Cottage Diary - Aspenwood self catering luxury Holiday Cottage overlooking Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland.

Wrapped up warm [gloves are a must now] and took a stroll up the lane to the post box. The sun was shining on the numerous tall autumn trees covering the high rocky outcrop of Dun Dearduil. On the way back spotted a very acrobatic red squirrel leaping from branch to branch like a monkey - not even stopping to pose for a photo. A rather lonely red-legged partridge ran down the lane and I disturbed a pheasant which flew up noisily from the long grass. Took a walk on to Farigaig pier and heard the deer calling out from the other side of the loch.The temperature has plunged a bit lately but it is quite bright and dry during the day although at night it has been rather windy and rainy. Noticed that most of the conkers on the horse chestnut tree nearby have been blown to the ground overnight. The last fruits of the year,the sloe berries, are still clinging to the blackthorn bushes at the bottom of our driveway. Last year one of our neighbours gave us a bottle of sloe gin she had made and we really really really enjoyed it. Although it is very nearly November - last year we had our first snow on November 18th - there are still roses flowering in a neighbours garden.

On our short trip out last Friday to the Inverarnie Stores we saw a variety of animals along the way. The highland cattle with their calf sharing a field with a very happy frisky white cow near Loch Ruthven. Drove passed the llama farmer and then the roaming sheep giving you 'that look' as you dare to disturb their munching and dozing in the sun. Had to stop and wait patiently while the herd of cows were moved into another field. Saw Bonnie the rescued deer in her garden with the very protective pet dogs. Finally spotted a buzzard having his lunch on a rock -next time will have to bring the tripod for a steadier hand.

On a short trip out today this is some of the remarkable scenery we passed along the way. We also took a video of the animal life we saw ......to be published next....so keep watching.

Recently had a gang of 12 red-legged partridges swarm up the driveway stopping to peck at something tasty in the grass by the side. They have also been spotted wandering casually by the side of the single track road at the bottom of Inverfarigaig hill and we have even had to stop the car while they decide which side of the road they want to eventually aim for. Doing a bit of research I find that this species were introduced from France for shooting purposes some 200 years ago so they are also known as 'French Partridges'. They have a very distinctive voice and we often hear them before actually spotting where they are in the grounds. I guess this clutch was born in June/July and it is quite unusual for such a number to have survived the many predators around in the area. Check out more info and sounds on the red-leg.

Weather has been quite fair and unusually warm this week so drove over the mountain pass to Fort Augustus. Just outside the village is a turning on the left signed Bunloich Brae. Drove along this to the small car park and enjoyed a leisurely walk through the woods, crunching on the carpet of colourful leaves underfoot.

Woke up early this morning to the sight of a very pink bright sky which lit up the bedroom. Ray, clad in dressing gown, took some photos outside the house - luckily not too chilly! The view down to Inverness was amazing. Actually the weather has been terrific lately, a late summer is better than none at all. Taking full advantage of the day we went off on an adventure.
We drove to Dores and then turned right and climbed up the pass. The view of Urquhart Bay at the top of the climb was stunning with the high peak of Meall Fuar-mbonaidb clearly visible. All of the footpaths are easily identified by a particular bird engraved on the sign. We were intrigued by the 'heron' trail so we took this path down to the river. Walked alongside the River Nairn for ages but, unfortunately, no sighting of any heron. Turned back on ourselves although we are sure the path continued - will have to come again.

Came across this colourful 'Fly Agaric' fungus [Amanita muscaria - to you and I]. Looks very pretty but,on studying my trusty guide to fungus book, I read that it contains poisons which are dangerous to health and can, in some cases, prove fatal.....not one to go with the fried breakfast then!!

There must be a bumper crop of hazel nuts on the trees as we have never seen so many red squirrels in all the years we have lived here. There is a drey very nearby and we often notice the branches of an individual tree swaying violently and then catch a glimpse of these little red acrobats leaping from branch to branch. This one ran along the side of the garage towards the house and leapt into the forest behind the bird table. He emerged a few minutes later with a mouthful of hazel nuts and sat on the tree stump about 5 metres away from us enjoying his nutty breakfast. After a good wash and brush up he sprang into action and disappeared back into the forest. Read more about the red squirrel.