocky hill in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Ben A'an is often described as “a munro in miniature”. What it lacks in stature, it more than makes up for in character! This is the journal of our mini adventure for a n
- [I've procrastinated writing this for too long…!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/ive-procrastined-on-this-for-too-long.md) - It has been emotional writing this newsletter but also exciting to think about and contemplate! This newsletter marks a milestone, ending what was, and marking a new beginning for all of us
- [Dumgoyne Hill | Camp, Sunset and Hot Chocolate!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/dumgoyne-hill-hike-summit-wild-camp-sunset-and-hot-chocolate.md) - We (Eve and I) climbed Dumgoyne Hill for our first wild camp since we completed our charity hike on all of Scotland’s Great Trails. Camping on the summit of Dumgoyne Hill was poignant as we sat together watching the sunset on a cold evening, sipping a h
- [The Great Glen Canoe Trail](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-great-glen-canoe-trail.md) - The Great Glen Canoe Trail was more challenging than we had expected. We encountered torrential rain, a weather warning for wind, and swells of over 4 feet on Loch Ness. This was a trail that we will never forget.
- [‘Cinders’ - a Scottish Ballet experience](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cinders-a-scottish-ballet-experience.md) - This was an amazing performance that's converted Ian, he loved it and wants to go to another ballet!
- [How many miles should I be hiking?](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/stop-being-concerned-about-your-daily-millage-when-hiking.md) - One of the first things I learned about hiking long-distance trails is not to be overly concerned about how far we travel daily!
- [The first Q&A of the year!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/welcome-to-2024-the-first-q-a-of-the-year.md) - Questions and Answers (Q&A's)
- [The year that was 2023 and the year that will be... 2024](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-year-that-was-2023-and-the-year-that-will-be-2024.md) - 2023 was an outstanding year! Here's to 2024...
- [Merry Christmas 2023](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/merry-christmas-2023.md) - On this, the Eve before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... I am now telling myself to stop reciting poems and paraphrasing Christmas carols! It's been an amazing year so far but it's not over yet, at least not for us. But I can't help to think of a…
- [Cross Borders Drove Road](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cross-borders-drove-road.md) - Hiking the Cross Borders Drove Road in challenging winter conditions, at the end of November and, the start of December was incredible. It challenged us both physically and mentally, hiking into the darkness with ice forming on our cloths and backpacks.
- [Cross Borders Drove Road | Day 6](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cross-borders-drove-road-day-6.md) - Our last day on the Cross Borders Drove Road was superb. We fished as the snow was falling all around us. It was the perfect finish!
- [Cross Borders Drove Road | Day 1](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cross-borders-drove-road-day-1.md) - A cold exhausting day on the Cross Borders Drove Road, hiking 12.1 miles from the carpark at Little Vantage to West Linton over the Pentland Hills.
- [It's been a while...](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/its-been-a-while.md) - so let me update you!
- [Spiced Halloween Apple Crumble](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/spiced-halloween-apple-crumble.md) - This spiced apple crumble is quick, simple and easy to cook over a campfire. We cooked it for the first time in the middle of a Scottish woodland with nothing more than a frying pan, an old broken cook pot and some tin foil.
- [How many trails have we completed & how far have we hiked?](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/how-many-have-we-competed-scotlands-great-trails.md) - With 29 official long distance trails in Scotland, it can be hard to keep track of the ones that we have completed. So, here is a list of all of the ones we have completed so far, and the ones still to be completed!
- [Beyond the Spectrum | The Documentary](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/beyond-the-spectrum-the-documentary.md) - Being approached by Stirling University to have a documentary produced about our lives for a showcase to all the major UK TV channels was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we couldn't turn down.
- [Our Edinburgh Fringe Experience](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/edinburgh-fringe-2023.md) - The Edinburgh Fringe has been on our bucket list for a while, so this year we decided to do the Edinburgh Fringe Experience. The Fringe was as fascinating as it was bizarre, as it was insightful... and we loved every minute of it!
- [No Bake Peanut Butter Flapjack](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-flapjacks-cookies.md) - Having baked so many flapjacks over the years Eve and I can tell you that this is the best recipe by a long way… perfect for hiking and backpacking!
- [28 reasons why Nalgene bottles are great for lightweight hiking and backpacking.](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/nalgene-water-bottles-are-great-for-lightweight-hiking-and-backpacking.md) - Despite constantly trying to lower my pack weight, I never go out without my Nalgene 500ml HDPE* bottle. Nalgene's are amazing, multifunctional pieces of kit that deserve a spot on any outdoor and travel kit list (I even make my daughter carry one!)
- [A different type of newsletter](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/a-different-type-of-newsletter.md) - This is a different type of newsletter that I'm trialling, to talk about a few different things and ask you, to ask us a question! We have also reached a new milestone that we are overjoyed about and it's all because of you... thank you!
- [The Real Food Cafe Litter pick](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-real-food-cafe-litter-pick.md) - What a rubbish, awesome day, that has left us with a feeling of “a job well done” with a sense of frustration at what we just did! Confused?! I hope that is slightly confusing to read. It left me feeling slightly confused as I tried to write a semi-legible oxymoron, that was more than just a few wo…
- [What did we take a 3 week break?](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/what-did-we-take-a-3-week-break.md) - I feel we are well overdue one of our ‘one on one’ chats with you all. So, that's precisely what this post is, a conversation, to let you know what's been going on, why we have taken such a long break between trails and when we will be hiking again! Some of the reasons why we haven’t been walking y…
- [The Power of Audiobooks](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-power-of-audiobooks.md)
- [BBC Scotland conversation Connie McLaughlin](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/bbc-scotland-conversation-with-connie-mclaughlin.md) - We were invited onto BBC Radio Scotland to discuss a play written to explore the complexities of using social media as a parent to raise awareness of disabilities.
- [I CANT believe I'm writing this already! - 2024 Adventure Challenge...](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/we-cant-believe-im-writing-this-already-2024-adventure-challenge.md) - If there is one thing we are not short of and that is ideas! The plan for next year (2024) is radical, and our biggest, most diverse and most challenging adventure by far... The thing is, we don't have any clue where it might actually lead us... internati
- [What have we done…? We’ve just SOLD our campervan!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/what-did-we-just-done-we-just-sold-our-campervan.md) - What are we thinking? Apart from 'OMG' (yes, I know that acronym reduces my IQ to single digits), but seriously... just 30 hours after deciding to sell, it was being driven away never to be seen again!
- [Why we chose to hike on coronation day (I will let you into a little secret!)](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/why-we-chose-to-hike-on-coronation-day-i-will-let-you-into-a-little-secret.md) - We made the controversial decision to hike on coronation day. This is why... P.S. I will let you into a little secret!
- [The Great Glen Way | Day 2](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-great-glen-way-day-2.md) - It’s been one of those days where things just kept going wrong… and it’s raining! Last night we were woken with a start by the unmistakable sound of Thermarest Neoair baffles exploding like a gun shot from the tent next to us. I think this unsettled us both and we spent the rest of the night consta…
- [The Great Glen Way | Day 1](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-great-glen-way-day-1.md) - I’ve been looking forward to this post as I would like to introduce you to somebody very personal to me LOL So before I do my usual daily charity hike journal I would like to introduce…Luna. This is Luna my pet Highland Cow. I might have mentioned to Eve and Sarah, that Ella needs a friend. I might…
- [West Highland Way | Day 14](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-14.md) - With a mixture of exhiliration and meloncoly, today we set out on the last section of the West Highland Way into Fort William. We met up with the film crew for the last few miles and to record us reaching the offical end of the West Highland Way. Today was epic and a day that will remain with Eve f…
- [West Highland Way | Day 13](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-13.md) - Blue sky, hot sun and a cool stiff breeze made for perfect hiking conditions today. It felt like the nicest day of the year so far, and after a fairly dreary spring it felt nice to sit in the sun for a our breaks. The Blackwater Hostel, Glamping & Campsite lies directly on the west highland way mak…
- [West Highland Way | Day 12](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-12.md) - Eve came up with the most beautiful, poetic and poignant quote I have heard, and her timing was impeccable. We had just climbed to the top of Devils Staircase, stopped to look over Glen Coe, the mountains and moorland as it stretched as far as the eye could see. Eve paused and without looking at me…
- [West Highland Way | Day 11](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-11.md) - Wow… today is a “wow” day. We crossed the remote and barren Rannoch Moor and descended into the magnificent Glen Coe. I really really want to do todays write up justice to reflect the splendour that we witnessed. Low laying clouds that saw the mountains ascend into the heavens, occasionally giving…
- [West Highland Way | Day 10](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-10.md) - Another day on the West Highland Way. 9 more miles ticked off, tent pitched, dinner eaten and Eve busy doing some education stuff whilst I write this post. We’re a little surprised we got finished as early as we did today given the late start at Tyndrum after yesterdays pause. Eve slept in this mor…
- [West Highland Way | Day 9](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-9.md) - Today didn’t quite go as planned. We knew it was going to be wet, but what we didn’t expect was a blizzard and total white out! It’s April 14th and just a few days ago we were hiking in shorts! Living in Scotland we know the weather is predictably unpredictable and you can always rely on it to be u…
- [West Highland Way | Day 8](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-8.md) - Evening everyone It felt really good to get back outside, hiking the West Highland Way towards Tyndrum. It was one of those days where everything felt a little odd. We struggled to get into any rhythm and find our stride. It’s one of things we are going to have to become a bit more accustomed to wi…
- [West Highland Way | Day 7](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-7.md) - Happy Easter! Hope you all had a fantastic day We only walked 4.3 miles today because Eve isn’t feeling too great, more on that later. I used to think that we should be aiming for higher mileage or a minimum daily mileage, but I quickly learned that this would be totally the wrong approach. We have…
- [West Highland Way | Day 6](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-6.md) - The Loch Lomond section of the West Highland Way complete, phew! At the risk of creating controversy, we don’t think the Loch Lomond section is the hardest section on the West Highland Way, although we know a lot of people do struggle with it. I think it’s a mentally tough section especially for pe…
- [West Highland Way | Day 4 - video](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way.md) - It was a very tiring day today, so we did our nightly update using the GoPro to record a quick summary.
- [Our new 2023 plan](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/newsletter-3.md) - Our new and improved plan for completing our 2023 charity thru-hike of all 1900 miles of Scotland's Great Trails... we are excited about it...
- [We need a change of plan... now!](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/we-need-a-change-of-plan-now.md) - If there is one thing that all three of us have learned after hiking hundreds of miles, day after day for months on end, is that it's not a physical challenge, its a pure mental challenge. Your physical fitness and strength might get you (us) through a few miles, but it will not last long, and then…
- [West Highland Way | Day 3](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-way-day-3.md) - Day 3 of the West Highland Way going over Conic Hill was superb. We met loads of great people who stopped to talk to us and the film crew were excellent. As I mentioned in a previous past, Eve has taken a liking to the camera operator (Brooke) who she spent nearly the whole journey down Conic Hill…
- [West Highland Way | Day 2](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-highland-away-day-2.md) - Day 2 on the West Highland Way was so chilled and easy, it didn’t even feel like we were hiking 1900 miles. We talked, played, took countless breaks and even went off trail to buy an ice cream for Eve is Drymen. I don’t know if it was being on the West Highland Way, the amazing weather, not being f…
- [The West Highland Way | Day 1](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-west-highland-way-day-1.md) - Today was stupendous and outstanding! It feels amazing to be on the West Highland Way again. There really is something special about this trail and although the first few miles aren’t the most exhilarating, it’s makes for the perfect prelude to the magnificence of the Scottish Highlands that is to…
- [Shine a Light | New Lanark Mill - Clyde Walkway](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/shine-a-light-new-lanark-mill-clyde-walkway.md) - A short film recorded at New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Clyde Walkway by Stirling University for a BBC showcase.
- [The Cateran Trail | Day 6](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-cateran-trail-day-6.md) - We had a surprisingly hard days walking today. The weather for several hours turned really nasty with painful hail and the amount of mud and surface water was unbelievable. We had a section crossing sheep fields that were so wet and muddy Eve fell over more than 20 times. She couldn’t stay on her f…
- [The Cateran Trail | Day 5](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-cateran-trail-day-5.md) - After a 5 am start, we drove back to Cray to hike 8.5 miles to the small village of Kirkton of Glenisla. After yesterdays hike which gave us a real beating, today was a much more pleasant hike through mild interchangeable weather. Eve really enjoyed the trail today as did I. Not just because the we…
- [Humans Outside - Hiking for Autism Awareness, Podcast Episode 284](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/humans-outside-hiking-for-autism-awareness-podcast-episode-284.md)
- [Cateran Trail | Day 4](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cateran-trail-day-4.md) - Setting out from Spittal of Glenshee for what we thought would be a short, simple 6 miles ending at the road near Cray proved to be quite the challenge. We were under no illusion that the weather would not be kind to us, as the forecast was not looking particularly friendly. What we didn’t expect w…
- [Cateran Trail | Day 3](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cateran-trail-day-3.md) - Third day on the Cateran Trail and it’s been an epic challenging day. Last night was rough. Eve and I shared a bed last night and because of her cold she had a very unsettled night. Eve spent the whole night trashing around and kicking me, coupled with her coughing all made for a very restless nigh…
- [Cateran Trail | Day 2](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cateran-trail-day-2.md) - Hey Guys… Thank you so much for all your comments and messages to my post yesterday and this morning. What I don’t understand is why Facebook has chosen to remove every single response that we have written to your comments, and flagged every one as being in breach of Facebook community guidelines.…
- [Cateran Trail | Day 1](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/cateran-trail-day-1.md) - Happy Mother’s Day! Day 1 on the Cateran Trail complete! We made it from Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally where we are spending the night. The terrain was varied and we have had an awesome day. I have been doing lots of thinking today about ‘stuff’, mainly Eve’s education and the style of the nightly…
- [Hiking & Neurodiversity Radio programme](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/hiking-and-neurodiversity-radio-programme-a82.md) - Radio programme about neurodiversity and hiking produced by Stirling University
- [The Dava Way | Day 2](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-dava-way-day-2.md) - The Dava Way is an inspirational trail that offers something for everybody, regardless of experience or physical capabilities. Whilst it doesn’t have the magnificence of Glen Coe or the feeling of wilderness as the west coast, what it does offer is a little bit of everything, in an easy and accessi…
- [The Dava Way | Day 1](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-dava-way-day-1-2.md) - Eve now has a new personal best having hiked 15.1 miles today through snow that at times was over 6 inches deep. It was hard going, our feet were soaked (but warm). She’s awesome and I’m so proud of her! The trail was amazingly beautiful, walking along and through old railway ravines, flanked with…
- [West Island Way | Day 4](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/west-island-way-day-4.md) - Evening everyone Today was the last day of hiking the West Island Way. We were planning for a long and hard day on the trail. The day started early with the alarm clock going off at 5.30 am. It was still pitch black outside and we struggled to see if we had any snow. We chilled in bed for a few min…
- [The West Island Way | Day 3](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-west-island-way-day-3.md) - Evening everyone Wow… Eve was fire today! I couldn’t slow her down. I was repeatedly having to ask her to slow down, but it was always my fault, as I should have been keeping up with Eve 🙄😂 I didn’t find it annoying having to call her back, I think it’s a good thing! However I did have to raise m…
- [The West Island Way | Day 2](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-west-island-way-day-2.md) - What a day! It’s been immense! We walked 10.3 miles over some truly magnificent terrain with views that were breathtaking in grandeur and sheer beauty. No photograph I have taken could capture how beautiful it was today and how it made us both feel. If it’s okay I would like to briefly mention some…
- [The West Island Way | Day 1](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-west-island-way-day-1.md) - The West Island Way is amazing! The terrain, views, variety and landscapes are all amazing. Obviously this is just the first section but it’s amazing. The weather was harsh though! It was cold and windy, giving a windchill well below freezing. It made stopping for breaks and admiring the views hard…
- [A step back in time at New Lanark](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/a-step-back-in-time.md) - Whilst walking the Clyde Walkway we learned a great deal about the history of New Lanark
- [The Mull of Galloway Trail | Day 5](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-mull-of-galloway-day-5.md) - We seriously considered carrying on yesterday afternoon to complete the The Mull of Galloway Trail. It would have been a long day and we’d have probably ended up completing it in the dark. But we didn’t. Waiting and completing it today was the correct decision, as it was a bit more challenging that…
- [The Mull of Galloway Trail | Day 4](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-mull-of-galloway-trail-day-4.md) - The coast from Stranraer to Burnfoot Bridge just past Cairnryan where we were to finish todays section feels industrial, with a history, as we found out, that dates back to the Romans. The wee airbnb cottage that Eve and I stayed in last night was delightful and very cosy. It had everything we need…
- [The Mull of Galloway Trail | Day 3](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-mull-of-galloway-trail-day-3.md) - Well today was short, sweet and simple. Just 7 miles between Stoneykirk and Stranraer. The route was simple, virtually a straight line following quiet country lanes, farmers livestock fields and a woodland before reaching the coast at Stranraer. Last night I slept terribly. We slept together in a d…
- [The Mull of Galloway Trail | Day 2](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-mull-of-galloway-trail-day-2.md) - Another epic day walking the coast along the Mull of Galloway Trail, although we did get told off by a very angry lady in a caravan 😆. Always a drama with us! Best thing about today was there was loads of beach walking! After a cup of tea, a good breakfast and cuddles with Sarah, Eve and I set off…
- [The Mull of Galloway Trail | Day 1](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-mull-of-galloway-trail-day-1.md) - First day on the Mull of Galloway Trail and it felt great! It was varied, easy and required some dynamic route planning which kept it interesting. We have been looking forward to this trail (a lot) since we first started the Clyde Walkway in Glasgow as it’s remote(ish) and coastal! Since we walked…
- [Scotland’s most southerly point](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/scotlands-most-southerly-point.md) - The Mull of Galloway is Scotland’s most Southerly point and is home to an amazing lighthouse and dramatic coastal scenery. It is a very special place steeped in history as well as a haven for cliff top plants and birds. The Mull of Galloway lighthouse dominates the area standing at an impressive 26…
- [The Clyde Walkway | Day 5](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-clyde-walkway-day-5-2.md) - It was one of the oddest feelings being filmed by a professional film/TV crew but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Walking the last few miles of the Clyde Walkway beside the Falls of Clyde at an UNESCO World Heritage Site was magnificent to say the least!
- [The Clyde Walkway | Day 4](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-clyde-walkway-day-4.md) - Todays section of the Clyde Walkway was completely different to the first few days. It was different in just about every way, and Eve was once again a happy child thriving in the environment she loves the most.
- [The Clyde Walkway | Day 3](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-clyde-walkway-day-3-2.md) - Before we went to sleep last night Eve and I had small chat and agreed to put the day behind us, treating each day as a new beginning. We were going to start tomorrow (today) with positivity and enthusiasm, and that’s exactly what we did…
- [The Clyde Walkway | Day 2](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-clyde-walkway-day-2.md) - First an apology. I said yesterday that I was worried about appearing negative in my writing, but today I’m even more concerned about negativity so please accept my apologies before you read on.
- [The Clyde Walkway | Day 1](https://www.ourspectrumadventures.com/the-clyde-walkway-day-1.md) - New day, new trail and for this Scottish Great Trail we are walking the Clyde Walkway. The Clyde Walkway extends from the centre of Glasgow to UNESCO World Heritage site at New Lanark in South Lanarkshire

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