In spite of all the jealousy, hate and envy arising from yesterday's Blip ("Well, not everyone can fly a helicopter to work," ...said Walter Mitty), today's offering is just to answer a question from Snapper.

Yes you can walk across the Kessock Bridge. There are combined cycle/footpaths on either side, and if your reasonably fit, it should take no more than ten minutes. Any pauses to take in the view or to photograph the scene; boats; dolphins; otters; seabirds; etc, will of course add to the time required. It can be very windy and chilly at times, and if heading North, it's initially quite steep. The traffic is close by, so expect some buffeting from large vehicles. Other hazards arise from folk taking materials to building sites - folk that haven't secured their loads to cope with strong side winds. There can be all sorts of debris that ends up left on the cycle/footpath. Don't wear headphones, unless you like being frightened by cyclists (that fruitlessly tried to warn you of their presence). If cycling, keep an eye out for pieces of glass... a constant bugbear. Cameras are used to monitor traffic, and if you're acting suspiciously, you may have "a visit". Alas some poor souls have chosen to jump off the bridge in the past (not recommended). Afraid of heights? - take the bus (!).

For extremely windy days, when I've had to walk with my bike, a single earplug is useful to reduce the near deafening wind roar coming from whichever side.

Will perhaps give some more accurate information regarding likely times of ships arriving/departing at a later date. As said yesterday, because the inner Moray Firth is very shallow, most large vessels tend to move about near high tide. When the tides are flowing in/out, they can reach six knots around the bridge area. At high tide the flow will be minimal, so again it's a safer time to be moving ships about. High tide times for the next seven days at Inverness Harbour can be found here, and for elsewhere in the UK, look here.

I've cycled over here several hundred times this year, so the odds of me catching a ship, dolphin, or otter going by, is much greater. Have seen them all recently, though haven't always had an ideal lens. If ships are moving about, watch out for dolphins riding the bow wave - a free fun surf for them.

Hope that's enough for now!