Ranger Guided Walks and Events 2014

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Ranger Guided Walks and Events Cuairtean is Cùisean am Maoir-dùthcha na Gàidhealtachd agus na Moireibh

2014

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 1 29/01/2014 15:44 Ranger Map Mapaichean maoir-dùthcha We have divided the Highlands into six main Countryside Ranger zones and have colour-coded them throughout the booklet as follows:

• Caithness and Sutherland (blues) • Ross, Cromarty, Skye, Lochalsh and the Great Glen (greens) • Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (purples) • Lochaber • Great Glen Way • West Highland Way • Speyside Way

Events are organised by Countryside Ranger area in the booklet. For more details about events in each Countryside Ranger area, contact the local ranger service.

Durness Thurso ● Bettyhill ● ● Kinlochbervie● Caithness ●Wick

Assynt Sutherland Lochinver● Helmsdale Lairg ● ● ● Brora Ullapool● ●Dornoch ● Tain Gairloch● Ross & Cromarty Alness●●Invergordon Uig● Achnasheen ● Dingwall● Nairn ● continues ● Portree Inverness to Buckie Dunvegan ● ● Nairn Kyle of Inverness Lochalsh Broadford● Drumnadrochit● Grantown ● ● Skye & Lochalsh Aviemore ● Speyside Way ●Fort Augustus

Mallaig Badenoch ● & Strathspey Arisaig● Lochaber Great Glen Ways Fort William●Highland Way West Strontian ● N Ballachulish● Lochaline● continues to Milngavie 2

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 2 29/01/2014 15:44 Introduction Ro-ràdh

Our programme this year has been designed to celebrate Homecoming Year 2014.

Our Highland Countryside Rangers offer more events than these advertised, and will do private events by request. If there is something you are really interested in but cannot find, why not get in touch and see what your local Countryside Ranger can do for you?

Our rangers have listed 5 special places, as ideas on where to go and what to see in their area – come and try them out, in our Homecoming Year. Together with our partners we are encouraging visitors into Scotland’s natural stunning beauty and biodiversity, promoting ways in which we can all enjoy our beautiful wildlife, landscapes, and heritage. Our programme in 2014 gives you details of hundreds of events such as guided walks, archaeology trails, story-telling, wildlife talks and family events for all interests and levels of fitness.

We aim to help raise awareness and encourage appreciation of the scenery, wildlife and particularly the heritage of the Highlands. Be tempted to discover lost family links in the Highlands or visit the village of your ancestors, in 2014.

www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk follow us on our Facebook pages Great Glen Ways Skye, Lochalsh and Ross & Cromarty Countryside Rangers Caithness and Sutherland Countryside Rangers Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Countryside Rangers Lochaber Countryside Rangers

Produced by: The Highland Council Planning and Development Service Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX www.highland.gov.uk 3

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 3 29/01/2014 15:44 Further events and information For all walks and events, it is important to come prepared for the unpredictable Scottish climate. Please pay special attention to the key as this gives good advice on the suitability of all events and walks. If you require further information, please contact the relevant Countryside Ranger organising the event(s) you are interested in. See the event description or our Contacts Page for details.

It is advisable to contact the Countryside Rangers PRIOR to attending. Booking is usually required and the programme may change due to poor weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Ranger events on your website If you would like to receive either a PDF or MS Word version of Ranger events in your area to upload or post on to your business’s website, then please get in touch with Lynda Dodd, Countryside Rangers and Long Distance Routes Development and Marketing Officer, on 01463 255289 or at [email protected].

Large print version This booklet is also available in large print. Please check out our website www.highland.gov. uk/countrysiderangers to download your free electronic version.

Photographs and advertising All photographs, unless otherwise stated, are copyright and the property of The Highland Council. Any income generated from advertising and events goes towards producing this booklet. To advertise in this booklet next year please contact Lynda Dodd, Countryside Rangers and Long Distance Routes Development and Marketing Officer, on 01463 255289 or at [email protected].

On your event with us, photos may be taken by the Ranger and these will be used to promote the work of the Rangers in publications and website throughout the year. If you do not want your photo taken, please let the Ranger who is leading your event know.

New Events Calendar An easy to use calendar has been created on www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk/calendar to make events easy to find by date order and is colour-coded for each of the Highland Ranger areas.

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 4 29/01/2014 15:44 Event prices Prìsean Tachartais Participant – single event Event under 3hrs Event over 3hrs Adult £3.00 £5.00 Child (4-16yrs), senior citizens £2.00 £3.00 Childrens’ specific event £2.00 Family Ticket A: 2 adults & up to 3 children £8.00 £12.00 Family Ticket B: 1 adult & up to 3 children £5.00 £9.00 Full day long distance/mountain walks are not included in family tickets

Key for walk grading Iuchair

A Grade A Walking on established path.

B Grade B Walking over paths and rough ground at low level. Reasonable level of fitness required.

C Grade C Walking over rough/boggy ground and some hills. Reasonable level of fitness required.

D Grade D Walking through and over mountainous terrain. Good level of fitness required.

Suitable for Access may be limited in some places. wheelchairs Please check when booking.

Childrens’ All children must be accompanied by an adult. A limit of 3 Event children per adult. All childrens’ events are less than 3 hours.

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 5 29/01/2014 15:44 Northern Highlands

Rogie Falls Surprising discoveries! Iongnadh fhein

Discover the impressive waterfalls from our suspenion bridge at Rogie Falls - and visit between July and October to see the spectacular salmon leap.

Visit Aldie Burn and discover our newly improved all-ability paths or explore longer distance walks such as the Strathrory to Scotsburn Drove Road. There are Visitor Centres, mountain bike trails, archaeology, wildlife, wonderful views and much more to discover... Look out for our Forest of the Far North - available and Ross & Cromarty leaflets from various Tourist Information points throughout the highlands - and start exploring! Call us on 01408 634063 www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 6 29/01/2014 15:44 Contacts Airson fiosrachadh Please feel free to contact your local Countryside Ranger for more information on events in this guide, loyalty cards, extra events, wildlife/environmental advice, private walks and much more.

Lochaber on.fb.me/LochaberRangers

Eilidh-Ann Phillips Michelle Melville Lochaber Glen Nevis 01967 402232 01397 705922 [email protected] [email protected] Forestry Office Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Strontian, Acharacle Glen Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6PF Argyll, PH36 4HZ

Angus MacIntyre Jennie Abell Sound of Arisaig Glen Nevis 01687 462983 01397 705922 [email protected] [email protected] 3 Marine Place Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Mallaig, PH41 4RD Glen Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6PF

Skye, Lochalsh, Ross and Cromarty on.fb.me/SLRCrangers

John Phillips Skye & Lochalsh Ranger Skye & Lochalsh 01471 820526 01471 820527 [email protected] Office C Office C Old Corry Industrial Estate Old Corry Industrial Estate Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9AB Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9AB

Wester Ross Ranger Martin Hind Easter Ross 01854 613904 01349 868563 [email protected] [email protected] Service Point Council Buildings North Road Strathpeffer Road Ullapool, IV26 2XL Dingwall, IV15 9QN

Long Distance Routes on.fb.me/GGWrangers

Jock MacGillivray Angus MacLean WHW & GGW West Highland Way 01397 705922 01397 705922 [email protected] [email protected] Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Glen Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6PF Glen Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6PF

Clelland McCallum Great Glen Way 01320 366633 [email protected] Great Glen Way Office Auchterawe, Fort Augustus, PH32 4BT

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 7 29/01/2014 15:44 Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey on.fb.me/INBSrangers

Katy Martin Jenny Grant Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey Inverness West 01463 255284 01463 255286 [email protected] [email protected] Round Tower Round Tower Inverness Castle Inverness Castle Inverness, IV2 3EG Inverness, IV2 3EG

John Orr General Contact Inverness East and Nairn Inverness and Nairn Team 01463 255285 01463 255291 [email protected] [email protected] Round Tower Round Tower Inverness Castle Inverness Castle Inverness, IV2 3EG Inverness, IV2 3EG

Duncan MacDonald Saranne Bish Badenoch & Strathspey South Badenoch & Strathspey North 01479 873706 01479 873914 [email protected] [email protected] The Courthouse The Courthouse The Square The Square Grantown-On-Spey, PH26 3HG Grantown-On-Spey, PH26 3HG

Caithness & Sutherland on.fb.me/CSrangers

Andy Summers Marina Swanson Caithness & Sutherland Caithness East 01571 844654 01955 607758 [email protected] [email protected] Assynt Visitor Centre Bruce Buildings Lochinver Sinclair Terrace Sutherland, IV27 4LX Wick, KW1 5AB

Kirsty Rosie Donald Mitchell Caithness East North West Sutherland 01955 607758 01971 511756 [email protected] [email protected] Bruce Buildings Visitor Information Centre Sinclair Terrace Sangomore Wick, KW1 5AB Durness, IV27 4PN

Paul Castle Ian Paterson N. Sutherland & N. Caithness Mid & East Sutherland 01847 821531 01549 402638 [email protected] [email protected] The Seadrift Visitor Centre Ferrycroft Visitor Centre Dunnet Bay, Dunnet Lairg Thurso, KW14 8XD Sutherland, IV27 4TP

RSPB Forsinard on.fb.me/RSPBforsinard

Paul Turner RSPB Forsinard 01641 571 225 [email protected] RSPB Forsinard Flows Forsinard, Sutherland, KW13 6YT 8

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 8 29/01/2014 15:44 LOCHABER LOCH ABAR Lochaber Loch Abar

TOP 5 MUST SEES Caig Waterfall, Achnacarry At the end of the Dark Mile, you will hear it before you see it. Steall Gorge and Falls A truly beautiful walk through the gorge to the tiny glen at the top. Loch Morar The deepest fresh water loch in the British Isles. Glencoe Lochans Tranquil woodlands and lochans to wander around. Garbh Eilan Wildlife Hide The hidden gem of the Ardnamurchan Penninsula on shores of Loch Sunart.

©Homepage.ntlworld.com ©HC Ranger ©Tanscotland.com ©Mikehardwell ©Ardnamurchan.com

March Am Màrt Tuesday April 08, 2014 Stories of The Fort Saturday March 29, 2014 Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Earth Hour, Lochaber to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Come and join us and thousands of others across some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old the world to help mark Earth Hour by turning off Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the your lights. Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Time: 8.30pm-9.30pm. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Jennie Abell on 01397 West Highland Line. 705922 or email [email protected]. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family April An Giblean £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected]. Tuesday April 01, 2014 Stories of The Fort Tuesday April 15, 2014 Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Stories of The Fort to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also West Highland Line. see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William West Highland Line. High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family or email [email protected]. £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 9 29/01/2014 15:44 WELCOME TO A WHOLE NEW BOTHY EXPERIENCE

bothie A5 ad.indd 2 01/10/2013 09:18

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 10 29/01/2014 15:44 LOCHABER LOCH ABAR Wednesday April 16, 2014 Tuesday April 29, 2014 Red Fox Treasure Hunt, Ballachulish Stories of The Fort Can you solve the clues and earn your reward? Family Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Treasure Hunt around Ballachulish Quarry. Drop in any to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover time between 10am-2pm. some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Meet at Ballachulish Quarry. Grid ref: NN 084584. Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Grade A. Family £8.00. Contact Michelle Melville on Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely 01397 705922 or email Michelle.melville@highland. views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also gov.uk. see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Saturday April 19, 2014 Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William Egg-straordinary Easter Hunt, Glen Nevis High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Easter fun for the whole family. Find the eggs, solve 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family the puzzles and claim your prize. Drop in to the £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis to join in this self-guided or email [email protected]. adventure. Meet at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Time: 1pm-3pm. May An Cèitean Grid ref: NN 123729. Grade A. Family £8.00. Contact Michelle Melville on 01397 705922 or email Michelle. Thursday May 01, 2014 [email protected]. Port a Bhata, Moidart This new walk starts from the forestry car park at Monday April 21, 2014 Drynie Hill, Kinlochmoidart and roughly follows the Legs & Eggs, Arisaig shore to the remains of the old, once thriving village. Bring along the children (nursery age in the morning Here we can prowl the ruins and try to visualise how and older children in the afternoon) for a short walk, a our forebearers lived. Suitable footwear/clothing please bit of fun and a wee egg! and a packed lunch/snack. Booking essential. Meet at Camusdarach Campsite. Booking essential. Meet at Ardmolich Forestry Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NM 661914. Grade Commission car park, Kinlochmoidart. Time: 11.30am- B. Contact Angus Macintyre on 01687 462983 or email 2.30pm. Grid ref: NM 716713. Grade C. Adults £5.00, [email protected]. conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Angus Macintyre/ Eilidh-Ann Phillips on 01687 462983/01967 402232 Monday April 21, 2014 or email [email protected]/eilidh-ann. Legs & Eggs, Mallaig [email protected]. Bring along the children (nursery age in the morning and older children in the afternoon) for a short walk, a Tuesday May 06, 2014 bit of fun and a wee egg! Stories of The Fort Booking essential. Meet at Land Sea & Island Centre Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Arisaig. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NM 660863. Grade B. to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Contact Angus Macintyre on 01687 462983 or email some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old [email protected]. Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Tuesday April 22, 2014 views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Stories of The Fort see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also or email [email protected]. see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 11 29/01/2014 15:44 Tuesday May 13, 2014 book now 01855 413 200 Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Experience® Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely … views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Segway see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. ... it’s like nothing Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN you’ve ever done before! 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected].

Tuesday May 20, 2014 Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Glide over the ground on this views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also revolutionary electric platform - be see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the master of your own magic carpet. West Highland Line. Booking preferred. Explore beautiful countryside as you Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William enjoy the freedom of this brilliant, space- High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN age way to travel. They are intuitive, safe and environmentally friendly. 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected].

Thursday May 22, 2014 Batty about Bats, Strontian A short talk followed by a night time walk to learn a little bit about the secret world of bats. Please bring a torch. Our various guided eco -adventures are Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. suitable for most ages and abilities. Find Time: 8.30pm-10pm. Grid ref: NM 817616. Grade A. “the ride of your life” adjacent to the Golf Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Eilidh- Course at Ballachulish. Ann Phillips on 01967 402232 or email eilidh-ann. more info at [email protected]. www.GlencoeActivities.com Tuesday May 27, 2014 [email protected] Stories of The Fort 01855 413 200 Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover • Glencoe Activities some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Activity Club House Dragon’s Tooth Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Golf Course, Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Ballachulish, views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Argyll, PH49 4JX see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected]. 12

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 12 29/01/2014 15:44 LOCHABER LOCH ABAR June An t-Ògmhios Tuesday June 03, 2014 Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Tuesday June 24, 2014 Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William Stories of The Fort High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old or email [email protected]. Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Tuesday June 10, 2014 views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Stories of The Fort see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William West Highland Line. to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also or email [email protected]. see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Saturday June 28, 2014 Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William Navigation for all levels High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN A practical day on the hill covering basic navigation 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family skills. We will be outside all day, not weather dependent. £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 9.30am-4.30pm. Grade D. Adults £5.00, conc. Tuesday June 17, 2014 £3.00. Contact Jennie Abell on 01397 705922 or email Stories of The Fort [email protected]. Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover July An t-Iuchar some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tuesday July 01, 2014 Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely The Five Lochs, Mallaig views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also A quality circular hill walk to a viewpoint giving great see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the views of the Small Isles. If you enjoy a gentle hill walk, West Highland Line. Booking preferred. then join me as we tramp through the heather to Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William admire the sparkling waters of five hill lochs with their High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN indigenous wild brown trout before sampling “Adam’s 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Ale” as you picnic beneath old Scots Pine with a £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 background of mountains and unspoiled terrain. Please or email [email protected]. bring/wear suitable clothing, footwear and a packed lunch/snack. Booking essential. Meet at Glasnacardoch car park, Mallaig. Time: 11.30am-3.30pm. Grid ref: NM 675956. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Angus Macintyre on 01687 462983 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 13 29/01/2014 15:44 Tuesday July 08, 2014 Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 Tuesday July 01, 2014 or email [email protected]. Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Tuesday July 15, 2014 to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Stories of The Fort some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely West Highland Line. views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN West Highland Line. Booking preferred. 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN or email [email protected]. 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 Thursday July 03, 2014 or email [email protected]. Graves & Garnets, Moidart Join the Rangers as we drift through the multiple Tuesday July 22, 2014 environments in an investigative wander in this Stories of The Fort remarkable corner of the Moidart Peninsula. Hunt for Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William garnets and learn a little about the trees, lichens and to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover flowers before lunching at a secluded beach. Once able some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old to tear yourself away from this perfect spot we will Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the move on to enjoy the stunning view from “Commando Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Rock” and return along the old Kinlochmoidart Road. views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Booking essential. Meet at Roshven Farm. Time: see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the 11.30am-2.30pm. Grid ref: NM 720785. Grade B. West Highland Line. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William Macintyre/Eilidh-Ann Phillips on 01687 462983/01967 High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN 402232 or email [email protected]/ 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family [email protected]. £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 14 29/01/2014 15:44 LOCHABER LOCH ABAR

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*Terms & Conditions: Based on a 50% discount o Individual Membership (usually £30 per annum). For new members & for rst year only. For all categories except: Life; Group; Corporate; John Muir Award Holder. is o er is valid until 31/12/14.

Scottish Charity No: SC002061 Company Number: SC081620. Limited by Guarantee Registered O ce: Tower House, Station Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AN Photographer: Keith Brame

Wednesday August 06, 2014 Pirates over the Loch, Fort William Catch the boat and embark on a family adventure of fun and marshmallows in a secret bay. Booking essential. Meet at Crannog Restaurant, Fort William. Time: Given out on booking. Grade A, £5 per person (including ferry fare). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Michelle Melville on 01397 705922 or email Michelle.melville@highland. August An Lùnastal gov.uk. Monday August 04, 2014 Tuesday August 19, 2014 The Silver Walk, Moidart Stories of The Fort This walk starts near Castle Tioram and, alert to the Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William possibility of Sea Eagles or Otters, we follow the coast to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover until reaching the foot of Beinn Bhreac. Here we strike some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old uphill to lunch beyond the ruins of Briagh. After our Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the picnic we descend past a wee dam to be greeted with Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely a perfectly framed view of Loch Moidart and Eilean views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also see Shona before the final leg down the Bealach Sgairt the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Dea-uisge to the start point. Please bring/wear suitable Highland Line. clothing, footwear and a packed lunch/snack. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William Booking essential. Meet at Castle Tioram car park, High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN 103738. Dorlin. Time: 11.30am-2.30pm. Grid ref: NM 664720. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email angus. Contact Angus Macintyre/Eilidh-Ann Phillips on 01687 [email protected]. 462983/01967 402232 or email angus.macintyre@ highland.gov.uk/[email protected]. 15

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 15 29/01/2014 15:44 Thursday August 21, 2014 Tuesday September 02, 2014 Geocaching, Glen Nevis Stories of The Fort Discover the secret world of Geocaching. An endless Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William treasure hunt that will take you round the world. We to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover will show you what it is and how to do it, no need to fly, some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old it will all be done in Glen Nevis. Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Booking essential. Meet at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: NN 123729. Grade B. Adults views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Jennie Abell on see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the 01397 705922 or email [email protected]. West Highland Line. Booking preferred. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William Tuesday August 26, 2014 High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Stories of The Fort 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover or email [email protected]. some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tuesday September 09, 2014 Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely Stories of The Fort views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also see Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Highland Line. some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the [email protected]. West Highland Line. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN September An t-Sultain 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 Tuesday September 02, 2014 or email [email protected]. Caves & Clearances, Arisaig This pleasant coastal and hill walk round the Rhu Tuesday September 16, 2014 Peninsula begins with a visit to the Soap Cave then Stories of The Fort onwards to Port na Murrach where we can spend a Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William few minutes enjoying the beach and some of the shells to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover that are deposited there. Moving on, we will lunch at some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old the fine sands of Allt Doire na Drise before passing the Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the shielings and climbing to the Cairn of Deep Sorrow Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely after which we complete the circle back to the starting views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also point. Take packed lunch. Good footwear important. see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the Booking essential. Meet at Rhu pier, Arisaig. Time: West Highland Line. 11.30am-4pm. Grid ref: NM 627851. Grade C. Adults Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Angus High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Macintyre on 01687 462983 or email angus.macintyre@ 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family highland.gov.uk. £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected].

Celebrate Scotland’s Homecoming Year with a Countryside Ranger walk to a ruin and hear the stories.

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 16 29/01/2014 15:44 LOCHABER LOCH ABAR Tuesday September 23, 2014 Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 3: South Laggan to Fort Augustus At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A transport route for humans and animals for millenia where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is available back to the start of each day for drivers on a first come first served basis. Booking essential. Time: 9am-4.30pm. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email [email protected]. Sunday September 21, 2014 Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 1: Tuesday September 23, 2014 Fort William to Gairlochy Stories of The Fort At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also transport route for humans and animals for millenia see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, West Highland Line. its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN available back to the start of each day for drivers on a 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family first come first served basis. £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 Booking essential. Time: 9am-4.30pm. Grade C. or email [email protected]. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email Tuesday September 30, 2014 [email protected]. Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Monday September 22, 2014 to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 2: some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Gairlochy to South Laggan Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the West Highland Line. Booking preferred. Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN transport route for humans and animals for millenia 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day or email [email protected]. or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is available back to the start of each day for drivers on a first come first served basis. Booking essential. Time: 9am-4.30pm. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 17 29/01/2014 15:44 Tuesday October 28, 2014 Halloween in the Glen, Fort William Bring the whole family to Glen Nevis for a spooky evening of Halloween fun! Prizes for best Fancy Dress and best decorated Pumpkin. Please bring a torch as it will be dark! Suitable for all the family. Meet at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park, Fort William. Time: 6pm-8pm. Grid ref: NN 123729. Grade A., family £8.00. Contact Eilidh-Ann Phillips on 01397 705922 or email [email protected].

Tuesday October 28, 2014 Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN October An Dàmhair 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 Tuesday October 07, 2014 or email [email protected]. Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN Discover Rum 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 with the Community Ranger! Guided walks, talks and events or email [email protected]. throughout the year Visit www.isleofrum.com/wildliferanger.php Tuesday October 21, 2014 for information. Stories of The Fort Volunteering opportunities also available. Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. Enjoy this pleasant walk and discover some of the local history from The Old Fort to Old Inverlochy Castle, then a gentle climb to the top of the Tomnahara grave yard, here you can enjoy some lovely views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding area. Also see the Jacobite steam train on its journey along the West Highland Line. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre, Fort William High Street. Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grid ref: NN 103738. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Angus MacLean on 01397 705922 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 18 29/01/2014 15:44 GREAT GLEN WAY SLIGHE A’ GHLINNE MHÒIR Great Glen Way Slighe a’ Ghlinne Mhòir

TOP 5 MUST SEES Ben Nevis from Corpach Spectacular views, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in Scotland. Inchnacardoch A natural cathedral in the wilds of the Highlands. Old Altsigh bridge A reminder to us all of a more gentle and sedate way of life. Loch Lochy One of the most stunning areas in the Great Glen. Urquhart Castle For centuries this was the site of political control of the Great Glen & Highlands.

©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger

September An t-Sultain Monday September 22, 2014 Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 2: Sunday September 21, 2014 Gairlochy to South Laggan Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 1: Fort William to Gairlochy At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through transport route for humans and animals for millenia the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, transport route for humans and animals for millenia its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day available back to the start of each day for drivers on a or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is first come first served basis. available back to the start of each day for drivers on a first come first served basis. Booking essential. Time: 9am-4.30pm. Grade C. Adult £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Booking essential. Time: 9am-4.30pm. Grade C. Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email Adult £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact [email protected]. Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 19 29/01/2014 15:44 Tuesday September 23, 2014 Thursday September 25, 2014 Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 3: Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 5: South Laggan to Fort Augustus Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A transport route for humans and animals for millenia transport route for humans and animals for millenia where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is available back to the start of each day for drivers on a available back to the start of each day for drivers on a first come first served basis. first come first served basis. Booking essential. Time: 9am-4.30pm. Grade C. Booking essential. Time: 9am-5.30pm. Grade C. Adult £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Adult £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Wednesday September 24, 2014 Friday September 26, 2014 Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 4: Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 6: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston Drumnadrochit to Inverness At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A transport route for humans and animals for millenia transport route for humans and animals for millenia where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is available back to the start of each day for drivers on a available back to the start of each day for drivers on a first come first served basis. first come first served basis. Booking essential. Time: 9.30am-3pm. Grade C. Booking essential. Time: 9am-6pm. Grade C. Adult £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Adult £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Find hidden stories and landscapes with your Countryside Rangers in 2014. 20

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 20 29/01/2014 15:44 WEST HIGHLAND WAY SLIGHE NA GÀIDHEALTACHD AN IAR West Highland Way Gallaibh a Tuath

TOP 5 MUST SEES Black Rock Cottage Enjoy a return walk out over beautiful Blackmount. Buachaille Etive Mor Stunning views from the Old Military Road between Kingshouse & Altnafeadh. Summit of Devils Staircase The routes highest point. Great views of Ben Nevis & the Mamore. Manmore Hill, Kinlochleven Grand views down the fjord-like Loch Leven. Mam Carraigh by Inveroran Panoramic views of Loch Tulla & Blackmount.

©Belmaduthy

Discover something new in Scotland’s Homecoming Year.

Remembereverythinghere...

Plastic Bottles

...can go Paper and Card in here

Tins and Cans

Tel: 01349 886603 Email: [email protected] Web: www.highland.gov.uk

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 21 29/01/2014 15:44 North Caithness Gallaibh a Tuath

TOP 5 MUST SEES Dunnet Head Most northerly point of the British mainland. Seadrift Centre Free public visitor centre focussing on wildlife, geology and local history. Drum Hollistan Largest puffin colony in the area and dramatic sea cliffs. Thurso East World class cold water surfing venue. Holborn Head Dramatic views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney.

©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©Caithness Biodiversity Collection ©Caithness Biodiversity Collection ©HC Ranger

April An Giblean May An Cèitean Saturday April 12, 2014 Sunday May 25, 2014 Dunnet Beach Clean Ship A Hoy Do you enjoy using Dunnet Beach? Then please come Your chance to sail directly from the Scottish mainland along and help other willing volunteers give the beach to the Orkney Island of Hoy on the Pentland Venture a good clean ready for the coming season. Gloves and ferry. Join the Ranger and enjoy a walk to the famous bags provided and a free hot drink available at the ‘Old Man of Hoy’ sea stack or just explore Rackwick Seadrift Centre for helpers. Please come and help! Bay. Great views of sea birds and possibly whales or dolphins during ferry crossings. Walking gear and Meet at the Seadrift Centre and stay as long as you are packed lunch required. able. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade B. Free event. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or Booking essential. Meet at John O’Groats Ferry Office. email [email protected]. Time: 10.15am-6pm. Grid ref: ND 379735. Grade C. £42.00 per person (no conc. available). Contact Paul Friday April 18, 2014 Castle on 01847 821531 or email paul.castle@highland. Alternative Easter Egg-case Hunt, Sandside gov.uk. Sandside Bay in Reay is one of the best places along the North coast to find ‘mermaid’s purses’ especially June An t-Ògmhios common skate egg-cases. Join the local Ranger and let’s see how many egg-cases we can find and identify. No Wednesday June 04, 2014 egg-cases to be removed from site! Dunnet Head to Dwarick Pier Meet at the Car Park by Sandside Harbour. Join the local Countryside Ranger on an evening guided Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 957659. Grade B. Adults walk along the western coastal edge of Dunnet Head £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on to the pier at Dwarick. Fantastic views, lovely plants 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. and birds galore on route passing Chapel Geo and the glorious Peedie Sands beach. Walking gear and a bite to eat is required. Meet at Dunnet Head Car Park. Time: 5pm-9pm. Grid ref: ND 203767. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 22 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH GALLAIBH CAITHNESS A TUATH Friday June 13, 2014 Puffin to Sandside Take an early evening walk with the Countryside Ranger to view the puffins at the largest puffin breeding colony in the area then enjoy a great walk along the coastal edge to Sandside Bay at Reay. Some stunning views, wonderful wildlife and beautiful wildflowers along this hidden part of the north coast. Suitable walking gear required. A vehicle needed to help return drivers to start, please phone if you can help. Meet at the Sutherland and Caithness boundary sign on the A836 north road. Time: 6pm-9pm. Grid ref: NC 921645. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected].

Wednesday June 25, 2014 Puffin Watch Join the local Ranger and walk out to see the largest puffin colony in the area. Hopefully witnessing hundreds of puffins and learn about their life cycle and habits. Telescope provided but bring your own binoculars and camera. Some rough walking, boots required. Limited parking. Booking essential. Meet at the Sutherland and Caithness boundary sign on the A836 north road. Time: 6pm-8pm. Grid ref: NC 921645. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. Wednesday July 16, 2014 Friday June 27, 2014 Mask Making, Seadrift Puffin Watch Let you imagination run wild and have some fun making Join the local Ranger and walk out to see the largest your very own mask from everyday items here at the puffin colony in the area. Hopefully witnessing hundreds Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. All materials are of puffins and learn about their life cycle and habits. provided, just bring your imagination. All children must Telescope provided but bring your own binoculars and be accompanied. Limited numbers. camera. Some rough walking, boots required. Limited Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Centre in parking. Dunnet bay. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 219706. Booking essential. Meet at the Sutherland and Grade C. Children £2.00. Adults go free with Caithness boundary sign on the A836 north road. accompanying children. Contact Paul Castle on Time: 6pm-8pm. Grid ref: NC 921645. Grade C. Adults 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. Wednesday July 16, 2014 Sandside Head Sea Watch July An t-luchar Join the local Countryside Ranger and use our telescope to look for whales and dolphins from Tuesday July 08, 2014 Sandside Head at Reay. Learn about which species are Peek in the Pond seen in our northern waters and discover how you A ‘Pond Life’ family event including pond dipping and could help in their conservation. Telescopes provided activities. but bring your own binoculars and cameras. Booking essential. Meet at Dunnet Forest. Time: 11am- Meet at Sandside Harbour Car Park. Time: 3pm-5pm. 12pm. Grid ref: ND 222698. Grade A. Children £2.00. Grid ref: NC 957659. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. Adults go free with accompanying children, family £5.00. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on Contact Marina Swanson on 01847 821531 or email 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 23 29/01/2014 15:45 Enjoy Scotland’s National Nature Reserves Meal Tèarmainn Nàdair Nàiseanta na h-Alba

Creag a’ Chnocain Beinn Eighe Knockan Crag Beinn Eighe

Rannsaich dìomhairean na Cruinne Faic seann choilltean-giuthais agus aig an làrach ainmeil seo. Discover seallaidhean ri taobh Loch Ma-Ruibhe. the secrets of the Earth at this world See ancient pinewoods and scenery famous site. by Loch Maree.

• Ionad-tadhail agus slighean (fosgailte fad • Ionad-tadhail (fosgailte Giblean – na bliadhna) Dàmhair) agus slighe nan comasan uile • Ann an Geo-phàirc Iar-thuath na • Slighean fèin-treòraichte ann an coilltean Gàidhealtachd is beanntan • 13 mìltean tuath air Ullapul (rathad • 2 mhìle iar-thuath air Ceann Loch Iù A835) (rathad A832)

SNH Ullapul, fòn 01854 613418 SNH Ceann Loch Iù, fòn 01445 760254

• Visitor Centre and • Visitor Centre (open April – October) and trails (open all year) all-abilities trail • In the North West • Self-guided woodland and mountain Highlands Geopark trails • 13 miles north of • 2 miles north west of Kinlochewe (A832 Ullapool (A835 road) road) SNH Kinlochewe, tel 01445 760254 SNH Ullapool, tel 01854 613418

www.nnr-scotland.org.uk

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 24 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH GALLAIBH CAITHNESS A TUATH Tuesday July 22, 2014 Fairies & Wizards of Dunnet Forest Children’s event most suitable for under 8’s. Come for a magical time in the Dunnet Forest with sensory activities. Booking essential. Meet at Dunnet Forest. Time: 11am- 12pm. Grid ref: ND 222698. Grade A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with accompanying children, family £5.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 01847 821531 or email [email protected]

Wednesday July 23, 2014 Thurso Rock Pools This is a family event, use our nets or bring your own and have fun discovering the underwater creatures of Thurso rock pools. Learn about their fascinating lives and see just how many different species we can find. Wear welly boots and wrap up warm. All children must be accompanied. Booking essential. Meet at east side of Thurso River by Tuesday July 29, 2014 Caithness Livestock Breeders Shop. Time: 11am-1pm. The Nursery Rhyme Trail Grid ref: ND 124687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Children’s event most suitable for children under 6. Sing, £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 rhyme and chime round the trail of the Dunnet Forest. 821531 or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Dunnet Forest. Time: 11am- 12pm. Grid ref: ND 222698. Grade A. Children £2.00. Wednesday July 23, 2014 Adults go free with accompanying children, family £5.00. Holborn Head Sea Watch Contact Kirsty Rosie on 01847 821531 or email Use our telescope and also bring your binoculars to [email protected]. help the Countryside Ranger look for whales and dolphins from this Thurso sea watching hot spot. Learn Wednesday July 30, 2014 about the various species we may see and discover Kite Making, Seadrift how you could help in their conservation. Wrap up Have fun with the Countryside Ranger making warm and bring binoculars if you have them. and flying your very own kite using everyday Meet at bottom of road up to the lighthouse (please household items. All materials provided but booking do not drive to the lighthouse). Time: 3pm-5pm. Grid is essential due to limited numbers. All children must ref: ND 107706. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, be accompanied. Kite flying will take place only if family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 conditions are suitable. or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Centre in Dunnet Bay. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 219706. Thursday July 24, 2014 Grade A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with Bush craft ‘pioneer’, Dunnet accompanying children. Contact Paul Castle on Let’s build stuff! Cord, knots, lashes and shelters. 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. Unsuitable for under 6’s due to sharp implements. Booking essential. Meet at Dunnet Forest Car Park. Wednesday July 30, 2014 Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 221698. Grade B. Adults Wild about Thurso £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Kirsty Rosie on Join the local Countryside Ranger to enjoy a relaxed 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. walk around Thurso to see some of the varied wildlife to be found at the shore and along Thurso River. There are a surprising amount of birds, plants and other wildlife to see and take a closer look at using our telescope. Meet at the sea mouth of the Thurso River near the fish shop. Time: 2.30pm-5pm. Grid ref: ND 121688. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 25 29/01/2014 15:45 Thursday August 14, 2014 Bushcraft ‘volcano’ Did you know Caithness has volcanic vents? Learn fire lighting skills and create your own smouldering volcanoes by the lava rocks at Sannick. Unsuitable for under 6’s due to fire danger. Booking essential. Meet at Sannick beach layby, on road to Duncansby Light House. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 400733. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Kirsty Rosie on 01847 821531 or email [email protected].

Wednesday August 20, 2014 Duncansby Head Sea Watch Come along to this local Caithness hot spot at low tide and help the local Countryside Ranger look for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Use our telescope to get a great view and learn about the species found here. Wrap up warm and bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at Duncansby Head car park. Time: 12pm-2pm. Thursday July 31, 2014 Grid ref: ND 405734. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Bush craft ‘cook’, Dunnet £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. Cook and eat outdoors - learn to make tea, bread and treats. Unsuitable for under 6’s due to fire danger. Booking essential. Meet at Dunnet Forest Car Park. September An t-Sultain Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 221698. Grade B. Adults Friday September 05, 2014 £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Kirsty Rosie on Achvarasdal Woodland Bat Walk 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. Achvarasdal Woodland is a haven for these intriguing creatures of the night. Use our bat detectors and August An Lùnastal help us search for these fascinating flying mammals. Wear warm clothing and bring a torch. Very weather Thursday August 07, 2014 dependent. Dunnet Viking Ventures Booking essential. Meet at the Achvarasdal Woodland Bring along your enthusiasm and a sense of fun to entrance. Time: 8pm-9.30pm. Grid ref: NC 982649. succeed in the various challenges against other young Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Vikings. Let’s see if your crew have what it takes to Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email paul. be crowned Dunnet Viking Victors. All kids must be [email protected]. accompanied. Limited numbers. Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Centre in Friday September 12, 2014 Dunnet bay. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 219706. Castle of Mey Bat Walk Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Join the local Countryside Ranger for an evening walk Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email to see if we can find any bats around the Castle of Mey [email protected]. in Caithness. Bring a torch and wear warm clothing. Very weather dependent. Wednesday August 13, 2014 Willow Fish at the Seadrift Centre Booking essential. Meet at the Castle of Mey side entrance by main Car Park. Time: 8pm-9.30pm. Grid ref: Come along to the Seadrift Centre in Dunnet bay ND 289739. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family and create your very own colourful fish work of art £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email from willow and tissue paper. All materials provided, [email protected]. limited numbers. Meet at the Seadrift Centre in Dunnet bay. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with accompanying children. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 26 29/01/2014 15:45 EAST CAITHNESS GALLAIBH EAST CAITHNESS AN EAR East Caithness Gallaibh an Ear

TOP 5 MUST SEES Keiss Castle A beautiful ruin with picturesque harbour and sandy beach nearby. Ousdale Burn Hidden in a gorge between the Ousdale broch and the abandoned Ousdale village. River Thurso at Spectacular setting of the now completely disappeared castle. Dirlot Castle Bucholly Castle Near Freswick but hidden from view until you get close by. near Freswick Shingle Beach Berriedale At the bottom of Berriedale Water is one of the hidden gems in the country.

©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger

April An Giblean May An Cèitean Sunday April 20, 2014 Friday May 09, 2014 Family Easter Treasure Hunt Bilbster to Wick Visit beautiful Geise woodland near Glengolly. Search Follow the river downstream from Bilbster to Wick for clues and eggs of all descriptions! Bay. We’ll stroll the fisherman’s beats at a leisurely pace, Booking essential. Meet at Geise farm. Time: 2pm-3pm. in contrast to the spring run fish struggling upstream. Grid ref: ND 109649. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. Please bring lunch and sturdy footwear. Booking £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 07818 essential to pool cars. Drivers taken back to the start. 588256 or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given on booking. Time: 11am-4pm. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family Sunday April 27, 2014 £8.00. Contact Kirsty Rosie on 01955 604588 or email Caithness Countryside Volunteers - [email protected]. Wick River Giant Hogweed Control Help control the invasive Giant Hogweed along Sunday May 11, 2014 sections of the Wick riverside. Training will be given by Berriedale Water John Parrott from Collie Alba on how to sever roots, Follow the Berriedale river from Braemore down to before splitting into smaller groups to survey the river Berriedale. Enjoy a low level hill walk with river views bank. Protective gloves/googles provided but please and old settlements. Bring a packed lunch, walking boots wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch. and outdoor clothing. Meet at Bilbster Farm. Time: 10.30am-4pm. Grid Booking essential. Meet at Braemore phone box ref: ND 281531. Grade B. Free event. Contact lay-by. Time: 11am-4pm. Grid ref: ND 074305. Marina Swanson on 01955 604588 or email Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact [email protected]. Marina Swanson on 07818 588256 or email [email protected].

Have you made a list of things you want to see in the countryside this year? 27

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 27 29/01/2014 15:45 Sunday June 15, 2014 Flower Power of Dunbeath Be dazzled by a beautiful slide show by local photographer Ken Crossan on Caithness Wildflowers. Learn some tricks of the trade by joining him and the local Ranger on a walk to discover some of the wonderful wildflowers growing on our doorstep. Bring a packed lunch. Booking essential. Meet at Dunbeath Heritage Centre. Time: 11am-3.30pm. Grid ref: ND 158295. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 01955 604588 or email [email protected]. Sunday May 18, 2014 Seashore Shenanigans, Keiss Saturday June 21, 2014 Family day exploring the seashore with fun activities Old Wick to Old Pulteney for all. Parking limited at harbour. Did you know Pulteneytown’s mill lade is the longest Meet at Keiss harbour area. Time: 10am-12pm. in Scotland? Beginning at Old Wick Castle, follow the Grid ref: ND 350610. Grade B. Free event. water in Telford’s historic lade to the distillery, where Contact Marina Swanson on 01955 604588 or Old Pulteney staff will share the secrets of transforming email [email protected]. it into ‘the water of life’. Take in fine cliff top views, nesting birds and maritime flora on the way. Places Monday May 26, 2014 limited. Unsuitable for children under 8. Drivers Duncansby to Skirza returned to start. Beautiful cliff top walk from Stacks of Duncansby to Booking essential. Meet at Castle of Old Wick Car Skirza harbour. Amazing seabird colonies and dramatic Park. Time: 10.30am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 374492. Grade coastal scenery. Walking boots/waterproofs essential. B. Adults £9.00, conc. £8.00. Contact Kirsty Rosie on Bring a packed lunch. 01955 604588 or email [email protected]. Meet at Duncansby Head Lighthouse Car Park. Time: Tuesday June 24, 2014 11am-4pm. Grid ref: ND 405735. Grade B. Adults Corbigoe Cliffs £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 07818 588256 or email [email protected]. A stunning section of coast with abundant wildflowers, seabirds and spectacular natural arch. Please bring binoculars and snack. Wear walking boots. June An t-Ògmhios Meet at Sarclet Haven layby. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 350433. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Monday June 02, 2014 £8.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 01955 604588 or Puffin Skies & Pies! email [email protected]. Enjoy an illustrated talk on ‘Caithness Seabirds’ with some coffee/tea and home baking before taking a short walk to view a Puffin colony. July An t-Iuchar Booking essential. Meet at Laidhay Tearooms. Time: Monday July 07, 2014 7.30pm-9pm. Grid ref: ND 175308. Grade A. Adults Peek in the Pond £6.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 01955 604588 or email [email protected]. A ‘Pond Life’ family event including pond dipping and activities. Monday June 09, 2014 Booking essential. Meet at Newtonhill Woodland Food with the Fulmars, Old Wick Car park. Time: 11am-12pm. Grid ref: ND 362511. A short but rough walk along the cliff past the Castle of Grade A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with Old Wick to sit and view a spectacular seabird colony. accompanying children, family £5.00. Contact Watch the birds soaring above your head with dramatic Marina Swanson on 01847 821531 or email coastal scenery including a natural arch and caves. [email protected]. Please bring a packed lunch and wear boots. Meet at Castle of Old Wick Car Park. Time: 12pm-2pm. Grid ref: ND 374492. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 01955 604588 or email [email protected]. 28

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 28 29/01/2014 15:45 East Caithn August An Lùnastal Friday August 22, 2014 Stroll the Strath, Dunbeath Enjoy this circular route around an ancient beauty e

spot, with a wealth of wildlife, archaeology and folklore. ss Gallaibh an Follow the river up stream and cross over to the pretty south bank, returning via the Braemore Road and Dunbeath Heritage museum. Wear walking boots and bring your lunch. Meet at the Old Mill Car Park. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: ND 160300. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Kirsty Rosie on 01955 604588 Ear or email [email protected].

Friday August 29, 2014 Batty About Bats, Thrumster Enjoy a slide show about our fabulous midge munchers before a wander round Thrumster woods in search of the tiny flying mammals. Please bring torch and wear stout footwear. Event is weather dependent. Booking essential. Meet at Thrumster House. Time: 8.30pm-9.30pm. Grid ref: ND 332452. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Friday July 11, 2014 Marina Swanson on 01847 821531 or email Stacks and Seabirds, Duncansby [email protected]. A cliff top walk with excellent coastal views of the Pentland Firth and spectacular stacks of Duncansby. Saturday August 30, 2014 Discover the breeding seabird colonies along the way Forgotten Achastle, Lybster coast where puffins are often seen. A cliff top walk to the old herring station of Achastle on Meet at Duncansby Head Light House Car Park. Time: the look out for whales, dolphins and maritime plantlife. 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: ND 404733. Grade B. Adults £3.00, Meet at Waterlines Heritage Centre Car Park. Time: conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Kirsty Rosie on 10.30am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 244349. Grade B. Adults 01955 604588 or email [email protected]. £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Kirsty Rosie on 01955 604588 or email [email protected]. Monday July 21, 2014 Fairies & Wizards of the Wick River Children’s event most suitable for under 8’s. Come September An t-Sultain for a magical time up the Wick Riverside with sensory activities. Friday September 05, 2014 Midge Munchers and Marshmallows, Booking essential. Meet at the boating shed at Wick Bat walk, Latheronwheel riverside. Time: 11am-12pm. Grid ref: ND 362511. A moonlit search around the harbour and woods Grade A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with for these flying mammals with a taste for midges. accompanying children, family £5.00. Contact Marshmallow toasting to finish. Marina Swanson on 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Latheronwheel Harbour. Time: 7.45pm-9pm. Grid ref: ND 191322. Grade B. Monday July 28, 2014 Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact The Nursery Rhyme Trail Kirsty Rosie on 01955 604588 or email [email protected]. Children’s event most suitable for children under 6. Sing, rhyme and chime round the trail of the Wick riverside. . Learn new skills and Booking essential. Meet at the boating shed at Wick riverside. Time: 11am-12pm. Grid ref: meet new people on a ND 362511. Grade A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with accompanying children, family £5.00. Volunteer Path day with Contact Kirsty Rosie on 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. the Countryside Ranger. 29

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 29 30/01/2014 15:45 Sunday September 14, 2014 Fossil Fish Forray Search for the remains of creatures older than the dinosaurs! Learn about the fascinating fossil fish of the Caithness beds and try to find a specimen to take home . Meet at Achannaras Quarry Car Park. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: ND 157536. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 07818 588256 or email [email protected]. October An Dàmhair Saturday October 04, 2014 Friday September 26, 2014 Loch of Yarrows to Whaligoe Nights Noctural Nature, Geise A walk through history in classic Caithness landscape. A short night walk on the look out for the animals of The route is peppered with archaelogical sites spanning the night. Listen for their calls and try to spot them several thousand years; burial cairns, broch, a hill fort hiding in the woodlands. Suitable for family groups. and ending at the breath taking steps at Whaligoe Bring torch and wear stout footwear. Event weather harbour. Rough hill walking in parts. Bring lunch and dependent. walking boots. Drivers returned to start. Booking essential. Meet at Geise Farm. Time: 8pm-9pm. Booking essential. Meet at Loch of Yarrows Car Grid ref: ND 109649. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. Park. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: ND 307433. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Marina Swanson on 07818 Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. 588256 or email [email protected]. Contact Kirsty Rosie on 01955 604588 or email [email protected].

Taste the salt air, wander the white beaches and hear the sand squeak beneath you on a walk with the local Ranger.

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 30 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH WEST SUTHERLAND CATAIBH AN IAR-THUATH North West Sutherland Cataibh an Iar-thuath

TOP 5 MUST SEES Handa Island Spectacular seabird island, one of the best places to see birds in the north. Traigh Allt Chailgaeg Fascinating gorgeous beach with a remarkable cliff backdrop. Scourie Bay Quiet safe bay rich in rock-pools and wildlife. Smoo Cave at Durness Massive sea cave of phenomenal proportions. Talmine Bay Secluded, very quiet and very beautiful.

©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger

April An Giblean Tuesday April 29, 2014 Castle Bharraich Tuesday April 08, 2014 Talmine guided walk Guided walk to this enigmatic ruin and beyond to the hill above. Very beautiful coastal walk in an exquisite remote location, cliffs, beaches, moorland. Meet at Tongue village car park near the bank. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 592566. Meet at Talmine pier car park (please do not block Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. access). Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 588632. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. email [email protected]. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected]. May An Cèitean Thursday April 10, 2014 Thursday May 08, 2014 Scourie - Garnets and dikes Scourie - north shore Coastal walk, fine views, seabirds, geology, wild flowers, Guided coastal walk with outstanding views, moorland, signs of Otters. seabirds, bit of geology, rough walking - no paths. Meet at Scourie beach bird hide. Time: 10.30am-1pm. Meet at Scourie pier car park. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 152466. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Grid ref: NC 155448. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected]. 511756 or email [email protected]. Wednesday April 16, 2014 Thursday May 15, 2014 Ceannabienne clearance township Scourie - seacliffs Fascinating leisurely guided walk, local history, fine views, Guided coastal walk, excellent views, sea caves, seabirds, gorgeous beach, wildlife. Otter signs. Meet at roadside car park four miles east of Durness Meet at Free Church car park at the south end of on the A838. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NC Scourie village. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: 437657. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family NC 152434. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 email [email protected]. 511756 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 31 29/01/2014 15:45 June An t-Ògmhios Monday June 02, 2014 Durness Puffin walk Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Faraid Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach and returning through the amazing dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected].

Tuesday June 03, 2014 Kyle of Durness Coastal guided walk on the machair and limestone, flowers, birds, geology. Meet at Durness Golf Course car park. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 389687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected].

Monday May 19, 2014 Thursday June 05, 2014 Durness Puffin walk Scourie - Garnets and dikes Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Coastal walk, fine views, seabirds, geology, wild flowers, Faraid Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach signs of Otters. and returning through the amazing dunes. Meet at Scourie beach bird hide. Time: 10.30am-1pm. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 152466. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected]. 511756 or email [email protected]. Monday June 09, 2014 Monday May 26, 2014 Durness Puffin walk Durness Puffin walk Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Faraid Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Faraid Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach and Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach and returning through the amazing dunes. returning through the amazing dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm- 4pm. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected]. 511756 or email [email protected]. Tuesday June 10, 2014 Thursday May 29, 2014 Talmine guided walk Scourie - Garnets and dikes Very beautiful coastal walk in an exquisite remote Coastal walk, fine views, seabirds, geology, wild flowers, location, cliffs, beaches, moorland. signs of Otters. Meet at Talmine pier car park (please do not block Meet at Scourie beach bird hide. Time: 10.30am-1pm. access). Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 588632. Grid ref: NC 152466. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email 511756 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Discover something new in Scotland’s Homecoming Year.

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 32 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH WEST SUTHERLAND CATAIBH AN IAR-THUATH Thursday June 26, 2014 Scourie - seacliffs Guided coastal walk, excellent views, sea caves, seabirds, Otter signs. Meet at Free Church car park at the south end of Scourie village. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 152434. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected].

Monday June 30, 2014 Durness Puffin walk Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Faraid Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach and returning through the amazing dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 Thursday June 12, 2014 511756 or email [email protected]. Scourie - north shore Guided coastal walk with outstanding views, moorland, seabirds, bit of geology, rough walking - no paths. July An t-Iuchar Meet at Scourie pier car park. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Thursday July 03, 2014 Grid ref: NC 155448. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. Scourie - Garnets and dikes £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected]. Coastal walk, fine views, seabirds, geology, wild flowers, signs of Otters. Monday June 16, 2014 Meet at Scourie beach bird hide. Time: 10.30am-1pm. Durness Puffin walk Grid ref: NC 152466. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 Faraid Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach 511756 or email [email protected]. and returning through the amazing dunes. Monday July 14, 2014 Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Durness Puffin walk Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Faraid 511756 or email [email protected]. Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach and returning through the amazing dunes. Monday June 23, 2014 Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Durness Puffin walk Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 Faraid Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach 511756 or email [email protected]. and returning through the amazing dunes. Tuesday July 15, 2014 Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Talmine guided walk Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 Very beautiful coastal walk in an exquisite remote 511756 or email [email protected]. location, cliffs, beaches, moorland. Meet at Talmine pier car park (please do not block Tuesday June 24, 2014 access). Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 588632. Oldshoremore flowers Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Guided walk across dunes and machair amongst Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email masses of flowers returning via the beautiful beach. [email protected]. Meet at Oldshoremore car park 3km north of Kinlochbervie. Time: 10.30am-1pm. Grid ref: NC 203585. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 33 29/01/2014 15:45 Thursday July 17, 2014 Thursday July 31, 2014 Scourie - north shore Scourie - seacliffs Guided coastal walk with outstanding views, moorland, Guided coastal walk, excellent views, sea caves, seabirds, seabirds, bit of geology, rough walking - no paths. Otter signs. Meet at Scourie pier car park. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Meet at Free Church car park at the south end of Grid ref: NC 155448. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. Scourie village. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 NC 152434. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, 511756 or email [email protected]. family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected]. Monday July 21, 2014 Durness Puffin walk Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Faraid August An Lùnastal Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach and Monday August 04, 2014 returning through the amazing dunes. Durness Puffin walk Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Final guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Faraid Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 and returning through the amazing dunes. 511756 or email [email protected]. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Wednesday July 23, 2014 £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 The Snail & The Whale 511756 or email [email protected]. This is the tale of the tiny snail and the great big grey- blue humpback whale; theatre workshop for families Tuesday August 05, 2014 with children 4-10yrs. Oldshoremore flowers Meet at Durness Visitor Information Centre. Time: Guided walk across dunes and machair amongst 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 406677. Grade A. Children masses of flowers returning via the beautiful beach. £2.00. Adults go free with accompanying children. Meet at Oldshoremore car park 3km north of Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email Kinlochbervie. Time: 10.30am-1pm. Grid ref: NC [email protected]. 203585. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 Monday July 28, 2014 or email [email protected]. Durness Puffin walk Guided walk to visit the small colony of Puffins at Faraid Head, walking across beautiful Balnakeil beach and returning through the amazing dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 34 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH WEST SUTHERLAND CATAIBH AN IAR-THUATH Tuesday August 12, 2014 The Watch Hill - Tongue Guided hill walk (307m), fantastic views over the Kyle of Tongue, moorland, wildlife, plants, birds. Meet at roadside car park at Coldbackie on the A836. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 609601. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected].

Thursday August 14, 2014 Scourie - Garnets and dikes Coastal walk, fine views, seabirds, geology, wild flowers, signs of Otters. Meet at Scourie beach bird hide. Time: 10.30am-1pm. Thursday August 21, 2014 Grid ref: NC 152466. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Scourie - north shore £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 Guided coastal walk with outstanding views, moorland, 511756 or email [email protected]. seabirds, bit of geology, rough walking - no paths. Tuesday August 19, 2014 Meet at Scourie pier car park. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Talmine guided walk Grid ref: NC 155448. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 Very beautiful coastal walk in an exquisite remote 511756 or email [email protected]. location, cliffs, beaches, moorland. Meet at Talmine pier car park (please do not block access). Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 588632. September An t-Sultain Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email Tuesday September 09, 2014 [email protected]. Loch A’Mhuilinn NNR Guided walk in the most northerly oakwood in Scotland, rich in a great variety of wildlife, with fine views too. Meet at the NNR car park just off the main A894 four miles south of Scourie. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 171400. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or email [email protected].

Tuesday September 16, 2014 Faraid Head dunes Mystery walk amongst a myriad of sand dunes, old bones and gorgeous beaches. FREE FOR 2014 Meet at Balnakeil beach car park by Durness. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC 392687. Opening Hours Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. April - October inclusive Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 or Monday - Friday 10am-5pm email [email protected]. Saturday 11am-4pm Winter and all other times, by appointment Thursday September 18, 2014 Groups welcome Scourie - seacliffs 1 High Street Guided coastal walk, excellent views, sea caves, seabirds, Elgin Otter signs. Moray IV30 1EQ Scotland Meet at Free Church car park at the south end of Tel. 01343 543675 Scourie village. Time: 10.30am-1.30pm. Grid ref: NC [email protected] 152434. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family www.elginmuseum.org.uk £8.00. Contact Donald Mitchell on 01971 511756 One of Scotland’s Oldest Independent Museums or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 35 29/01/2014 15:45 North Sutherland Cataibh a Tuath

TOP 5 MUST SEES Coldbackie Beach Golden sands and hidden waterfall. Ben Loyal Queen of the Scottish Mountains. Farr Glebe Bumblebee reserve at Bettyhill packed with wonderful wildflowers in July. Poulouriscaig Atmospheric deserted post-clearance village near Armadale. Strathy Priest’s Stone Early Christianised carved stone on hillside.

©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger

April An Giblean Tuesday May 06, 2014 Guided Walk Sunday April 27, 2014 4x4 Safari Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Last Sunday of the Month (April-Aug) - Our staff led peatlands and learn about our conservation work 4x4 Safari is one of the best ways to explore the nature to protect and restore them. Please come prepared reserve. Join us to learn more about the vast peatlands for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and and our conservation work. Please phone the reserve waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a office to book in advance and make us aware of any trail or path and is over open peatland. special requirements that you might have. Price includes tea/coffee and delicious home baking. Limited number Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- of spaces. 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor or email [email protected]. Centre. Time: 12pm-3pm. Grid ref: NC891425. £20.00 per person. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 Monday May 12, 2014 or email [email protected]. Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to May An Cèitean explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Monday May 05, 2014 peatlands and learn about our conservation work Guided Walk to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the trail or path and is over open peatland. peatlands and learn about our conservation work Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- to protect and restore them. Please come prepared 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow or email [email protected]. a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 36 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH SUTHERLAND CATAIBH A TUATH Tuesday May 13, 2014 Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

Wednesday May 14, 2014 Sunday May 25, 2014 Portskerra to Strathy Bay 4x4 Safari Stunning coastal walk with the remains of a Last Sunday of the Month (April-Aug) - Our staff led promontory fort, lime kilns, fantastic views and lots of 4x4 Safari is one of the best ways to explore the nature wildlife. Suitable walking gear needed. Vehicle required reserve. Join us to learn more about the vast peatlands returning drivers to start – please call if you can help. and our conservation work. Please phone the reserve office to book in advance and make us aware of any Meet at Melvich Hall Car Park. Time: 5pm-9pm. Grid special requirements that you might have. Price includes ref: NC 876650. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, tea/coffee and delicious home baking. Limited number family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 of spaces. or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Monday May 19, 2014 Centre. Time: 12pm-3pm. Grid ref: NC891425. £20.00 Guided Walk per person. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to or email [email protected]. explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work Monday May 26, 2014 to protect and restore them. Please come prepared Guided Walk for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the trail or path and is over open peatland. peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 trail or path and is over open peatland. or email [email protected]. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- Tuesday May 20, 2014 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Guided Walk conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to or email [email protected]. explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work Tuesday May 27, 2014 to protect and restore them. Please come prepared Guided Walk for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the trail or path and is over open peatland. peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 trail or path and is over open peatland. or email [email protected]. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 37 29/01/2014 15:45 June An t-Ògmhios Tuesday June 10, 2014 Guided Walk Monday June 02, 2014 Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to peatlands and learn about our conservation work explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the to protect and restore them. Please come prepared peatlands and learn about our conservation work for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and to protect and restore them. Please come prepared waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and trail or path and is over open peatland. waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, or email [email protected]. conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. Wednesday June 11, 2014 Invernaver Walk Tuesday June 03, 2014 Enjoy this lovely walk to see wonderful wildflowers Guided Walk and one of the best beaches in north Sutherland. Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Have a bite to eat sitting in the remains of a Broch explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the with stunning views over the River Naver and beyond. peatlands and learn about our conservation work Some steep climbs and descents during this walk. to protect and restore them. Please come prepared Suitable walking gear and a packed lunch is needed. for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and Meet at the River Naver bridge Car Park near waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a Bettyhill. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 710603. trail or path and is over open peatland. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £8.00. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, [email protected]. conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. Monday June 16, 2014 Guided Walk Monday June 09, 2014 Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to

Guided Walk explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to peatlands and learn about our conservation work explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the to protect and restore them. Please come prepared peatlands and learn about our conservation work for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and to protect and restore them. Please come prepared waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and trail or path and is over open peatland. waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- trail or path and is over open peatland. 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, or email [email protected]. conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 38 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH SUTHERLAND CATAIBH A TUATH Tuesday June 17, 2014 Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

Monday June 23, 2014 Monday June 30, 2014 Guided Walk Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a trail or path and is over open peatland. trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, 4:45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. or email [email protected].

Tuesday June 24, 2014 Guided Walk July An t-Iuchar Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Tuesday July 01, 2014 explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Guided Walk peatlands and learn about our conservation work Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to to protect and restore them. Please come prepared explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and peatlands and learn about our conservation work waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a to protect and restore them. Please come prepared trail or path and is over open peatland. for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, a trail or path and is over open peatland. conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- or email [email protected]. 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 Sunday June 29, 2014 or email [email protected]. 4x4 Safari Last Sunday of the Month (April-Aug) - Our staff led Monday July 07, 2014 4x4 Safari is one of the best ways to explore the nature Guided Walk reserve. Join us to learn more about the vast peatlands Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to and our conservation work. Please phone the reserve explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the office to book in advance and make us aware of any peatlands and learn about our conservation work special requirements that you might have. Price includes to protect and restore them. Please come prepared tea/coffee and delicious home baking. Limited number for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and of spaces. waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor trail or path and is over open peatland. Centre. Time: 12pm-3pm. Grid ref: NC891425. £20.00 Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- per person. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, or email [email protected]. conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. 39

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 39 29/01/2014 15:45 Tuesday July 08, 2014 Friday July 18, 2014 Guided Walk Scullomie to Sletell Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Coastal hill walk along the east side of the Kyle of explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Tongue out to the abandoned post-clearance village of peatlands and learn about our conservation work Sletell. Wonderful views over the Kyle and Island Roan to protect and restore them. Please come prepared and lots of wildlife to enjoy on this lovely walk. Suitable for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and walking gear required. waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a Meet at the roadside parking area above Coldbackie trail or path and is over open peatland. Beach to pool transport due to limited parking at Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- Scullomie. Time: 3pm-6pm. Grid ref: NC 612601. 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Monday July 14, 2014 Monday July 21, 2014 Guided Walk Portskerra to Melvich Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll with the Countryside explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Ranger with time to take a good look at the many peatlands and learn about our conservation work wonderful plants and other wildlife found along this to protect and restore them. Please come prepared stretch of the north coast. One section of rocky shore for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and to navigate, walking boots recommended. waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a Meet at Portskerra old harbour slipway (not the pier). trail or path and is over open peatland. Time: 6pm-9pm. Grid ref: NC 877664. Grade B. Adults Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. Monday July 21, 2014 Guided Walk Tuesday July 15, 2014 Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Guided Walk explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to peatlands and learn about our conservation work explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the to protect and restore them. Please come prepared peatlands and learn about our conservation work for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and to protect and restore them. Please come prepared waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and trail or path and is over open peatland. waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- trail or path and is over open peatland. 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, or email [email protected]. conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. Tuesday July 22, 2014 Guided Walk Friday July 18, 2014 Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Mask Making explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the Let your imagination run wild and have some fun peatlands and learn about our conservation work making your very own mask from everyday items at to protect and restore them. Please come prepared the Borgie Log Cabins in Borgie Forest. All materials are for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and provided, just bring your imagination. All children must waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a be accompanied. Limited numbers. trail or path and is over open peatland. Booking essential. Meet at Borgie Forest Log Cabins Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- Car Park. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: NC 663565. Grade 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with accompanying conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 children. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or or email [email protected]. email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 40 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH SUTHERLAND CATAIBH A TUATH Monday July 28, 2014 Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

Friday July 25, 2014 Tuesday July 29, 2014 Kite Making Guided Walk Have fun with the Countryside Ranger making Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to and flying your very own kite using everyday explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the household items. All materials provided but booking peatlands and learn about our conservation work is essential due to limited numbers. All children must to protect and restore them. Please come prepared be accompanied. Kite flying will take place only if for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and conditions are suitable. waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a Booking essential. Meet at Borgie Log Cabins Car trail or path and is over open peatland. Park. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: NC 663565. Grade Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with accompanying 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, children. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 email [email protected]. or email [email protected]. Friday July 25, 2014 Skerray Coast August An Lùnastal Enjoy a great guided walk along the coastal edge at Skerray. Fantastic views of the north coast and superb Friday August 01, 2014 wildflowers and geology to enjoy en route. Suitable Portskerra Sea Watch walking gear and a reasonable level of fitness required. Use our telescope and also bring your own binoculars to help look for whales, dolphins and porpoises from Meet at Skerray Village Hall. Time: 2pm-5pm. Grid ref: the Rubha Bhrà headland at Portskerra near Melvich. NC 672626. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Learn about the species found here and discover how £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email you can help in their conservation. Wrap up warm and [email protected]. stay as long as you are able. Sunday July 27, 2014 Meet at Portskerra old harbour slipway (not the pier). 4x4 Safari Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: NC 877664. Grade B. Adults Last Sunday of the Month (April-Aug) - Our staff led £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 4x4 Safari is one of the best ways to explore the nature 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. reserve. Join us to learn more about the vast peatlands and our conservation work. Please phone the reserve Friday August 01, 2014 office to book in advance and make us aware of any Portskerra Rock Pools special requirements that you might have. Price includes This is a family event. Use our nets or bring your own tea/coffee and delicious home baking. Limited number and have fun discovering the underwater creatures of of spaces. Portskerra rock pools. Learn about their fascinating lives and see just how many different species we can find. Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Wear welly boots and wrap up warm. All children must Centre. Time: 12pm-3pm. Grid ref: NC891425. £20.00 be accompanied. per person. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Portskerra old harbour slipway (not the pier). Time: 3pm-5pm. Grid ref: NC 877664. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 41 29/01/2014 15:45 Monday August 04, 2014 Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

Tuesday August 05, 2014 Tuesday August 12, 2014 Guided Walk Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow trail or path and is over open peatland. a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. or email [email protected].

Wednesday August 06, 2014 Thursday August 14, 2014 Melvich Viking Ventures Strathy Point Sea Watch Bring along your enthusiasm and a sense of fun to Come along to this local North Sutherland hot spot succeed in the various challenges against other young at high tide and help the local Countryside Ranger Vikings. Let’s see if your crew have what it takes to look for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Use our be crowned Melvich Viking Victors. All kids must be telescope to get a great view and learn about accompanied. Book early due to limited numbers. the species found here. Wrap up warm and bring binoculars if you have them. Booking essential. Meet at Melvich Beach Car Park. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: NC887648. Grade B. Adults Meet at Strathy Point lighthouse (do not drive to £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on lighthouse). Time: 12pm-2pm. Grid ref: NC 827697. 01847 821531 or email [email protected]. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email Monday August 11, 2014 [email protected]. Guided Walk Monday August 18, 2014 Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to Guided Walk explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to to protect and restore them. Please come prepared explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and peatlands and learn about our conservation work waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a to protect and restore them. Please come prepared trail or path and is over open peatland. for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- a trail or path and is over open peatland. 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- or email [email protected]. 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 42 29/01/2014 15:45 NORTH SUTHERLAND CATAIBH A TUATH Friday August 29, 2014 Bettyhill Bat Walk Use our bat detectors as we walk around Bettyhill searching for the evening midge-munchers found here. Learn about the species found here and let’s dismiss some of the old wives tales about bats. Wrap up warm and bring a torch. Very weather dependent. Booking essential. Meet at Bettyhill war memorial Car Park. Time: 8pm-9.30pm. Grid ref: NC 705618. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 or email [email protected].

Sunday August 31, 2014 Tuesday August 19, 2014 4x4 Safari Guided Walk Last Sunday of the Month (April-Aug) - Our staff led Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to 4x4 Safari is one of the best ways to explore the nature explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the reserve. Join us to learn more about the vast peatlands peatlands and learn about our conservation work and our conservation work. Please phone the reserve to protect and restore them. Please come prepared office to book in advance and make us aware of any for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and special requirements that you might have. Price includes waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow tea/coffee and delicious home baking. Limited number a trail or path and is over open peatland. of spaces. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Centre. Time: 12pm-3pm. Grid ref: NC891425. £20.00 conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 per person. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected]. or email [email protected].

Monday August 25, 2014 Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

Tuesday August 26, 2014 Guided Walk Mon/Tues (May-Aug) - This walk is a great way to explore the Forsinard Flows Reserve. Discover the peatlands and learn about our conservation work to protect and restore them. Please come prepared for changeable weather. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs are essential. This walk does not follow a trail or path and is over open peatland. Meet at Forsinard - Reserve Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm- 4.45pm. Grid ref: NC891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Office on 01641 571225 or email [email protected].

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TOP 5 MUST SEES Clachtoll Split Rock Stunningly beautiful beach and crofting township. Golden Eagle Assynt is a great place to see Golden Eagles. Old Man of Stoer Cliff top walk to astonishing sea stack. Achmelvich Beach White sands fronting flower-strewn machair. Bone Caves Wondrous valley with limestone flowers, incredible archaeology.

©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©Iain Sarjeant ©HC Ranger

May An Cèitean Thursday May 15, 2014 Clachtoll Coastal Walk Tuesday May 06, 2014 Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting Stac Pollaidh Mountain Walk township to the Iron Age Broch. Hear the stories of The amazing jagged peak of Stac Pollaidh reveals many skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic collapse”. secrets of the last ice age. Stunning views across to Find extraordinary ancient life forms! Suilven and Canisp Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park just off the B869. Meet at Stac Pollaidh Car Park five miles off the A835. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Time: 11am-5pm. Grid ref: NC108095. Grade D. Adults Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email 01571 844654 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Thursday May 08, 2014 Tuesday May 20, 2014 Clachtoll Coastal Walk to the Meteorite Site Glencanisp and River Inver Walk Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting We will search out black-throated divers, walk through township to the Iron Age Broch. Find extraordinary a clearance township, and admire the wooded river ancient forms of life and uncover the secrets of a edge wildlife within the community-owned estate of massive meteorite strike Glencanisp. Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park just off the B869. Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver. Time: 11am-4pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade C. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Tuesday May 13, 2014 Drumbeg Peat Road Walk Welcome to an exploration of the remote Assynt “cnoc and loch” landscape, the Drumbeg Common Grazings, rich in wildlife and mysterious stories Meet at Drumbeg View Point on the B869. Time: 11am- 3pm. Grid ref: NC 120330. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected].

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Secrets of Glen Leireag ASAINT Visit the lost township of Glen Leireag and discover the secrets of this magical woodland glen. Seek out moorland wildlife and Golden Eagles. Meet at Nedd Bridge 2 miles east of Drumbeg on the B869. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 148315. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected].

Thursday June 05, 2014 Suilven Mountain Walk Join us on a walk to the top of Assynt’s most famous mountain, with some wonderful views. This is a strenuous walk. If the weather is not good, we will do a shorter low level walk. Booking essential. Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver. Time: 9am-6pm. Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade D. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. Thursday May 22, 2014 Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 Bone Caves - Really Wild! or email [email protected]. Meet together for a fascinating walk back in time to Tuesday June 10, 2014 the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans Bone Caves to Traligill Upland Walk and even polar bears were discovered. Stout footwear essential. A fascinating hillwalk linking two cave systems within the limestone area of Inchnadamph. Amazing tapestry Meet at the Bone Caves Car Park 2.5 miles south of of alpine flowers through red deer and golden eagle Inchnadamph on the A837. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid country. ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 Meet at the Bone Caves Car Park 2.5 miles south of 844654 or email [email protected]. Inchnadamph on the A837. Time: 10am-6pm. Grid ref: NC 254179. Grade D. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family Tuesday May 27, 2014 £12.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 Birds by Birdsong 844654 or email [email protected]. Lighthearted introduction to bird watching for Thursday June 12, 2014 everyone in the spectacular scenery at Little Assynt . Bat Evening, Lochinver Learn to recognise some bird calls and have some fun using our birdmike. Join us to watch one of nature’s amazing spectacles as up to 100 pipistrelle bats leave their roost. Begins with Meet at Leitir Easaidh Car Park on the A837, 6 miles an photographic bat talk. east of Lochinver. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: NC 073263. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver. £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 Time: 9pm-11pm. Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade A. 844654 or email [email protected]. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Thursday May 29, 2014 [email protected]. Achmelvich Flowers really Rock Tuesday June 17, 2014 The range of wildflower habitats on this walk is Drumbeg Peat Road Walk amazing. Come and see brilliant orchids, jewelled rocks and marvellous machair. Welcome to an exploration of the remote Assynt “cnoc and loch landscape”, the Drumbeg Common Meet at Achmelvich Beach Car Park, 1.5 miles off the Grazings, rich in wildlife and mysterious stories. B869. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Meet at Drumbeg View Point on the B869. Time: 11am- Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email 3pm. Grid ref: NC 120330. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. [email protected]. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected]. 45

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 45 29/01/2014 15:45 Thursday June 19, 2014 Thursday July 03, 2014 Bone Caves Really Wild! Reptiles and Amphibians Meet together for a fascinating walk back in time to the Join the Ranger on this exploration where we expect caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and to see toads, frogs, newts, slow worms and lizards. There even polar bears were discovered. Wonderful limestone will be a very short drive to the start of the walk. Lifts wildflowers. Stout footwear essential. can be provided. Meet at the Bone Caves Car Park 2.5 miles south of Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver. Inchnadamph on the A837. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade A. ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email 844654 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Tuesday June 24, 2014 Tuesday July 15, 2014 Achmelvich Coastal Flowers and more! Rockpools Adventure at Achmelvich The range of wildflower habitats on this walk is We have some of the best rockpools in the British Isles. amazing. Come and see brilliant orchids, jewelled Join us to meet some of the really weird wildlife living rocks and marvellous machair. here. Rocks can be steep and slippery. Meet at Achmelvich Beach Car Park 1.5miles off the Meet at Achmelvich Beach Car Park 1.5miles off the B869. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade B869. Time: 3.30pm-5pm. Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact A. Adults free with accompanying children, conc. £2.00. Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or [email protected]. email [email protected].

Thursday June 26, 2014 Wednesday July 16, 2014 Clachtoll Coastal Walk Illustrated talk on Otters Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting The secret life of the Otter in Assynt. township to the Iron Age Broch. Hear the stories of Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street, skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic collapse”. Lochinver. Time: 7pm-8pm. Grid ref: NC 094225. Find extraordinary ancient life forms! Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park off the B869. Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. email [email protected]. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Tuesday July 22, 2014 [email protected]. Clachtoll Coastal Walk Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting township to the Iron Age Broch. Hear the stories of July An t-Iuchar skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic collapse”. Tuesday July 01, 2014 Find extraordinary ancient life forms! Traligill Valley Flowers and Caves Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park off the B869. Walk with us on this brilliant walk in the Valley of the Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Trolls and see the fantastic flowers and the stunning Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact evidence of the forces which built the ancient Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Caledonian mountains. [email protected]. Meet at Inchnadamph Car Park on the A837. Thursday July 24, 2014 Time: 11am-4pm. Grid ref: NC 251216. Grade C. Birds by Birdsong Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Lighthearted introduction to bird watching for all the [email protected]. family in the most spectacular scenery at Little Assynt . Learn to recognise some bird calls and have some fun using our birdmike. Meet at Leitir Easaidh Car Park on the A837, 6 miles east of Lochinver. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: NC 073263. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected].

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Tuesday July 29, 2014 Thursday August 07, 2014 Rockpools Adventure at Clachtoll Mammals of Assynt We have some of the best rockpools in the British Isles. Explore with us the secret world of Highland mammals. Join us to meet some of the really weird wildlife living This will be Assynt’s version of Spring Watch. Join the here. Rocks can be steep and slippery. Rangers as we check out sites where hidden cameras Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park off the B869. Time: may have captured the secret lives of pine martens, 2.30pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade A. Adults badgers, deer, otters and more. free with accompanying children, conc. £2.00. Contact Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver for Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email a short drive. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 094225. [email protected]. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or Wednesday July 30, 2014 email [email protected]. Illustrated talk on Whales and Dolphins Whales and dolphins seen around Assynt. Tuesday August 12, 2014 Clachtoll Sand Sculpture Contest and Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver. Seashore Day Time: 7pm-8pm. Grid ref: NC 094225. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Why not enter? Or just come along to admire the Summers on 01571 844654 or email andy.summers@ sculptures for free! Loads of Prizes. Judging at 1.30pm. highland.gov.uk. Then stay for rockpools, puppets, quizzes, cakes and more. All from 0 to 100 years old welcome! Entry to Thursday July 31, 2014 contest only is charged. Bone Caves Really Wild! Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park off the B869. Meet together for a fascinating walk back in time to the Time: 12pm-4pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade A. caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact even polar bears were discovered. Wonderful limestone Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email wildflowers. Stout footwear essential. [email protected]. Meet at the Bone Caves Car Park 2.5 miles south of Thursday August 14, 2014 Inchnadamph on the A837. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or Wildlife CSI. This is a family adventure for the animal email [email protected]. detectives. Investigate several crime scenes in the countryside and work out what was the crime and who committed it. Search for clues and gather the August An Lùnastal evidence. Meet at Woodside Car Park, Culag Woods, past Tuesday August 05, 2014 Lochinver School on the road to Inverkirkaig. The Snail and the Whale Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: NC 093213. Grade A. “This is the tale of the tiny snail and a great big grey- Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact blue humpback whale.” Theatre workshop, for families Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email with children 4-10 years old. [email protected]. Meet at Achmelvich Beach Car Park 1.5miles off the B869. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade A. Adults free with accompanying children, conc. £2.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 47 29/01/2014 15:45 September An t-Sultain Tuesday September 02, 2014 Glencanisp and River Inver Walk We will walk along the wooded river to a cleared township and admire the wildlife of moorland and loch in the Community-owned estate. Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected]. Tuesday August 19, 2014 Clachtoll Coastal Walk Thursday September 04, 2014 Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting Clachtoll Coastal Walk township to the Iron Age Broch. Hear the stories of Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic collapse”. township to the Iron Age Broch. Hear the stories of Find extraordinary ancient life forms! skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic collapse”. Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park off the B869. Find extraordinary ancient life forms! Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park off the B869. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact [email protected]. Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected]. Thursday August 21, 2014 Bone Caves - Really Wild! Tuesday September 09, 2014 Meet together for a fascinating walk back in time to Fungi in Culag Woods the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the and even polar bears were discovered. Stout footwear different characters and learn their secrets in one essential. of the best woods for fungi in Sutherland. Meet at the Bone Caves Car Park 2.5 miles south of Meet at Woodside Car Park, Culag Woods, past Inchnadamph on the A837. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid Lochinver School on the road to Inverkirkaig. ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: NC 093213. Grade A. family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact 844654 or email [email protected]. Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected]. Tuesday August 26, 2014 Achmelvich Coastal Walk Thursday September 11, 2014 We will walk along the cliff edge seeking out wildlife: Bone Caves - Really Wild! otter signs, dolphins, seabirds, wildflowers, and find out Meet together for a fascinating walk back in time about the events which formed this lovely landscape. to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, Meet at Achmelvich Beach Car Park 1.5miles off the humans and even polar bears were discovered. B869. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade Stout footwear essential. C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Meet at the Bone Caves Car Park 2.5 miles south of Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Inchnadamph on the A837. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid [email protected]. ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 Thursday August 28, 2014 844654 or email [email protected]. Stac Pollaidh Mountain Walk The amazing jagged peak of Stac Pollaidh reveals many secrets of the last ice age. Stunning views across to Suilven and Canisp. Meet at Stac Pollaidh Car Park 5 miles off the A835. Time: 11am-5pm. Grid ref: NC 108095. Grade D. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected]. 48

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Tuesday September 16, 2014 Tuesday September 23, 2014 Clachtoll Coastal Walk Bone Caves Really Wild! Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting Meet together for a fascinating walk back in time to township to the Iron Age Broch. Hear the stories of the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic collapse”. and even polar bears were discovered. Stout footwear Find extraordinary ancient life forms! essential. Meet at Clachtoll Beach Car Park off the B869. Meet at the Bone Caves Car Park 2.5 miles south of Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Inchnadamph on the A837. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 [email protected]. 844654 or email [email protected].

Thursday September 18, 2013 Thursday September 25, 2014 Fungi in Culag Woods Achmelvich Coastal Walk Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the Meet to find out about how this beautiful land has different characters and learn their secrets in one changed over the last 3 billion years and how wildlife of the best woods for fungi in Sutherland. and people co-exist today. Meet at Woodside Car Park, Culag Woods, past Meet at Achmelvich Beach Car Park 1.5miles off the Lochinver School on the road to Inverkirkaig. B869. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: NC 093213. Grade A. C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email Andy or Roz Summers on 01571 844654 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Walk between majestic trunks. Feel them tower above you. Hear the wind whisper between these giant trees. Smell them all about you…..want more, come for a walk with the local Ranger. 49

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 49 29/01/2014 15:45 Mid & East Sutherland Cataibh Meadhanach agus an Ear

TOP 5 MUST SEES Loch Fleet National nature reserve with all year round interest and the rare one flowered wintergreen. Spinningdale Woods Amongst best pinewoods in the area with numerous birds. Baile an Or The scene of Sutherland’s gold rush where you can still pan for gold today. Croick Church A poignant reminder of the victims of the Scottish Clearances. Achness Falls, Rosehall Great place to see salmon leaping and spectacular after rainfall.

©Sylvia Duckworth © Sylvia Duckworth ©Colin Kinnear ©JM Briscoe ©Sylvia Duckworth

April An Giblean Friday April 11, 2014 Willow Sculptures, Lairg Tuesday April 08, 2014 Make willow animal sculptures and take them home Green Woodworking, Lairg with you. Come and learn the ancient craft of working with Meet at Ferrycroft Centre, Lairg. Time: 10.30am- green wood and make a three-legged milking stool. 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 579062. Grade A. Adult £3.00, Booking essential. Meet at former Shin Falls centre car conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on park. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NH 575993. 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. June An t-Ògmhios Saturday June 28, 2014 Wednesday April 09, 2014 Dornoch-Embo Orchid Walk Bushcraft Pioneer, Ardgay We will walk from Dornoch to Embo and back, The challenge is to learn some knots and lashings and pausing to look at a great wildflower site full of orchids bridge a muddy hollow in the woods. Will you dare to including the Lesser Butterfly and Fragrant Orchids. cross it? Meet at the beach car park, Dornoch. Time: 10.30am- Meet at the Gearchoille Wood car park, Ardgay. 2.30pm. Grid ref: NH 802884. Grade C. Adult £3.00, Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NH 603900. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Sunday June 29, 2014 Balblair Rare Thursday April 10, 2014 Kite Making, Lairg Our annual visit to Balblair wood which is home to 90% of Scotland’s One-flowered Wintergreen. Also in We’ll make simple kites and fly them from the Ord Hill. flower at this time is the dainty Twinflower. Meet at Ferrycroft Centre,Lairg. Time: 10.30am- Meet at the entrance to Balblair Wood, Loch Fleet. 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 579062. Grade A. Adult £3.00, Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NH 815977. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on Grade B. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. 50

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 50 29/01/2014 15:45 MID & EAST SUTHERLAND CATAIBH MEADHANACH AGUS AN EAR Sunday June 29, 2014 Blooming Marvellous, Dornoch The common good lands are a colourful delight at this time of year with many wildflowers blooming. If the weather is warm we also stand a good chance of seeing Small Blue Butterflies on the wing. Meet at the airfield car park, Dornoch. Time: 1.30pm- 3.30pm. Grid ref: NH 802884. Grade B. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected].

July An t-Iuchar Friday July 11, 2014 Friday July 04, 2014 Bushcraft Pioneer, Dunrobin Bushcraft Artisan, Dunrobin Learn knots and lashings and build a bridge. Are you Come along and make charcoal and cord from wild brave enough to cross it? plants. Use your products to make a picture frame and Meet at Dunrobin Castle car park. Time: 10.30am- draw a picture to put in it. 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 851008. Grade A. Adult £3.00, Meet at Dunrobin Castle car park. Time: 10.30am- conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 851008. Grade A. Adult £3.00, 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Wednesday July 16, 2014 Rockpools, Embo Tuesday July 08, 2014 Great rock pools full of weird and wonderful sea The Big Bug Hunt, Dunrobin creatures. Wellies essential. Creepy crawlies are great. We’ll discover slitherers, Meet at Embo Pier. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: crawlers, jumpers and fliers. NH 820922. Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Meet at Dunrobin Castle car park. Time: 10.30am- £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 851008. Grade A. Adult £3.00, [email protected]. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Thursday July 17, 2014 Rockpools, Helmsdale Wednesday July 09, 2014 Explore the shore for the weird and wonderful Flip, Flop and Fly, Skelbo creatures usually hidden by the tides. Wellies essential. This is the best pond in East Sutherland to discover Meet at Helmsdale harbour car park. Time: 10.30am- some spectacular underwater creatures. One of our 12.30pm. Grid ref: ND 030152. Grade A. Adult £3.00, favourite events. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on Meet at Skelbo Wood car park. Time: 10.30am- 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. 12.30pm. Grid ref: NH 780942. Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on Thursday July 17, 2014 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Gold Panning, Helmsdale Visit the site of Sutherland’s gold rush and try your Thursday July 10, 2014 hand at gold panning. Wellies essential. Tern Walk, Brora Meet at Helmsdale harbour car park. Time: 1.30pm- A walk along the lovely Brora beach to view the Artic 3.30pm. Grid ref: ND 030152. Grade A. Adult £3.00, tern colony and seabirds offshore. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on Meet at Brora Golf Club car park. Time: 10.30am-1pm. 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Grid ref: NC 919940. Grade B. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or Friday July 18, 2014 email [email protected]. Bushcraft Cook, Dunrobin Learn fire lighting skills and cook bread and marshmallows over the fire. Meet at Dunrobin Castle car park. Time: 10.30am- 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 851008. Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. 51

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 51 29/01/2014 15:45 August An Lùnastal Friday August 29, 2014 Gold Panning, Helmsdale Tuesday August 05, 2014 Visit the site of Sutherland’s gold rush and try your Big Bug Hunt, Lairg hand at gold panning. Wellies essential. Creepy crawlies are great. We’ll discover slitherers, Meet at Helmsdale harbour car park. Time: 1.30pm- crawlers, jumpers and fliers. 3.30pm. Grid ref: ND 030152. Grade A. Adult £3.00, Meet at Ferrycroft Centre, Lairg. Time: 10.30am- conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 579062. Grade A. Adult £3.00, 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. October An Dàmhair Wednesday August 06, 2014 Tuesday October 14, 2014 Butterflies, Little Ferry Natural Art, Dunrobin A walk around Little Ferry links looking for butterflies A wealth of materials all around us should inspire us to amongst the grass and flowers. weave, stick, mould and build great works of art. Meet at Little Ferry car park. Time: 1.30pm-3.30pm. Meet at Dunrobin Castle car park. Time: 10.30am- Grid ref: NH 806958. Grade B. Adult £3.00, conc. 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 851008. Grade A. Adult £3.00, £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 402638 or email [email protected]. 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Friday August 08, 2014 Wednesday October 15, 2014 Pond Dipping, Ardgay Beginners Birdwatch, Loch Fleet A great place to look for the creatures lurking in the We’ll walk through Balblair Woods to the bird hide pond and dragonflies over it. overlooking Loch Fleet. Here we will indentify the birds Meet at the Gearchoille Wood car park, Ardgay. congregating at a high tide roost. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NH 603900. Meet at the entrance to Balblair Wood, Loch Fleet. Time: Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 815977. Grade A. Adult £3.00, Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on [email protected]. 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. Saturday August 16, 2014 Thursday October 16, 2014 Jurassic Lark, Helmsdale Three Bridges Walk, Oykel Join us as we search the shore for fossils amongst rocks A beautiful walk along the river Oykel. There should be of the Jurassic period - yes, the time of the dinosaurs! salmon galore. Wellies essential. Booking essential. Meet at Oykel Bridge Hotel. Time: Meet at Helmsdale harbour car park. Time: 10.30am- 11am-2pm. Grid ref: NH 386008. Grade C. Adult £3.00, 12.30pm. Grid ref: ND 030152. Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Ian Paterson on 01549 402638 or email [email protected]. 01549 402638 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 52 29/01/2014 15:45 WESTER ROSS ROS AN IAR Wester Ross Ros an Iar

TOP 5 MUST SEES Stac Pollaidh Climb this rocky little hill, that stuck up above the ice, a most amazing viewpoint. Applecross Coral Beaches Pristine white sandy beach, crystal clear water and views of Skye. Dun Canna Explore a fascinating Iron-Age Fort in a wild and beautiful place. Beinn Eighe NN Reserve Stunning Loch Maree and remnants of the great Caledonian forest. Garvie Bay Stunning bay with breath-taking views, great wildlife- spotting and geology.

©Highland Council ©HC Ranger ©Gordon Hatton

April An Giblean May An Cèitean Wednesday April 16, 2014 Thursday May 08, 2014 Easter Egg Hunt and Pond Dip, Kinlochewe A Trundle through Torridon Ever wondered what lurks beneath the water? How Join the Ranger for a gentle bike ride along the shores many different beasties can we find? Do the Easter of Loch Torridon through the old Lovelace estate. Geo-Cache Hunt on the way to the pond and find out Following mostly vehicle tracks we will explore the bays, where the pine marten has hidden her eggs! Prizes look for wildlife and discover some fascinating history for everyone. Come to Beinn Eighe National Nature of the area including strange tales of the Annat Skull, Reserve for a fun afternoon for all the family. Johnny Shockels and an eerie light known as the Solus Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Biorach.... Bring a picnic and off-road bike. To book bike Time: 2pm-3.30pm. Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, hire call the Torridon Inn on 01445 791242. family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. 613904 or email [email protected]. Time: 11am-3pm. Grade B. Adult £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 Tuesday April 29, 2014 613904 or email [email protected]. Achnahaird to Garvie Bay, Achiltibuie Wrap up warm and prepare to step back in time on Wednesday May 14, 2014 this stunning, geology themed, coastal walk with a Sands of Time, Gairloch glimpse into fossil records of the first life to appear on Step into the past and discover how and where people earth. Walk through the fall out of a meteorite strike lived over the ages on a fascinating walk along the preserved in the rock. Its also a great walk for spotting Sand Archaeological Trail revealing thousands of years seals, seabirds and otters plus the views are out of this of human activity. The moorland also harbours some world. Bring sturdy boots/ shoes and a lunch. fascinating geological and glacial features as well as a Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. great diversity of wildflowers. This short walk has a lot Time: 10.30am-3.30pm. Grade C. Adult £5.00, conc. to offer. Path can be boggy so come prepared. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on Meet at Sand Quarry car park on the B8021 (just 01854 613904 or email [email protected]. north of the Big Sands Holiday Centre). Time: 11am- 1pm. Grid ref: NG 762802. Grade B. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email [email protected]. 53

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 53 29/01/2014 15:45 Wednesday May 28, 2014 Wednesday June 11, 2014 Achintee and the two lochs, Lochcarron The Coffin Route, Dundonnell to Inverbroom Explore the secret land of hidden lochans, wild moor, A wild day long hike on a historic route, once a coffin deep forested ravines and an ancient temple in the route to Clachan church, now part of the Cape Wrath hills south of Lochcarron. Learn about bog plants and Trail. Breathtaking views of An Teallach, the Fannichs and how they survive. Rough, pathless sections and ascent the two Loch Brooms are in store. to 300m. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 9.30am-4pm. Grade D. Adult £10.00, conc. £5.00. Time: 10.30am-3.30pm. Grade D. Adult £5.00, conc. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on email [email protected]. 01854 613904 or email [email protected]. Thursday June 19, 2014 An Groban Hill Walk, Gairloch June An t-Ògmhios At only 383m, An Groban is not massive like its Tuesday June 03, 2014 neighbours but what a view! A delightful riverside walk Saunter round Sheildaig Peninsula through historic Flowerdale Estate leads us to a pretty A stunning and easy coastal walk, looking for herons, waterfall and the start of our climb up the rocky hill. otters and sea-eagles. Come and discover something With careful route-finding it is easier than it looks but about the history of the area and learn about the uses it is steep! and folklore of the many plants along the trail. Suitable Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. for all the family. Time: 10am-4pm. Grade D. Adult £10.00, conc. £5.00. Meet at car park by public WC in Sheildaig. Time: 10am Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or -1pm. Grid ref: NG 816543. Grade B. Adult £3.00, conc. email [email protected]. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 54 29/01/2014 15:45 WESTER ROSS ROS AN IAR Tuesday July 22, 2014 Minibeast Hunt, Laide Bugs and beetles, millipedes and moths - come along to discover who’s hiding in the undergrowth, trees and ponds of Laide Community Woodland near Aultbea. Fun for all the family. Bring wellies. Meet at Laide Wood car park. Time: 11am-1pm. Grid ref: NG 894909. Grade A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email [email protected].

Thursday July 24, 2014 The Mountain Trail, Kinlochewe Celebrate the Scottish Year of Homecoming by discovering a fragment of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest that once covered vast areas of the Highlands Tuesday June 24, 2014 and is protected and expanding here in the Beinn Eighe Wild Wander at Bad an Sgalag, Near Gairloch National Nature Reserve. Climbing above the forest A stunning walk full of variety and interest including to 550m we find ourselves in a totally different habitat, a fabulous array of orchids and wild flowers. We resembling the arctic tundra. Learn about the geology, begin through a young Scots Pinewood emerging plant life and wildlife that makes this NNR so special. into moorland and a fantastic vista of the Torridon The trail is steep and rocky. Bring appropriate clothing/ mountains. The trail passes lochs and waterfalls and boots and lunch. there is history and wildlife to discover on this wild Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. beautiful circuit. Bring a lunch and wear walking boots. Time: 10am-4pm. Grade D. Adult £5.00, conc. £3.00, Meet at car park by green barn just east of Loch Bad an family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 Sgalag. Time: 11am-3pm. Grid ref: NG 857721. Grade B. 613904 or email [email protected]. Adult £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email ranger@ Wednesday July 30, 2014 highland.gov.uk. Sand Sculpture Contest, Gairloch Celebrate the Scottish Year of Homecoming by sculpting your favourite animal that roamed this July An t-Iuchar country in the past… think wolves, beavers, moose, bears and so on. Fun for all the family. Bring buckets Thursday July 10, 2014 and spades and lots of imagination! Fionn Bheinn Hill Walk, Achnasheen Meet at Gairloch golf course/ beach car park. Time: Known as the ‘white hill’ in Gaelic, this is a truly fantastic 1pm-3pm. Grid ref: NG 807755. Grade A. Adult £3.00, viewpoint overlooking the Torridon giants. At 934m it conc. £2.00, family £5.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger is a Munro, but one of the less demanding in the area. on 01854 613904 or email [email protected]. At the summit, hear the Brahan Seer’s chilling prophecy about this lonely hill. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. August An Lùnastal Time: 9.30am-4pm. Grade D. Adult £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or Tuesday August 05, 2014 email [email protected]. Beinn Enaglair Hill Walk, Near Ullapool This Corbett is well familiar in the view from Ullapool Wednesday July 16, 2014 harbour. A circular route, taking in the summit (890m) Rock pool Rummage at Rhue, Ullapool and following old stalkers paths for much of the day Discover, catch and learn about the fascinating creatures gives us all the best views including Loch Broom and that live in the secret world of this rocky shore. Suitable the surrounding peaks. This is a big day so hillwalking for all ages. Wear footwear with good grip. experience essential. Meet at the road end at Rhue. Time: 3pm-4.30pm. Grid Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. ref: NH 097973. Grade B. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, Time: 9am-4.30pm. Grade D. Adult £10.00, conc. £5.00. family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or 613904 or email [email protected]. email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 55 29/01/2014 15:45 Wednesday August 20, 2014 The Mountain Trail, Kinlochewe Celebrate the Scottish Year of Homecoming by discovering a fragment of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest that once covered vast areas of the Highlands and is protected and expanding here in the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Climbing above the forest to 550m we find ourselves in a totally different habitat, resembling the arctic tundra. Learn about the geology, plant life and wildlife that makes this NNR so special. The trail is steep and rocky. Bring appropriate clothing/ boots and lunch. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 10am-4pm. Grade D. Adult £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email [email protected].

Friday August 08, 2014 Thursday August 28, 2014 Seashore Safari, Gairloch Red Point coastal walk, Near Gairloch Discover, catch and learn about the fascinating creatures Stunning walk linking the two Red Point beaches that live in the rock pools, sands and seaweeds of this with loads to discover along the way. Explore the old shore. Suitable for all ages. Wear wellies. salmon fishing station and ice house and learn about Meet outside the Myrtle Bank Hotel. Time: 10am- the art of bag netting. Hear about archaeological finds 11.30am. Grid ref: NG 803768. Grade B. Adult £3.00, in these dunes dating back to 8000 years ago! Look conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger for rare Maerl, marine wildlife and otter signs along on 01854 613904 or email [email protected]. the way. Bring a lunch and walking boots or wellies, can be boggy. Tuesday August 12, 2014 Meet at the Red Point car park. Time: 11.30am-3.30pm. Seashore Safari at the Coral Beaches, Grid ref: NG 732688. Grade C. Adult £5.00, conc. Applecross £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on Take a walk to the beautiful white coral beaches of Ard 01854 613904 or email [email protected]. Ban. At low tide there is a fantastic array of creatures to catch and discover amongst the rocks, seaweeds and buried in the sand. Lets see what we can find! Fun for all ages. Bring a lunch, sturdy boots/ shoes and a sense of exploration. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 11am-3pm. Grade B. Adult £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email [email protected].

Wednesday August 13, 2014 Rock pool Rummage at Old Dornie, September An t-Sultain Nr. Achiltibuie Discover, catch and learn about the fascinating creatures Tuesday September 02, 2014 that live in the secret world of this rocky shore. Suitable Ben Alligin Hill Walk, Torridon for all ages. Wear footwear with a good grip. The ‘Mountain of Beauty’ is the meaning of its name Meet at end of road, 2nd Jetty. Time: 2pm-3.30pm. Grid in Gaelic and it certainly lives up to its name. We will ref: NB 982112. Grade B. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, aim to reach the summit of Tom na Gruagaich (922m), family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 the Southern munro. From here prepare to have your 613904 or email [email protected]. breath taken away, and not just from the long climb! Fantastic views are in store, all the way to Harris, Lewis, Skye and dozens of peaks in every other direction. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 9.30am-4pm. Grade D. Adult £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 56 29/01/2014 15:46 WESTER ROSS ROS AN IAR

Wednesday September 10, 2014 Wednesday October 08, 2014 Geological journey from Achnahaird to Ruins and Rutting, near Ullapool Garvie Bay, Achiltibuie Enjoy the golden splendour of autumn with a morning Step back in time on this stunning, geology themed, walk along the ‘posties path’ to the ancient fort of Dun coastal walk with a glimpse into fossil records of the Canna, perched high above the sea. Learn about the first life to appear on earth. Walk through the fall out of lives and times of the people who once lived here. a meteorite strike preserved in the rock. Its also a great Hear the red deer roar as the rut is in full swing in the walk for spotting seals and seabirds. Bring sturdy boots/ Strath, and discover what goes on. Bring lunch, sturdy shoes and a lunch. shoes/ boots. Meet at the car park at the junction near Loch Raa. Meet at the car park at Blughasary. Time: 9.30am- Time: 10.30am-3.30pm. Grid ref: NC 021124. Grade C. 12.30pm. Grid ref: NC 135014. Grade B. Adult £3.00, Adult £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email ranger@ on 01854 613904 or email [email protected]. highland.gov.uk. Tuesday October 14, 2014 Wednesday September 24, 2014 Peek in the Pond, Kinlochewe Cnoc na Staing, Lochcarron Ever wondered what lurks beneath the water? How Join the Ranger in a walk to the best viewpoint in many different beasties can we find? Come to Beinn Lochcarron. We will follow two historic routes, the Eighe National Nature Reserve for a fun afternoon for ‘burma road’ and an old coffin road on a circular tour. all the family. The return is through Kirkton woods which has some Meet at the Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre car park. interesting archaeology hidden in the trees. Can be Time: 2pm-3.30pm. Grid ref: NH 019630. Grade boggy in places so come prepared. A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Meet in Lochcarron, near the Rockvilla Hotel. Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email Time: 10am-1pm. Grid ref: NG 908400. Grade [email protected]. C. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email [email protected]. November An t-Samhain Wednesday November 05, 2014 October An Dàmhair Birds for Beginners, Ullapool Wrap up warm for a walk along Ullapools shore and Thursday October 02, 2014 the river mouth to look at the winter birdlife. Learn the Archaeological ‘Buffet’ at Loggie, near Ullapool differences between the gulls, look for waders, and hunt Explore the remains of a Bronze Age Fort, Iron Age for dippers and wagtails by the river. Bring binoculars if Dun, Medieval Fort, ruins of houses from the old village you have them. of Newton Loggie, a round house and a semi-broch Meet by the sea wall, opposite the Ferry Boat Inn. all in two short walks at Loggie! Plus enjoy fantastic Time: 11am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NH130940. Grade views of Ullapool across Loch Broom and look down A. Adult £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact on pretty Loggie bay. Can be boggy in places so come Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email prepared and bring a lunch. [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 11am-3pm. Grade B. Adult £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Wester Ross Ranger on 01854 613904 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 57 29/01/2014 15:46 Ross & Cromarty East Ros agus Cromba an Ear

TOP 5 MUST SEES Cromarty Firth & the Sutors For wintering birds and summering basking sharks, whales and dolphins. Strathrory Drove Road For a bit of history in the countryside. The Pictish Trail Pictish stones with amazing carved art. Tarbat Ness For coastal walking, gannets, skuas and other sea birds. Beauly Firth For its coastal archaeology and birdlife.

April An Giblean May An Cèitean Wednesday April 09, 2014 Tuesday May 13, 2014 Woodland Railway Line Wander, Avoch Springtime on the Farm, Tarradale, Walk along the old railway line looking at the woodland Muir of Ord flora and listening to the woodland birdlife singing to Explore the farmland of Gilchrist and Tarradale down attract a mate and mark territories. to the Beauly Firth watching for yellowhammers and Meet at the car park opposite the Avoch Parish Church skylarks as we go - maybe a red kite or an osprey if off the School Brae. Time: 10am-1pm. Grid ref: NH we are lucky. 701552. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or Meet at the Black Isle Showground. Time: 10am-2pm. email [email protected]. Grid ref: NH 535492. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 Saturday April 12, 2014 868563 or email [email protected]. The Dark Mysteries of Blackrock Gorge, Evanton Saturday May 17, 2014 Springtime at Teandore Oakwood Walk through Evanton Wood and learn about the chasm of Blackrock Gorge and the history that goes Visit this ancient oak wood and the hidden preaching with it. site listening for the summer migrants that breed here and learn about the indicator plant species of Meet at Evanton village car park. Time: 10am-1pm. Grid ancient woods. ref: NH 607661. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or Meet at road junction between Alcaig and Urquhart email [email protected]. at Teandore on road verge, so please park carefully. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid ref: NH 578578. Grade B. Adults Saturday April 26, 2014 £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind Salmon Hatchery Open Day, Contin on 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. Come and see the how the hatchery benefits wild salmon of the river systems of the Conon with Fisheries staff. Meet at Forestry Commission Achilty car park at Contin. Time: 10am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NH 453568. Grade A. Donations please. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 58 29/01/2014 15:46 ROSS & CROMARTY EAST ROS AGUS CROMBA AN EAR Thursday May 22, 2014 Wednesday July 09, 2014 Springtime along the River Sgitheach, Evanton Aldie Burn Pond Dipping, Tain – Wander along the riverside to Balconie Point looking Dragonflies, Diving beetles and Dipping out for darting dippers and grey wagtails feeding along Learn about newts and frogs at the Salmon Pond. the water’s edge. Learn what a strobile is and the Look for diving beetles, dragonflies and other pond benefits of Alder trees along the riverbank. life the amphibians feed on. Meet at Evanton village car park. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid Meet at the Forestry Commission Aldie Burn car ref: NH 607661. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, park. Time: 10am-12pm. Grid ref: NH 758791. family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. or email [email protected]. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. Saturday May 31, 2014 Cioch Mhor and Beyond Friday July 11, 2014 Visit this dark brooding hill sitting below Ben Wyvis Muir of Ord Lochans Pond Dipping – Weird above Dingwall and learn about the moorland habitats Wonders and Other Wonderful Wrigglers and wildlife. We may search for cup and ring stones Come pond dipping in the lochan for pond skaters, amongst the heather. backswimmers and dragonfly larvae. What do they get Meet at the Neil Gunn Memorial car park. Time: 10am- up to and who do they like to eat? Yumm! 2pm. Grid ref: NH 519610. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Meet at the Lily Loch entrance beside the Beauly road conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on turning at Muir of Ord. Time: 10am-12pm. Grid ref: 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. NH 536496. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email [email protected].

Saturday July 12, 2014 Wildlife of Lower Strathrory, Scotsburn Take in the waterfalls and hidden corners of the lower Strathrory looking out for the summering migrants, including wheatear and warblers along with moorland orchids and other flowers at this time. Meet at the car park at Dalnaclach, Scotsburn. Time: June An t-Ògmhios 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NH 733763. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind Tuesday June 10, 2014 on 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. The wildlife of the Rosemarkie cliffs and coast Explore this rocky coastline and what makes it Wednesday July 16, 2014 important with flowers, butterflies and birds to tell the Balintore Rockpooling - story. Might even chance upon an otter or two. Hermits, Hunters and Holes Meet at the Rosemarkie Beach car park. Time: 12pm- Look for mini-monsters of the sea and where they 5pm. Grid ref: NH 737577. Grade C. Adults £5.00, live, including hermit and shore crabs, blennies and conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on anemones. 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. Meet at the Seaboard Community Centre, Balintore. Time: 10am-12pm. Grid ref: NH 868759. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Martin July An t-Iuchar Hind on 01349 868563 or email martin.hind@highland. Saturday July 05, 2014 gov.uk. It’s a Bog’s Life - Dragonflies and Damselflies of Monadh Mòr Thursday July 17, 2014 Rosemarkie Rockpooling - Come and discover the fascinating dragonflies and Suckers, Claws and Tentacles damselflies of Monadh Mòr along with other pine wood specialists on this popular walk. Investigate the rock pools and foreshore for crabs, anemones and starfish along with other marine Meet at Forestry Commission Monadh Mòr carpark, creatures. A835 west of Tore. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid ref: NH 579526. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family Meet at the shore front near the beach café. Time: £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or 10am-12pm. Grid ref: NH 737577. Grade A. Adults email [email protected]. £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. 59

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 59 29/01/2014 15:46 Friday July 18, 2014 Saturday July 26, 2014 Portmahomack Rockpooling - Dragonflies and Butterflies of Auchederson, Crab Claws & Creepy Crawlies of the Sea Aultgowrie by Muir of Ord Investigate rock pools for creatures of the sea. Learn Walk up to Auchederson Farm mill pond and beyond how they survive the struggle against the waves and to search out for the local dragonflies, damselflies and predators. butterflies that breed here. If the weather is not suitable Meet at the shore car park in Portmahomack. we will climb Cul Beag and across the moor as an Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NH 914842. alternative. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Meet at Aultgowrie Farm Steading - look out for white Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email ranger van. Time: 10am-2:30pm. Grid ref: NH 476514. [email protected]. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email Saturday July 19, 2014 [email protected]. Erratics, Plough Stones and Boulder lobes - Glaciation on Ben Wyvis Investigate the evidence of effects of glaciation along August An Lùnastal with the arctic flora on the slopes of Ben Wyvis. Saturday August 16, 2014 Suitable for fit hill walkers. Highland Seashore Project at Tarbat Ness Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Come along and join us for a range of activities Time: 10am-4pm. Grade D. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. throughout the day including rockpool exploring, sea Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email watching for birds, seals & dolphins, learning about the [email protected]. local flora & geology plus other activities to be finalised. Meet at the Tarbat Ness car park by Portmahomack. Tuesday July 22, 2014 Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NH 945873. Grade A. Rosemarkie Rockpooling - Free event. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 Suckers, Claws and Tentacles or email [email protected]. Investigate the rock pools and foreshore for shore crab, anemone and other marine creatures. Saturday August 23, 2014 Meet at the shore front near the beach café. Time: Electro-fishing - Salmon, Lamprey and other 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 737577. Grade A. Adults £3.00, fish of the Conon conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Martin Hind on Come and see how the Cromarty Firth Salmon 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. Fisheries staff survey the burns using electro-fishing techniques. Learn to tell the difference between a salmon or sea trout parr and what is a lamprey? Come and find out! No dogs please. Meet at Dunglass Island, Brahan by Maryburgh. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 533545. Grade A. Donations please. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 60 29/01/2014 15:46 ROSS & CROMARTY EAST ROS AGUS CROMBA AN EAR October An Dàmhair Saturday October 04, 2014 A Fyrish Folly above Evanton Walk up to Cnoc Fyrish to learn about the folly and why it is there. Depending on group and weather we will endeavour to visit Little Fyrish and Creag Rhuadh follies as well. Meet at the Jubilee car park, Boath Road off the Struie Road B9176. Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NH 627715. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email [email protected].

Saturday October 11, 2014 Howffs, Hillforts and Shielings, Glenmarksie Walk up through the golden leaved birch woods to the September An t-Sultain shielings and hill fort of Glenmarksie with a grand view Saturday September 06, 2014 of the surrounding countryside. Expect some rough Highland Seashore Project at Cromarty going terrain. Come along and join us for a range of activities Time: 10am-3pm. Meet at the Luichart Power Station throughout the day including foreshore exploring, sea near Lower Scatwell past Loch Achilty. Grid Ref: NH watching for birds, seals and dolphins. Plus, meet the 393571. Grade B. Price: Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family scientists at Aberdeen University Field Centre! £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563. Meet beside the Cromarty Links car park. Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NH 789676. Grade A. Free event. November An t-Samhain Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. Wednesday November 12, 2014 Winter Birds, Dingwall Bay and River Conon Saturday September 13, 2014 Warm up on this walk looking at wintering birds of the Spiders of the Highlands, Garve Firth and where they have migrated from to get to this A workshop in exploring the lives of spiders of the food rich destination. Wigeon, teal, grebes and waders Highlands, learn their family groups, hunting strategies should be on the menu. and how to find them along with other facts to help Meet at the Ferry Point car park down past the Ross you understand them. Memorial Hospital. Time: 1pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH Booking essential. Meet at Crannach Field Centre, 560585. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family Garve. Time: 10am-4pm. Grid ref: NH 403616. Grade £8.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email A. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Martin Hind on [email protected]. 01349 868563 or email [email protected]. Wednesday November 26, 2014 Thursday September 18, 2014 Winter Birds, Inver Bay Geological Time Machine, Rosemarkie beach, Explore this wild stretch of coast and bay towards cliffs and caves Portmahomack for wintering waders and sea ducks Explore this rocky coastline and what makes it including scoters off Morrich Mor. important. From flowers to birds and rocks, learn about Meet at Inver Community centre. Time: 11am-3pm. the forces that created it. Grid ref: NH 861825. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. Meet at the Rosemarkie Beach car park. Time: 12pm- £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 5pm. Grid ref: NH 737577. Grade C. Adults £5.00, 868563 or email [email protected]. conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Martin Hind on 01349 868563 or email [email protected].

Take in a moorland walk with the local Ranger. Hear stories of forgotten people, see the ruins, imagine what made them leave….. 61

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 61 29/01/2014 15:46 Skye & Lochalsh An t-Eilean Sgitheanach agus Loch Aillse

TOP 5 MUST SEES Brochel Castle The 15th century home of MacLeod of Raasay and a geological wonder. Neist point Views of whales, dolphins, basking shark and seabirds on the nest. Loch Coruisk Boat from Elgol with great views of common seals on the way in – or just walk in! Boreraig Cleared in 1852. Read David Craig’s “On the Crofters’ Trail” before you go. Glenelg Brochs Three magnificent Iron Age Forts in Gleann Beag with only 3km between them.

April An Giblean Thursday April 24, 2014 Skye and Lochalsh in print (1): Tuesday April 01, 2014 The Charm of Skye by Seton Gordon Gaelic and the Environment / Seton Gordon loved Skye and its wildlife, spending A’ Ghàidhlig is an Àrainneachd (1): many of his latter days in Trotternish. A fascinating man Gaelic Place names/Àinmean-àite Ghàidhlig and an inspiring nature writer, on this walk we follow in Aimed particularly at the Gaelic learner, we aim to his footsteps and hear some of his observations on the make you more confident in understanding and wildlife of the area. pronouncing Gaelic place names. Bring a map of your Booking essential. Meet at the parking area on the own locale and figure out what secrets are hidden away A855 below Duntulm Castle. Time: 11am-4pm. Grid ref: in this, the language of the Garden of Eden! NG 411741. Grade D. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family Booking essential. Meet at the meeting room, The £12.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or Highland Council Offices, Broadford. Time: 2pm-4pm. email [email protected]. Grid ref: NG 637237. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 Tuesday April 29, 2014 820526 or email [email protected]. Homecoming Scotland 2014: Fuadaich nan Gàidheal/The Clearance Clans (1): Only the Tuesday April 15, 2014 Sheep Remain Grab a Graham (1): Marvellous Marsco A visit to the village of Boreraig, cleared of people Marsco, an impressive pointed peak that forms part between 1852 and 1857, on behalf of the Eton- of the classic view from Sligachan. This Graham is one educated Lord Godfrey Wentworth Bosville- of Skye’s Red Hills and at a height of 736 metres has Macdonald. Once cleared, the ground was offered to spectacular views of the Cuillin ridge it sits beside. southern sheep farmers in return for a higher rent. Booking essential. Meet at car park above the Meet at Kilchrist old church. Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: head of Loch Ainort. Time: 10am-5pm. Grid ref: NG 617206. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family NG 534268. Grade D. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. £12.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email email [email protected]. [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 62 29/01/2014 15:46 SKYE & LOCHALSH May An Cèitean Saturday May 17, 2014 Biodiversity (1): Boggy Biology, Saturday May 03, 2014 Mointeach nan Lochainn Dubha Mountain Path Volunteer Day (1): A place where insectivorous plants live alongside Coire Riabhach reptiles, amphibians and marvellous mosses. Wear Last time we were here was in March 2011 so wellies in preparation for some bog hopping. hopefully there is no major work needing done. Meet at the car parking area past the cattle grid on the Booking essential. Meet at Sligachan Hotel car park. A851 on the way out of Broadford. Time: 2pm-4pm. AN T-EILEAN SGITHEANACH AGUS LOCH AILLSE Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NG 486298. Grade A. Grid ref: NG 673222. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Free event. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 or email [email protected]. 820526 or email [email protected].

Tuesday May 06, 2014 Tuesday May 20, 2014 Gaelic and the Environment / A’ Ghàidhlig is Biodiversity (2): Biodiversity on the Beinn an Àrainneachd (2): Birds of Land and Sea/Eòin An evening walk up Beinn Suardal as part of Scotland’s Mhuire is Tìr Nature Festival. This hill of 281 metres has a rich flora For the Gaelic speaker and non-Gaelic speaker, a walk due to the limestone that underlies it. to explore some of the Gaelic names for birds and the Meet at the car parking area near the start of the stories behind them in one of the best bird watching B8083. Time: 6.30pm-9.30pm. Grid ref: NG 637732. sites on Skye. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Booking essential. Meet at Broadford main car park. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email Time: 10am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NG 642235. [email protected]. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email Thursday May 29, 2014 [email protected]. Skye and Lochalsh in print (2): Harpoon at a Venture, Gavin Maxwell, 1952 Friday May 09, 2014 Explore the island of Soay from where Gavin Maxwell Paths for All hunted Basking Shark in the years following the Second Join the Skye and Lochalsh Disabled Ramblers to clear World War. Hear tales of the shark hunters and learn local paths, improving accessiblity for everyone. Bring about the current position of this, the world’s second- and share lunch afterwards. All welcome! largest fish. Booking essential. Meet at the Rangers’ office in Meet at Elgol pier. Time: Given out on booking . Grid Broadford. Time: 10am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NG 638237. ref: NG 516135. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, Grade A. Free event. Contact John Phillips on 01471 family £12.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 820526 or email [email protected]. or email [email protected].

Thursday May 15, 2014 Homecoming Scotland 2014: Fuadaich nan June An t-Ògmhios Gàidheal/The Clearance Clans (2): Dun and Tuesday June 03, 2014 Ruins Gaelic and the Environment / A’ Ghàidhlig is When the Clan MacAskill was finally cleared from an Àrainneachd (3): Plants and Trees/Lusan is Rubh’ an Dùnain in 1853, they left a homely village, Craobhan canal, ruined fort and a Neolithic chambered cairn as With a wide range of plant habitats, from coastal to testament to the length of time people had occupied moorland and woodland, Sgoirebhreac is a great place that ground. to start to learn what is behind some of the Gaelic Meet at Glenbrittle car park. Time: 10am-4pm. Grid ref: names for plants and trees. NG 409206. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family Booking essential. Meet at Sgoirebhreac car park, £12.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or Portree. Time: 10am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NG 488438. email [email protected]. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 63 29/01/2014 15:46 Friday June 06, 2014 GIANT MACASKILL MUSEUM Loch Achaidh na h-Inich - Balmacara Tells a story of Angus Macaskill the tallest True giant. Join the Skye and Lochalsh Disabled Ramblers as they Features a model of Angus. audit this route for use by mobility scooters. Afternoon Dunvegan t. 01470 521296 tea at Beth’s Café afterwards. All welcome! Booking essential. Meet at Balmacara Square. Time: 11am- COLBOST CROFT MUSEUM 12.30pm. Grid ref: NG 350506. Grade A. Adults £3.00, Museum showing how people lived in the 19th century. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 Dunvegan t. 01470 521296 820526 or email [email protected].

Thursday June 12, 2014 Homecoming Scotland 2014: Fuadaich nan Gàidheal/The Clearance Clans (3): ‘S gann gun dìrich At one time the lands of Sgoirebhreac stretched the length of Trotternish. Clann MacNeacail traditionally held lands there for 800 years before their last Skye chief, Tormod MacNeacail left for Canada in the 1820s in the face of rising rents and falling returns. Meet at Sgoirebhreac car park, Portree. Time: 2pm-5pm. Grid ref: NG 488438. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email [email protected].

Tuesday June 17, 2014 Grab a Graham (2): The Storr At a height of 640 metres The Storr meets the criteria for a Graham hill. This part of the Trotternish ridge above the Old Man of Storr has an abundance of montane flora as well as an incredible view. Booking essential. Meet at the Old Man of Storr car park. Time: 10am-4pm. Grid ref: NG 508528. Grade D. Adults HIGHLAND £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email [email protected].

PEAKS Thursday June 26, 2014 Do you want more conﬁ dence in Skye and Lochalsh in print (3): A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, the hills - or just a new place to visit. Samuel Johnson, 1775 I offer one or multiple-day guided Famously, Dr. Johnson did not manage the ascent of Dun Caan, but his companion James Boswell did. Johnson walking or two day navigation reported that ‘’Raasay has wild fowl in abundance, but courses on the Mountains neither deer, hares, nor rabbits.’’ of North West Scotland. Was he wrong - or have things changed here? Meet at the Ferry terminal, Isle of Raasay. Time: 10am- Introductory rock climbing 5pm. Grid ref: NG 545363. Grade C. Adults £10.00, conc. also available. £5.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 Whether single or a small or email [email protected]. group of friends, a beginner or Munroist. Give Barry a call on 01854 612955 or email [email protected] Rhue, Ullapool, Ross-Shire IV26 2TJ www.highlandpeaks.co.uk

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 64 29/01/2014 15:46 SKYE & LOCHALSH July An t-Iuchar Tuesday July 22, 2014 Summer Junior Ranger (1): Fantastic Fossil Foray The sandstones and mudstones at Ardnish dates from the early Jurassic period when dinosaurs roamed

the land and the first birds took to the air. Fossils of AN T-EILEAN SGITHEANACH AGUS LOCH AILLSE the sea-life of the time are abundant here including the imprints of giant ammonites. Thursday July 31, 2014 Booking essential. Meet at Broadford main car Summer Junior Ranger (2): Down in the Woods park. Time: 10am-1pm. Grid ref: NG 643235. Under every fallen log, stone and pile of leaves there Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. is a host of tiny creatures which would scare the wits Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email out of you if they were people-sized. Come and have [email protected]. a closer look at the world of the woodland minibeast using digital and traditional means! Thursday July 24, 2014 Skye and Lochalsh in print (4): Booking essential. Meet at Uig Community Centre Skye: The Island and its Legends, parking. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NG 394640. Otta Swire, 1949 Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email Explore Harlosh, an area well known to Otta Swire [email protected]. whose grandparents lived just across the water at Orbost. She was careful to separate fact from fiction and her timely setting down of these tales undoubtedly August An Lùnastal saved many of them from obscurity. Friday August 01, 2014 Meet at the slipway at Camas Ban, Harlosh. Time: 10am- Loch Caroy - Edinbane 12.30pm. Grid ref: NG 285413. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on Join the Skye and Lochalsh Disabled Ramblers as 01471 820526 or email [email protected]. they audit this route for use by mobility scooters. All welcome! Saturday July 26, 2014 Booking essential. Meet at Edinbane Village. Time: 10am- Mountain Path Volunteer Day (2): 1pm. Grid ref: NG 806282. Grade A. Adults £3.00, The Saddle, Glen Shiel conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on This is a very popular path leading up the west side of 01471 820526 or email [email protected]. Glen Shiel, leading to Bealach na Craoibhe and thence to the Saddle. A good place to see eagles and red deer! Tuesday August 05, 2014 Summer Junior Ranger (3): Booking essential. Meet at Màlagan parking area. Potions, Poultices and Poisons Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NG 968143. Grade A. Free event. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 Get to know some of the wild plants of the West or email [email protected]. Highlands. Which ones can you eat? Which plants can be used as medicines? Are there any dangerous plants Tuesday July 29, 2014 growing around here? Find out by joining us on a Homecoming Scotland 2014: Fuadaich nan hands-on expedition for all the family. Gàidheal/The Clearance Clans (4): Kidnapped Booking essential. Meet at Portree, Sgoirebhreac slipway. In 1739, two Skye clan chiefs are implicated in the Time: 2pm-4pm. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, kidnapping of Bracadale tenants to sell as indentured family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 labourers in the Carolinas. However, things do not go or email [email protected]. quite to plan. Find out what happened on this walk to the cleared township of Crossbreck. Thursday August 07, 2014 Grab a Graham (3): Belig Meet at the layby on A863 near turning for Gesto. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: NG 360369. Grade C. Adults Our last Graham in this series, Belig, is 702 metres £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on high. It has impressive views as a result of being in 01471 820526 or email [email protected]. the shadow of the mighty Bla Bheinn. Meet at Blaven car park. Time: 11am-4pm. Grid ref: NG 562223. Grade D. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email [email protected].

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108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 66 29/01/2014 15:46 SKYE & LOCHALSH Tuesday August 12, 2014 September An t-Sultain Summer Junior Ranger (4): Seashore Scramble Join the Countryside Rangers for a low-shore foray in Tuesday September 02, 2014 search of slimy, nippy, stingy and otherwise loathsome Gaelic and the Environment / A’ Ghàidhlig sea creatures. A specially low tide makes this a day not is an Àrainneachd (5): On the Moor/Air a’ to be missed. Barbecue to follow (weather permitting). Mhòintich Booking essential. Meet at Ord, shore parking. Time: Bog is just one of many Gaelic words which have found 2pm-5pm. Grid ref: NG 616131. Grade B. Adults £3.00, their way into the English language. We will explore AN T-EILEAN SGITHEANACH AGUS LOCH AILLSE conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on some of the less well-known Gaelic names in this 01471 820526 or email [email protected]. habitat in this ramble through part of the Mòinteach nan Lochain Dubha. Thursday August 14, 2014 Meet at the Drochaid Airidh na Saorach layby on the Gaelic and the Environment / A’ Ghàidhlig A851, 2.5 miles from Broadford. Time: 1pm-4pm. Grid is an Àrainneachd (4): On the Shore/Air a’ ref: NG 638203. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, Chladach family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or A thousand years and more of fishing these waters email [email protected]. and a few more spent cutting kelp gave the Gael a rich vocabulary to describe the marine environment. Saturday September 06, 2014 Discover some of the Gaelic names and traditions of Mountain Path Volunteer Day (3): this, one of Scotland’s most biodiverse habitats. Coire a’ Ghrunnda Booking essential. Meet at Coral Beach car park. Time: A lovely route which takes us out to within sight of 2pm-5pm. Grid ref: NG 232537. Grade B. Adults £3.00, Soay at the foot of Gars-bheinn. Wonderful view of the conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on Cuillin and Loch Brittle. No major work expected - just 01471 820526 or email [email protected]. the usual cross-drains and water-bars to be cleared. Booking essential. Meet at Glenbrittle car park. Time: Tuesday August 19, 2014 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NG 409206. Grade A. Free Homecoming Scotland 2014: Fuadaich nan event. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or Gàidheal/The Clearance Clans (5): A Rainy Day email [email protected]. on Raasay A visit to Hallaig, once part of the estate of MacLeod Thursday September 11, 2014 of Raasay but cleared by a later landlord, George Rainy. Geology Rocks! (1) The Big Picture Between 1852 and 1854, 94 families were cleared At one time Scotland was joined to America - and from twelve townships, including Hallaig. Of these, 129 there is botanical as well as geological evidence to people were shipped out to Australia on the 6th May prove it! Join us to explore one of Skye’s protected 1884. sites and look for one of Scotland’s rarest plants. Meet at Sconser or Raasay ferry terminal. Time: 10am- Meet at Sligachan Hotel car park. Time: 10am-12.30pm. 5pm. Grid ref: NG 525322. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Grid ref: NG 486298. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact John Phillips on £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on or email 01471 820526 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

Thursday August 28, 2014 Tuesday September 16, 2014 Skye and Lochalsh in print (5): Homecoming Scotland 2014: Fuadaich nan The Misty Isle of Skye, J.A. MacCulloch, 1927 Gàidheal/The Clearance Clans (6): Jacobites When news of Spar Cave reached the Victorian world, by Name the gentry, including Sir Walter Scott, rushed to view it. MacKinnon of Strath, though an old man in 1745, was Explore Slochd Altramain, as it is called in Gaelic, and a staunch supporter of the Young Pretender. A visit to find out more about its history and the famous people Uamh a’ Phrionnsa - Prince Charlie’s Cave - where the who visited it. prince was hidden until a boat came to take him back Meet at Elgol village hall, Elgol. Time: 1:30pm- 3.30pm. to France and on to Rubha na h-Easgainne. Grid ref: NG 519135. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. Meet at Elgol pier. Time: 11am-2.30pm. Grid ref: £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 NG 516135. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, 820526 or email [email protected]. family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 67 29/01/2014 15:46 Thursday September 25, 2014 October An Dàmhair Skye and Lochalsh in print (6): A Tour in Scotland and Voyage to the Hebrides, Thursday October 02, 2014 Thomas Pennant, 1772 Grab a Graham (4): Thomas Pennant was a Welsh naturalist and traveller. Biod an Fhithich, Glen Shiel He wrote books on British, Arctic and Indian Zoology At 644 metres, Biod an Fhithich gives great views although he never visited the Arctic or India! He towards Forcan Ridge, The Saddle and the Five Sisters travelled extensively in Scotland, visiting Skye and of Kintail. Another Graham top lies not too far away Lochalsh during his second tour in 1771. so time and energy might allow us to reach the top Meet at Dun Beag car park, Struan. Time: 2pm-4pm. of Meallan Obhar as well. Grid ref: NG 337385. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Meet at parking area at Màlagan. Time: 10am-4pm. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 Grid ref: NG 972138. Grade D. Adults £10.00, conc. 820526 or email [email protected]. £5.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email [email protected]. Tuesday September 30, 2014 Geology Rocks! (2): Thursday October 30, 2014 Did the Earth Move for You? Skye and Lochalsh in print (7): A fantastic walk under Jurassic limestone cliffs from A Description of the Western Isles of Scotland, North Fearns to Hallaig, returning via Beinn na Lice Martin Martin, 1698 where dramatic evidence of a massive landslip which Walk to Loch Sneosdal from the burial place of Martin happened at the end of the last Ice Age can be clearly Martin’s ancestor Aonghas na Gaoithe. Martin Martin seen. wrote in the 17th century about Skye weather and Meet at Sconser or Raasay ferry terminal. Time: 10am- tides and recorded valuable information about the local 5pm. Grid ref: NG 525323. Grade D. Adults £5.00, conc. use of plant and other remedies to treat disease. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 Meet at Kilmuir Cemetery. Time: 2pm-5pm. Grid ref: 820086 or email [email protected]. NG 399718. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email [email protected].

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108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 68 29/01/2014 15:46 SKYE & LOCHALSH November An t-Samhain Saturday November 15, 2014 Mountain Path Volunteer Day (4): Quiraing We last undertook maintenance of this path back in 2010. This time we hope to pick up on some work further out than last time whilst clearing cross-drains

etc. as necessary on the way. AN T-EILEAN SGITHEANACH AGUS LOCH AILLSE Booking essential. Meet at Quiraing car park. Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NG 439678. Grade A. Free event. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or Saturday January 24, 2015 email [email protected]. Mountain Path Volunteer Day (5): Bealach a’ Mhàim Thursday November 27, 2014 Our answer to a Green Gym in some of the most Skye and Lochalsh in print (8): A Summer in spectacular scenery you could ask for. Join us to clear Skye, Alasdair Alpin MacGregor, 1926 out cross-drains and maintain this important path. We A visit to Coire Chatachan in the company of a man will continue with work started here in 2012. who, though signing himself off, in London, May 1926, Booking essential. Meet at Forestry Commission car was as familiar with the minutiae of Skye life as any. A park. Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NG 423258. Grade A. host of previous authors are mentioned in his chapter, Free event. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or ‘’Coire Chatachan: its Literary Associations’’. email [email protected]. Meet at Broadford main car park. Time: 10am-1pm. Grid ref: NG 635227. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. Wednesday February 11, 2015 £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 Path to the Point 820526 or email [email protected]. An old favourite this walk, to the south-most point on the Isle of Skye via Camus Daraich (Oak Bay). Track and path most of the way with some stretches of heather December An Dùbhlachd moorland between. Wednesday December 10, 2014 Booking essential. Meet at Aird of Sleat parking A Head for Heights place. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid ref: NG 588007. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. A circular walk from Galtrigill to Biod an Athair Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email returning via Dunvegan Head and the craggy east [email protected]. coast of the peninsula. Close to Dunvegan Head is yet another of Skye’s Prince’s caves and further round a Wednesday March 11, 2015 spectacular natural arch, Am Famhair. Gleann Undalain - Sgùrr a’ Bhraonain Booking essential. Meet at Road end at Galtrigill. Time: A wander through the hills above Shiel Bridge. From 10.30am-3.30pm. Grid ref: NG 181545. Adults £5.00, Bealach Ràtagain we will climb Sgùrr a’ Bhraonain, then conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact John Phillips on follow forestry tracks to Bealachasan. From there into 01471 820526 or email [email protected]. Gleann Undalain and down to Sheil Bridge where we thoughtfully left cars before setting off. Winter 2015 Geamhradh 2015 Booking essential. Meet at Sheil bridge, parking beside camp-site. Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: Wednesday January 14, 2015 NG 938186. Grade D. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. Srath Beag - Srath Mòr Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email A circular walk, through the Red Hills to Torrin, starting [email protected]. and ending at Strollamus, just outside Broadford. We will start with the climb through Srath Beag to Saturday March 21, 2015 Torrin, returning via Srath Mòr to Luib and finishing by Mountain Path Volunteer Day (6): Coire Làgan following the old road back to Strollamus. The Coire Làgan path has a slope of around 1:6 for Booking essential. Meet at Strollamus. Time: 10am-4pm. the first 2km. As a result it is subject to more than Grid ref: NG 602266. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. average erosion and needs constant attention to £3.00, family £12.00. Contact John Phillips on 01471 keep the cross-drains and water bars working well. 820526 or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Glenbrittle car park. Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NG 409206. Grade A. Free event. Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 69 29/01/2014 15:46 Inverness & Nairn Inbhir Nis agus Inbhir Narann

TOP 5 MUST SEES Nairn riverside path A beautiful riverside amble from Nairn to Cawdor. Ness Islands A peaceful stroll through tall trees on islands in the River Ness. Tradespark Woods, Nairn A pine wood, home to red squirrels. Dores beach One of the best viewpoints of Loch Ness. Old Kilmorack Church An atmospheric ruined church beside the River Beauly.

February Gearran Tuesday April 08, 2014 Den Building at Farr Saturday February 15, 2014 Try your hand at building a shelter and learn the Valentine Walk, Farr principles of staying warm and dry outdoors. Plants and animals have been used to predict love and Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. health for centuries. Come along for a family friendly Time: 2pm-4pm. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, walk, hear the tales and laugh out loud! family £8.00. Contact Katy Martin on 01463 255291 Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. or email [email protected]. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Katy Martin on 01463 255291 Wednesday April 09, 2014 or email [email protected]. Culloden Creature Trail Follow the clues and find mysterious creatures in the beautiful woodlands of Culloden Avenue on the edge April An Giblean of Inverness. Sunday April 06, 2014 Booking essential. Meet at the Culloden Avenue car Finding the Findhorn park, next to the Doocot. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: This remote walk passes through old settlements, NH 720463. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family spectacular scenery and hopefully lots of wildlife - £8.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email all connected by the River Findhorn. [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Tuesday April 15, 2014 Time: 1pm-5pm. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, Aquabeasts on the River Nairn family £12.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email [email protected]. Come and have a go at netting some watery wildlife on this river dipping event. Begins with a walk up the river. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 886559. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland. gov.uk.

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Wednesday April 16, 2014 Wednesday May 21, 2014 Go Fly a Kite, Abriachan Rhoddy Pulling at Foyers Have a go at making a kite out of bits and pieces and Help us remove rhododendron from the woodland see how they fly. at Foyers. Seedlings of this invasive plant are sprouting, Meet at the Abriachan Forest car park. Time: 2pm- we’re going to try and remove as many as possible 3.30pm. Grid ref: NH 540353. Grade A. Adults £3.00, today. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Katy Martin on Booking essential. Meet at Foyers shop car park. Time: 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland. 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 498205. Grade B. Adults £3.00, gov.uk. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Katy Martin on 01463 255291 or email [email protected].

May An Cèitean Saturday May 24, 2014 Magnificent Minibeasts - Ardersier Saturday May 17, 2014 Monster Minibeasts - Have a look for beetles, bugs and butterflies in all the Life in the Pond at Abriachan nooks and crannies Ardersier Common has to offer. Join us and discover the mini monsters of fresh water Meet at the Ardersier Common picnic site. Time: and see where they live. Please dress warmly and if you 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 779557. Grade A. Adults £3.00, have wellies, please bring them. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at the Abriachan Forest car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 540353. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Katy Martin on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@ highland.gov.uk.

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 71 29/01/2014 15:46 June An t-Ògmhios Wednesday July 23, 2014 Forest Arts and Crafts Day, Farr Saturday June 14, 2014 Using forest finds, clay and bits and bobs, we’ll be Bushcraft at Abriachan making woodland art. Suitable for families with children Try your hand at shelter building and foraging for food. aged 5 upwards. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Meet at School Wood car park, Farr, south of Inverness. Time: 2pm- 4pm. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, Time: 2pm- 4pm. Grid ref: NH 685336. Grade A. Adults family £12.00. Contact Katy Martin on 01463 255291 £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Katy Martin or email [email protected]. on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland. gov.uk. Sunday June 15, 2014 Ardersier Wildflower Walk Come for a short walk along the shore and into the secluded glades of Ardersier Common looking for wildflowers. Meet at Ardersier Common picnic site car park. Time: 10am-12pm. Grid ref: NH 779557. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland. gov.uk.

July An t-Iuchar Thursday July 24, 2014 Friday July 11, 2014 Minibeasts at the Cover, Drumnadrochit Here Be Dragons, Nairn Join us to discover the creatures that live in the wood Do dragons really exist? There’s only one way to find and river. out! Be brave and come and join the dragon walk. Meet at the Cover car park, Drumnadrochit. Time: 2pm- Suitable for children 4-10 years. 4pm. Grid ref: NH 515295. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact on 01463 255291 or email Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 870557. Grade A. Adults [email protected]. £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland. Wednesday July 30, 2014 gov.uk. Science of Survival Skills at Abriachan How do bows and arrows work? How do you track Wednesday July 16, 2014 animals? Try your hand at these skills and learn the Here Be Dragons, Reelig principles of survival outdoors. Join us for a dragon hunt. There’s lots of clues for us to Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. follow. Are you brave enough? Time: 2pm-4pm. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, Meet at Reelig glen car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid family £12.00. Contact Katy Martin on 01463 255291 ref: NH 558431. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, or email [email protected]. family £8.00. Contact on 01463 255291 or email [email protected]. August An Lùnastal Friday July 18, 2014 Nairn Seashore Roadshow Friday August 01, 2014 Drop in and find out more about the seashore and all Survival Skills at Reelig Glen its abundant wildlife at this free family event on Nairn Learn the principles of staying warm and dry outdoors Central Links. Lots of different organisations and artists and finding enough to eat on this outdoor adventure. will be providing activities for you to try. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Meet at Nairn Central Links. Parking available nearby. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, Time: 11am-4pm. Grid ref: NH 883569. Grade A. Free family £12.00. Contact on 01463 255291 or email event. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email [email protected]. [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 72 29/01/2014 15:46 INVERNESS & NAIRN INBHIR NIS AGUS INBHIR NARANN Thursday September 25, 2014 Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 5: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A transport route for humans and animals for millenia where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is available back to the start of each day for drivers on a first come first served basis. Wednesday August 13, 2014 Booking essential. Time: 9am-5.30pm. Grade C. Animal Tracks and Signs at Farr Adults £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Sharpen all your senses and learn about tracking Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email animals. How stealthy can you be? A fun, family friendly [email protected]. event. Booking essential. Meet at Milton Wood car park in Farr. Friday September 26, 2014 Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 675316. Grade A. Adults Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 6: £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Katy Martin Drumnadrochit to Inverness on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland. At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest gov.uk. guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort Friday August 15, 2014 William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the Mission Impossible, Beauly Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through The country is in danger from ‘Natural Disaster’ - a mad the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A scientist with hopes of world domination. Can you foil transport route for humans and animals for millenia him? Bring out the secret agent in you. where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day Meet at Beauly Priory, Beauly. Time: 2pm-3.30pm. Grid or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is ref: NH 527464. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, available back to the start of each day for drivers on a family £8.00. Contact on 01463 255291 or email first come first served basis. [email protected]. Booking essential. Time: 9am-6pm. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Clelland September An t-Sultain McCallum on 01320 366633 or email clelland. [email protected]. Wednesday September 24, 2014 Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk Day 4: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston October An Dàmhair At 79 miles this must be one of Scotland’s longest Saturday October 04, 2014 guided walks. A great opportunity to walk the whole of Clans, Plants and Landscape at Abriachan the Great Glen Way with a Ranger. Starting from Fort William on the Sunday and finishing in Inverness on the The landscape and its wildlife have held meaning for Friday, this is more than just a walk. A journey through people throughout Scottish history. Join us for a walk the cultural and natural history of the Great Glen. A to find out how people named the landscape and what transport route for humans and animals for millenia people believed about wildlife and create your own where you will discover the marvels of the Great Glen, clan badge. its people, its wildlife and its history. Join us for a day Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. or the whole way. Booking essential as transport is Time: 2pm-4pm. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, available back to the start of each day for drivers on a family £12.00. Contact Katy Martin on 01463 255291 first come first served basis. or email [email protected]. Booking essential. . Time: 9.30am-3pm. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.00, family £40.00. Contact Clelland McCallum on 01320 366633 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 73 29/01/2014 15:46 Active Learning in Abriachan in 2014 Just come to visit or book up to join in our biking , bushcraft , archery or free play days. Explore treehouses, find treasure troves, build dens and more...

ABRIACHAN FOREST also provides bespoke physical but fun activities for families, groups, school classes or staff Outdoor Learning CPD throughout the year. You suggest a theme - we can rise to the challenge... Please contact: [email protected] for details www.abriachan.org.uk or www.facebook.com/abriachancommunity

Come and join us for a breath of fresh Loch Ness air. Hourly (1 hour) Cruises from 10am till 6pm daily (except 1 pm) from Easter till end October. Note: Sailings are subject to local weather conditions and passenger numbers. TARIFF: Adults £14.00 Children (1 to 16) £9.00 Senior Citizens £12.00 Family tickets: 2A+2C = £41.00 2A+3C = £49.00 2A+4C = £58.00 Tickets/Bookings: Loch Ness Gifts shop. Opposite the main (FREE) car park in Drumnadrochit Route A82 Glasgow to Inverness. Tel: 01456 450695 Proprietor: J.R.G. Menzies, Temple Pier West, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6XR tels: 01456 450205 07831 434691 www.lochnesscruises.com e-mail: [email protected]

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 74 29/01/2014 15:46 INVERNESS & NAIRN INBHIR NIS AGUS INBHIR NARANN Wednesday October 08, 2014 Clava Cairns - A Step Back in Time Join Archaeologist Indiana Bones the ‘expert’ on Clava Cairns and delve into the past at this amazing Bronze Age site. Who knows who you might meet? Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email [email protected].

Friday October 10, 2014 Archaeology in Foyers - The Hydro Legacy Join us for a 3km/2miles walk (climbing 100metres) at Falls of Foyers to learn about one of Scotland’s first amazing feats of hydro engineering. Meet at Foyers shop car park. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 498205. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Katy Martin on 01463 255291 or email [email protected].

Wednesday October 15, 2014 The Culloden History Tour A guided tour of the old Culloden estate, meeting some characters along the way and finishing with tea at Culloden House. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 2pm-5pm. Grade B. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or email rangers. [email protected].

November An t-Samhain The Caledonian Canal Wednesday November 05, 2014 Nairn Riverside Ramble The natural choice! On National Stress Awareness Day we will take a meandering walk up the River Nairn from Nairn to Cawdor. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 11am-3pm. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, School projects family £12.00. Contact John Orr on 01463 255291 or Online maps email [email protected]. Films & info Walks & talks Group activities Volunteering Wildlife skills Hike up a hill with your Through our canals we create brighter futures local Ranger. See birds for people and places [email protected] soar above you and hear www.scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk

things you have never heard scottishwaterwaystrust 01463 725561 before. Feel the wind on your face. 75

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 75 29/01/2014 15:46 Badenoch & Strathspey Bàideanach agus Srath Spè

TOP 5 MUST SEES Roches moutonees Glacially scraped rocks, creating dramatic scenery. Strathspey Steam railway – travel in style. Glen Feshie A beautiful glen with old pine forest. Osprey A summer visitor to Highland lochs, rivers and firths. Loch Vaa A hidden gem carpeted with flowers in the spring.

March Am Màrt Saturday March 29, 2014 Ghost Walk, Grantown-on-Spey Wednesday March 19, 2014 Celebrate this year’s Earth hour by exploring the Explore Invereshie Nature Natural Reserve, Viewpoint Walk with your head torch. We’ll be listening Kincraig for sounds of the night and checking for stars and Break into Spring with a walk through the majestic planets along the way! Hot chocolate and cakes await landscape of this hidden gem. We will explore the us at the top. Good dogs very welcome. Suitable for cultural and natural heritage and maybe hear a story families but not pushchairs as some steep steps. or two. Meet at Grantown Caravan Park car park. Time: 7.30pm- Meet at Invereshie NNR car park off the Auchlean 10pm. Grid ref: NH 027283. Grade B. Adults £5.00, road south of Feshie Bridge. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid ref: conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Saranne Bish on NH 852013. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family 01479 873914 or email [email protected]. £12.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email [email protected]. April An Giblean Tuesday March 25, 2014 Wednesday April 09, 2014 Around the Wildcat Trail, Newtonmore Go Fly a Kite, Kingussie The Wildcat Trail circumnavigates the town of A chance to make kites out of bits and bobs and Newtonmore. We will use this to discover the wealth weather permitting, fly them. of habitats, wildlife and history right on the doorstep. Meet at Ardvonie car park, Kingussie. Time: 2pm-4pm. Meet at the Village Hall, Main Street Newtonmore. Grid ref: NH 755006. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. Time: 10am-3pm. Grid ref: NN 715991. Grade B. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact 01479 873706 or email Duncan.macdonald@highland. Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email gov.uk. [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 76 29/01/2014 15:46 & STRATHSPEYBADENOCH BÀIDEANACH AGUS SRATH SPÈ

Friday April 11, 2014 Lords of the Dance, Kincraig An opportunity to witness the spectacle of a Black Grouse lek and other wildlife in spectacular surroundings. Tea and coffee available. Self catering log cabins, chalets and apartments on the banks of the River Spey. Less then a 10 minute Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. walk to the village centre and a 15 minute drive Time: 5am-7am. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, (or bus) to the Cairngorm Mountain area. Wide family £12.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 selection of places to eat and drink, with relaxation, 873706 or email [email protected]. adventure and nature all on your doorstep. Tuesday April 15, 2014 Dalfaber Road | Aviemore | PH22 1PX Raptor Track (1), Newtonmore Tel: +44 (1479) 810 000 E-mail: [email protected] The Cairngorms National Park is home to a variety of www.pinebankchalets.co.uk birds of prey. We will walk to look for a range of these enigmatic birds whilst learning about their ecology and ID tips. Meet at Shepherds Bridge at the end of Glen Road, Newtonmore. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid ref: NN 693998. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. LOCH INSHWATERSPORTS Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or FREE WATERSPORTS AT SET TIMES email [email protected]. OUNTAIN IKES RY KI LOPE M B , D S S Friday April 18, 2014 T:01540 651272 www.lochinsh.com Lords of the Dance, Kincraig An opportunity to witness the spectacle of a Black Grouse lek and other wildlife in spectacular surroundings. Tea and coffee available. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Time: 5am-7am. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email [email protected].

BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT &BAR CHALETS & B+B May An Cèitean Saturday May 03, 2014 Magical Bird Migrants, Kincraig This is International Migratory Bird Day so come along for some fun activities to celebrate the return of the swallow and other favourites and learn how difficult migration is. Meet at Kincraig Community Hall. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH 832059. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email [email protected]. 77

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 77 29/01/2014 15:46 Thursday May 08, 2014 June An t-Ògmhios Spring at Loch Vaa, Strathspey Investigate this little known loch and its wonderful birch Wednesday June 11, 2014 and pine woodlands during the spring migration! Bring The Cairngorms & Craigellachie lunch and a drink and we’ll chill in the spring sunshine… Explore this National Nature Reserve with its fabulous Dogs and children very welcome! Unsuitable for views of the mountains. Bring lunch and a drink and pushchairs though. we’ll bask in the glory of spring migration! Good dogs Meet at Laggantygown Cemetery car park. Time: 11am- very welcome! 2pm. Grid ref: NH 910174. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. Meet at the dry ski slope car park, MacDonald’s £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 Aviemore Resort, Aviemore. Time: 11am-2pm. Grid ref: 873914 or email [email protected]. NH 892123. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or Thursday May 22, 2014 email [email protected]. Citizen Science - Wildlife apps for your phone, Grantown-on-Spey Friday June 27, 2014 Get up to date with technology and learn how to Babes on the Moor, Kingussie maximise your smart phone. Citizen Science is the way A unique opportunity to see this year’s Red Deer of the future. Record wildlife direct in the field. No calves as they are led to the low ground with their more scruffy notebooks! mothers, a truly special experience. Refreshments Meet at Grant Arms Hotel conference room, available. Grantown-on-Spey. Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Grid ref: Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. NJ 033279. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family Time: 7pm-10pm. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. £12.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email email [email protected]. [email protected].

Saturday May 31, 2014 Around the Heart of Badenoch, Kingussie July An t-Iuchar A fabulous opportunity to walk the new path linking Friday July 04, 2014 Kingussie with Newtonmore past Loch Gynack. Looking Orchids Galore, Newtonmore for wildlife, discussing history with the occasional story A gentle stroll around part of the Wildcat Trail in search and returning via the cycle route. of orchids and other wildflowers as well as some of the Meet at Ardvonie car park, Kingussie. Time: 10am-3pm. lore associated with them. Grid ref: NH 755006. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. Meet at Newtonmore station car park. Time: 6pm- £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 9.30pm. Grid ref: NN 715984. Grade A. Adults £5.00, 01479 873706 or email duncan.macdonald@highland. conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald gov.uk. on 01479 873706 or email duncan.macdonald@ highland.gov.uk.

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 78 29/01/2014 15:46 BADENOCH & STRATHSPEYBADENOCH BÀIDEANACH AGUS SRATH SPÈ Friday July 11, 2014 Screaming Swifts, Kingussie Swifts are such a feature of the summer with their aerial antics, but they also need our help. Come along and find out more while we look for and record nest sites. Meet at Ardvonie car park, Kingussie. Time: 7pm- 9.30pm. Grid ref: NH 755006. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email duncan.macdonald@ highland.gov.uk. August An Lùnastal Wednesday July 16, 2014 Friday August 01, 2014 Peek in the Pond, Revack Estate, Peering, Poking & Peeking into Grantown-on-Spey Pine Woods, Carrbridge Everyone enjoys peeking into the unknown depths of A celebration of pine woods from the roots in the a body of water! See what fabulous beasties lurk in the ground to the crown at the top. What wildlife lives Revack pond. Wear wellies. there? Meet at the dog walking car park, Revack Estate, Meet at Ellan Wood Community woodland car park Grantown-on-Spey. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NJ on Station road, Carrbridge. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: 032256. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family NH 903228. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or £12.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or email [email protected]. email [email protected]. Wednesday July 23, 2014 Tuesday August 12, 2014 Peek in the Pond, Craigellachie, Aviemore Raptor Track (2), Kincraig Everyone enjoys peeking into the unknown depths of A fun day for all the family to celebrate the birds of a body of water! See what fabulous beasties lurk in this prey of the Cairngorms National Park through art and interesting pond. Wear wellies. craft activities. Meet at the dry ski slope car park, MacDonald’s Meet at Kincraig Community Hall. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid Aviemore Resort, Aviemore. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: ref: NH 832059. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, NH 892123. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family family £8.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 £12.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or 873706 or email [email protected]. email [email protected].

Sunday July 27, 2014 September An t-Sultain Top Dogs Day Out, Glenmore Dog agility courses, displays, quizzes and all sorts of Wednesday September 10, 2014 doggy craziness! Register your dog on the day (first Bat Walk, Grantown come first served basis), or simply come and watch the Ever wondered what bats do for us? Or how they fun. Refreshments available. Joint event with the Forestry find their way in the dark? Join us for a bat walk in Commission Scotland. Grantown to find out what bats we have around us. Meet at Hay Field, Glenmore Forest Park. Time: 12pm- Please dress warmly and bring a torch. 4pm. Grid ref: NH 980093. Grade C. £5.00 per dog. Meet at Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey. Time: Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or email 8pm-10pm. Grid ref: NJ 033279. Grade B. Adults £3.00, [email protected]. conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or email [email protected]. Thursday July 31, 2014 Den Building at Feshiebridge Saturday September 13, 2014 Try your hand at building a shelter and learn the Highland Harvest, Kincraig principles of staying warm and dry outdoors. Autumn in the Highlands has always been a time of Meet at Feshiebruach car park on the Auchlean road harvest. We will be foraging for fruits, fungi and anything south of Feshiebridge. Time: 2pm-4pm. Grid ref: NH else that catches our eyes whilst learning more about 853043. Grade A. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family the organisms themselves. £8.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 Meet at Kincraig Community Hall. Time: 1pm-4pm. Grid or email [email protected]. ref: NH 832059. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email [email protected]. 79

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 79 29/01/2014 15:46 Friday September 19, 2014 Bat Walk, Grantown Ever wondered what bats do for us? Or how they find their way in the dark? Join us for a bat walk in Grantown to find out what bats we have around us. Please dress warmly and bring a torch. Meet at Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey. Time: 8pm-10pm. Grid ref: NJ 033279. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or email [email protected].

October An Dàmhair Tuesday October 07, 2014 Wednesday October 01, 2014 Druim an Aird, Laggan Souterrain and Raitts, Lynchat A chance to walk to the old village site of Druim an We will explore the remarkable Iron Age souterrain Aird high above the Pattack Falls. and carry on up to the old village site of Upper Raitts. Fantastic history and views. Meet at Pattack Falls car park, A86, 4 miles south of Laggan. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid ref: NN 567903. Grade Meet at Chapelpark Farm B9152, Lynchat. Time: 11am- B. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact 2pm. Grid ref: NH 783020. Grade B. Adults £3.00, conc. Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on [email protected]. 01479 873706 or email duncan.macdonald@highland. gov.uk.

If you have a spare hour, which part of the countryside would you like to go to and have some space?

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 80 29/01/2014 15:46 BADENOCH & STRATHSPEYBADENOCH BÀIDEANACH AGUS SRATH SPÈ Friday October 10, 2014 Thursday November 06, 2014 Monarchs of the Glen, Laggan A Stress-free Stroll, Kingussie The Red Deer rut is one of Scotland’s finest wildlife Come for a relaxing stroll around the Golf Course spectacles. The glens are echoing to roaring of stags Circular trail in Kingussie to mark Stress Awareness day. at this time of year. We will be looking for other We will find pleasant places to stop and contemplate wildlife too. the bounty of nature. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Meet at Ardvonie car park, Kingussie. Time: 10am- Time: 4.30pm-7pm. Grade A. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, 12.30pm. Grid ref: NH 755006. Grade B. Adults £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald 873706 or email [email protected]. on 01479 873706 or email duncan.macdonald@ highland.gov.uk. Saturday October 11, 2014 Mountain Meander, Glenmore Meall a Bhuachaille - a Corbett of a hill, to be tackled December An Dùbhlachd slowly as we explore Glenmore’s past. Slowcoaches, Monday December 01, 2014 families and good dogs very welcome. Bring lunch and Christmas Arts & Crafts Winter a drink and dress for the hills. Lights switch on, Grantown Meet at the Forestry Commission car park by the Try your hand at making your own natural Christmas Mor Café. NB there is a charge for the car park. Time: decorations as the town is lit up with festive lights. Look 10.30am-3.30pm. Grid ref: NH 976097. Grade C. for details in the press nearer the time. Adults £10.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Saranne Bish on Meet at The Town House, Grantown-on-Spey. Time: 01479 873914 or email [email protected]. 6.30pm-8pm. Grid ref: NJ 034280. Grade A. Children £2.00. Adults go free with accompanying children. Friday October 17, 2014 Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or email Raptor track (3), Glen Feshie [email protected]. Young birds of prey are dispersing at this time of year as the short, frugal days of winter fast approach. We will walk through some spectacular surroundings looking for birds of prey and anything they might be hunting. Meet at Auchlean car park at the end of the public road south of Feshiebridge. Time: 10am-2pm. Grid ref: NN 851984. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00. Contact Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873706 or email [email protected].

November An t-Samhain Wednesday November 05, 2014 Meditate to the Autumnal Colours @ Revack De-stress on Stress Awareness Day in a mindful fashion! We’ll wander through the gorgeous Revack Gardens and have a go at meditating outside - a wonderful experience! Perhaps we’ll see some migrating birds too? Meet at the dog walking car park, Revack Estate, Grantown-on-Spey. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Grid ref: NJ 032256. Grade C. Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00. Contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873914 or email [email protected].

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 81 29/01/2014 15:46 Leave No Trace Na Fàg Fianais

To leave no trace means exactly that. Here are a few top tips for you to help keep our beautiful Scottish countryside exactly the way it is when you are at an event.

Litter Carry out what you carry in. Litter in the countryside is unpleasant for both visitors and local people. It also poses a risk to wildlife. Bring a plastic bag to keep your litter in until you find a bin and can dispose of it responsibly.

Toilet kit If in a remote location, make sure to pack your toilet kit. This should include a trowel, re-sealable bags, antibacterial handgel and biodegradable toilet paper.

Needing to “go” Make sure you are at least 30m away from running water and well away from the edge of any nearby paths. Dig a 30cm deep pit using your trowel and use biodegradable toilet paper. When you are finished, fill in the pit and cover it with leaf mould and soil. Carry away your paper in a resealable bag and dispose of it responsibly.

Dogs Parasites and disease can be transmitted to people and livestock through dog waste left on grazing land. Please always remove and dispose of dog waste responsibly. Please keep your dog under control at all times and follow the Outdoor Access Code when out walking with your dog.

108231_Ranger Booklet 2014.indd 82 29/01/2014 15:46 Scotland’s Great Trails Prìomh Shlighean na h-Alba

Got a sense of adventure, or just enjoy getting outdoors? Let Scotland’s Great Trails surprise you. Visit www.scotlandsgreattrails.org for more information on each route.

Route Length (km) Website 1. Annandale Way 88 www.annandaleway.org 2. Ayrshire Coastal Path 161 www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org 3. Berwickshire Coastal www.scotborders.gov.uk/ 45 Path beerwickshirecoastalpath www.scotborders.gov.uk/ 4. Borders Abbeys Way 109 bordersabbeysway 5. Cateran Trail 103 www.caterantrail.org 6. Clyde Walkway 64 www.visitlanarkshire.com www.southofscotlandcountrysidetrails. 7. Cross Borders Drove 83 co.uk/where-to-ride/cross-borders-drove- Road road/ 8. Dava Way 39 www.davaway.org.uk 9. Fife Coastal Path 150 www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk 10. Formatine & Buchan Way 86 www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk 11. Forth-Clyde / Union 106 www.scottishcanals.co.uk/our-canals/ Canal Towpath 12. Great Glen Canoe Trail 96 www.greatglencanoetrail.org 13. Great Glen Way 127 www.greatglenway.com 14. John Muir Way 73 www.visiteastlothian.org 15. Kintyre Way 140 www.kintyreway.com/ 16. Moray Coast Trail 80 www.morayways.org.uk 17. Mull of Galloway Trail 58 www.mullofgallowaytrail.co.uk 18. River Ayr Way 71 www.theriverayrway.org 19. Rob Roy Way 124/151 www.robroyway.com www.southofscotlandcountrysidetrails. 20. Romans & Reivers Route 83 co.uk/where-to-ride/romans-and-reivers- route 21. Southern Upland Way 341 www.southernuplandway.gov.uk 22. Speyside Way 105 www.speysideway.org 23. St.Cuthbert’s Way 100 www.scotborders.gov.uk/stcuthbertsway 24. Three Lochs Way 50 www.threelochsway.co.uk 25. West Highland Way 154.5 www.west-highland-way.co.uk 26. West Island Way 48 www.bestofbute.co.uk

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