The "Background Articles" Page

Nice place to stay with well equipped kitchen, cosy dining area and really clean bathrooms - Juliana & friends (Edinburgh & Slovakia - Jan 2008
Phone - 01540 673360

 Background to the Background Articles

About Me

Born in 1945 I grew up in and around London where I qualified and worked as an Electrical Power Engineer. I then studied  Physical Education at Teacher Training College and eventually worked as an Outdoor Activities Instructor for over 30 years at several Outdoor Education Centers mostly belonging to Lothian Region and Edinburgh Education Authority. Old Guy On a Bike I was (am?) experienced, qualified and competent, to teach most outdoor activities on and off the water (but please don't send me down a cave)!


My wife and I own and run Newtonmore Hostel in the Highlands of Scotland.

Interests

  • Becoming retired as soon as possible
  • Cycling (on and off road)
  • Mountaineering & climbing
  • Alpine skiing
  • Nordic skiing
  • Photography
  • Computing
  • Countryside and wildlife
  • Reading
  • Music

Favorite Movies

  • Forest Gump
  • Phantasia
  • Imagine
  • Apocolypse Now

Favorite Music

  • Anything that rocks
  • Anything folksy.

Favorite Books

  • Anything by Ian Banks
  • Isaac Asimov

I have always enjoyed writing and hope some of the articles will inform or even entertain you.

The 'date' is  when the article was considered to be complete (it has not been altered after that date).   

Email me at: pete@highlandhostel.co.uk if you want to make a comment or discuss any of the issues raised.

Get in touch if you want to make a comment of discuss any of the issues raised. I would also be delighted to hear from any old acquaintances.

All articles are copyright but you are welcome to quote or reproduce all or part with an acknowledgement.                                                                                              

 Enjoy your read

Peter Main

Things to Do Around Peurto de Mazarron

A guide to our stay at Puert de Mazarron on the Costa Calida

©Peter & Kathryn Main 2007

The Bealach na Ba Challenge (A View from the Back)

My impressions of a demanding, interesting and well organised cycling challenge event in Wester Ross. The route taking in the longest mountain pass in Britain

©Peter Main 2006

Orkney Saga

A five day cycling trip from Newtonmore to the Orkney Isles via John OGroats and back home through Aberdeenshire in May 2004.

©Peter Main 2004

The Western Isles

A 6 day cycle tour undertaken in April/May 2003  from Newtonmore through the Western Isles from Barra to Lewis.Involving four ferry crossings and two train journeys.

©Peter Main 2003

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

Our efforts to run our hostel in an environmentally way

©Peter Main 2002

The Story of Newtonmore Hostel

How and why Newtonmore Hostel was built

©Peter Main 2002

On-Yer-Bike (And so to work)

My cycle ride to work at Lagganlia Outdoor Education Centre

©Peter Main 1998

Comeback  Kid

My return to cycle racing, as a 48 year old veteran, after a gap of 25 years.  Starting 1993 and finishing 1998.

©Peter Main 1998

Crawley Wheelers - Those Were the Days

Using information gleaned from my diaries this is a look back at how life in a cycling club was for a young man in the1960's

©Peter Main 1997

Another Day, Another Dollar

The pleasure and problems of taking a group of teenagers climbing in the French Alps. Some thoughts on Outdoor Education, which still apply after over 20 years.

©Peter Main 1984

The Shop

A sideways look at staying in small village, in the French Alps, during summer 1984.

©Peter Main 1984

Craigellachie House, Main St, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland. PH20 1DA

email                                                                                 Phone 01540 673360