What did you do this summer?

WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE SUMMER?

Iain Ferguson

Often during the summer holidays from school, the classic phrase “There’s nothing to do” is heard. However, this year at least, it certainly hasn’t been the case throughout Lochaber.

Plenty of good weather, along with the relaxation of Covid restrictions have been great attractions just to get outside, play games or enjoy the open countryside all around us. The pastures of the Glen and the River Nevis have for countless years been the haunt of parents and children for picnics and paddling. A bit further down, the Lower Falls and Paddy’s Bridge are seen as more of a challenge for older children and adults, demonstrating their daredevil diving skills in our own mini version of Acapulco.

Wild swimming is also becoming more and more popular, with early morning and evening dips in various scenic lochs being enjoyed and posted on social media by people of all ages. Many of them swim in groups and would

welcome new interest in their activities. Getting out in the hills too, heading for the many local beaches and visiting not-too-hard to reach areas such as Steall Falls, walks along the canal-side, all have made some great days out in the nice weather.

Camping has also become a first time experience for many local children, enjoying a night under canvas, while hopefully also learning to respect the countryside by not leaving litter and waste behind them.

Many organised events have taken place in every part of Lochaber right through the holiday season with football, mini athletics, various sporting classes, Street League shinty and activities for all ages, inside and out. Scottish Opera also hosted several pop-up performances of Gilbert & Sullivan in the brilliant sunshine of the Nevis Centre car park. Relaxation of lockdown also brought a larger than usual influx of visitors, with Ben Nevis seeing almost unprecedented footfall, sometimes with several thousand people trekking up the path on a single day and every potential parking space packed with vehicles. Our beaches and surroundings have also been subjected to more use (and often misuse) than normal , with those who aim is to personally have a good time forgetting, perhaps in their excitement, to be considerate of others and their surroundings.

However, largely the sun has shone, the rain has stayed away and Lochaber dwellers can for once, boast their own home-grown tans!