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THE solitary stone sits alongside a couple of lonesome pines on a track high above the village of Cromdale on Speyside. Marked as Clach nam Piobair - the Piper's Stone - on the map, it is linked to the Battle of Cromdale in 1690.
Villagers in Fochabers and Mosstodloch were celebrating last week when a long-awaited bypass was opened, taking traffic off what used to be the A96.
The relatively deserted main road that links the two Moray villages is now a joy for cyclists - and the finishing touches are being put to excellent traffic-free cycle links too.
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Photos, videos and thoughts from John's adventures in the Highlands.
THE mist parted suddenly and the summit pinnacle of Sgurr nan Clach Geala reared up like the prow of a great ship.
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Get a grip on those biting midges by checking out the midge forecast here.
On the quiet side of Loch Ness, the forests around Inverfarigaig provide some of the most beautiful walking in the area.
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Read our guide to the best walking and cycling routes in the area.
A winter skills course run by Glenmore Lodge, learning the basics of competent movement on the mountains in winter
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Check out the weather forecast on the mountains from the Mountain Weather Information Service.
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