Ranger Guided Walks & Events Cuairtean is Cùisean am Maoir-dùthcha

Produced by The Council, 2010 Planning and Development Service. Introduction Ro-ràidh This programme provides basic information to highlight many events such as guided walks, archaeology trails, storytelling, wildlife talks and family events for all interests and levels of fitness. It aims to help raise awareness and encourage appreciation of the scenery, wildlife and heritage of the Highlands. For all walks and events it is important that you come prepared for the vagaries of our Scottish climate. Please pay special attention to the key as this gives good advice on the suitability of all events and walks. It is advisable to contact the Countryside Rangers or person organising the event PRIOR to attending as this programme may change due to adverse weather or other unforseen circumstances. If you require further information please contact the relevant person organising the event(s) you are interested in. See contact page for details. The Scottish Access Code Còd Slighean Dùthchail na h-Alba Please remember Know the Code before you go. ‘Enjoy, Respect and Protect’. For more details: Tel: SNH (01738 458545) or www.outdooraccess-.com Contacts Airson fiosrachadh John Orr Angus MacIntyre (Inverness East and Nairn Ranger) (Sound of Arisaig Ranger) 01463 702932 01687 462983 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Badenoch and Strathspey Lindsey Duncan Saranne Bish ( Ranger) (Badenoch and Strathspey North Ranger) 01854 613904 01479 873914 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Martin Hind Duncan MacDonald (Easter Ross Ranger) (Badenoch and Strathspey South Ranger) 01349 868563 01540 673907 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Skye and Lochalsh Caithness John Phillips Marina Swanson (Skye, Lochalsh, Ross and Cromarty Senior (Caithness East Ranger) Ranger) 01955 607758 01471 820526 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Dieter Tuerlinckx Sandy MacPhee (Caithness East Ranger) (Skye and Lochalsh Ranger) 01955 607758 01471 820527 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Glen Nevis Michelle Melville Andy Summers (Glen Nevis Ranger) (Assynt Ranger and Sutherland Senior 01397 705922 Ranger) E: [email protected] 01571 844654 Lindsay Buchanan E: [email protected] (Glen Nevis Ranger) Paul Castle 01397 705922 (North Sutherland Ranger) E: [email protected] 01641 521884 Great Glen Way Rangers E: [email protected] (Great Glen Way Rangers) Donald Mitchell 01320 366633 (North West Sutherland Ranger) E: [email protected] 01971 511756 Inverness and Nairn E: [email protected] Katy Martin Ian Paterson (Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (Mid and East Sutherland Ranger) Senior Ranger) 01549 402638 01463 702933 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] West Corinne Hambly Eilidh-Ann Madden (Inverness West Ranger) (West Lochaber Ranger) 01463 710786 01967 402232 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Other Ranger walks and events may be available throughout the year. Please contact the relevant Ranger or alternatively keep an eye on the Ranger event pages on the Highland Council Website http://www.highland.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/what-to-see/rangers/countryside-rangerevents.htm

1 Event Prices for 2010 – 2011 Up to 3 hours / Over 3 hours Adults...... £3/£5 Children (4-17 years old) and Senior Citizen ...... £2/£3 Under 4s...... Free Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) ...... £8/£12 (1 adult and up to 3 children) ...... £5/£9 Unwaged (Proof needed) ...... Free We are introducing a Season Ticket for this year. This allows you to attend as many Ranger events as you wish. The costs are: Adults...... £25 Children ...... £15 Please arrange with the Ranger at your first event. Key Iuchair

Grade A walk (walking on established path) Grade B walk (walking over paths and rough ground at low level-reasonable level of fitness required) Grade C walk (walking over rough/boggy ground and some hills-reasonable level of fitness required) Grade D walk (walking through and over mountainous terrain-good level of fitness required) Suitable for wheelchair access (access may be limited in places, please check when booking)

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Caley Cruisers 1970 -2010 BOATING HOLIDAYS INSCOTLAND Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

“the fastest way to slow down...”

Situated just outside Gairloch on the road to Badachro the Shieldaig Lodge is a beautiful and traditional Country House Hotel in its own private Bay with wonderful views, rooms & food. 26000 acres of stalking and fishing, 9 major lochs. There also are 2 self catering cottages in the grounds. Available nearby are, golf course, horse riding, nature trips etc. Gairloch, Ross-shire IV21 2AW Caley Cruisers, Canal Road, Inverness IV3 8NF Tel: 01445 741250. Fax: 01445 741305 T: 0 1 4 6 3 2 3 6 3 2 8 E-mail : [email protected] www.caleycruisers.com www.Shieldaiglodge.com March Am Màrt Monday 29th 2-4:30pm Wester Ross. Around the World in 80 minutes! Take a walk to visit trees from around the world. A fun trail for all the family! Area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £3 Children £2. Wednesday 31st 1.30pm. West Lochaber. Wild on Wednesday. Fun & Games for 7-11yrs old at Sgoil na Coille, Salen with the Highland Council and Forestry Commission Rangers. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232 NM 692 649. Children £3. Wednesday 31st 2pm-4pm. Wester Ross. Rockpool Rummage. Today has one of the lowest tides of the year. Catch a glimpse of the fascinating creatures that live in this normally hidden world. Wellies essential. Aultbea area. Booking only. Please call 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £3 children £2. April An Giblean Monday 5th 11am -1pm Skye and Lochalsh Easter Eggstravaganza! HELP! There’s an egg thief on the loose! Poor Jenny Wren’s nest is empty. Solve the clues to find her eggs and return them safely to her nest. Meet at 11am at ‘The Lump’, Portree. 1km. NG 483 434. Adults £3 Children £2. Tuesday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 7-9pm Great Glen Way Navigation For Numpties, Drumnadrochit. 4 evening workshops aimed at giving people the confidence to start hill walking. Booking essential. 01320 366633 Package £20/10 for all sessions including Saturdays 8th and 15th May. NH 505 292. Adults £3 Children £2 Per Session. This series of events are not covered by the general season ticket. Tuesday 6th 11.30am Arisaig Duke’s Walk Borrodale. Walk the shore of the “Loch nan Uamh ”. Visit Prince Charlie’s Cave and reach back to the Iron Age as you relish the view from the “Vitrified Fort”. Meet at Borrodale Farm. NM 695 850. Adult £3 Children £2. Wednesday 7th 1-3pm Glen Nevis Easter Adventure – Family Fun in Glen Nevis. Join the Rangers for a fun activity in the woods, meet at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Tel 01397 705922 for more information and to book a place. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 7th 1.30pm West Lochaber Wild on Wednesday. Fun & Games for 7-11yrs old at Sgoil na Coille, Salen with the Highland Council and Forestry Commission Rangers. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232. NM 692 649. Child £3. Wednesday 7th 1.30-3pm Inverness West Kite Making at Kiltarlity play park. Make fabulous kites out of odds and ends and weather permitting, fly them. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Wheelchair and pushchair accessible. 15 minutes from Inverness. Please book a place on 01463 710786. Location given out on booking. Adults £5 Children £3. Thursday 8th 10am-1pm & 2-5pm Inverness East The Culloden History Tour, Culloden House & Woods. Have a wander on foot to discover Culloden’s History and meet characters from the past. Price includes tea and biscuits at the sumptuous Culloden House. Booking essential Tel. 01463 702932. Location given out on booking. Adults £8 Children £4. Wednesday 14th 11am-4pm Skye and Lochalsh The Skye Trail: A long walk through Skye in eight one-day chunks. 1.Cliff and Crag: Duntulm to Kilmaluag via Rubha Hunish. 7km. Meet at Shulista car park. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820 526. NG 422 742. Adults £5 Child £3. 5 Thursday 15th 11.30am-1pm West Lochaber Strontian Community Woodland. This Woodland is home to over 60 different tree species and a Community Composting Site. Find out why these trees are important and learn about the composting process along the way! Meet at Strontian Tourist Information Centre. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 40 2232. NM 815 616. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 17th 12-4pm Wester Ross National Amphibian Survey. David O’Brien our local amphibian enthusiast will be showing us how to survey for amphibians. Gairloch Area. Booking only. Please call Lindsey Duncan on 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. FREE. Tuesday 20th 11.30am Arisaig “Caves & Clearances” Walk. Visit the “Soap Cave”, enjoy the hidden coves of dazzling sand, and drift into the minds of the people of the infamous “Clearances”. Meet at “Rhu Pier” NM 627 851. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 25th 11am Caithness Badbea, the story. Come along and visit to this old clearance village, and hear the story of the people who used to live here. Meet at Badbea car park Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 084 205. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 27th 10am-1pm North West Sutherland Loch A’Mhuilinn national nature reserve. Near Scourie. Ancient oak woodland with birch and hazel, loch side and moorland - by the coast. A rich mix of habitat. Walking on rough ground and by track. Meet at reserve car park 3 miles south of Scourie. NC 171 401. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 27th 10am Arisaig “Sniper’s Valley” Walk. Stretch your legs past the tumbling waters of “Allt a Bhuiridh” and shoulder of “An Stac” to dine on a special view of “” and the “” Booking essential. Tel 01687 462983. Meet at Lochailort. NM 767 823. Adults £5 Child £3. May An Cèitean Saturday 1st 10am-12pm Easter Ross Salmon Hatchery Open Day – Contin. Come and see the hatchery and how it benefits wild salmon of the river systems of the Conon with fisheries staff. At Forestry Commission carpark beside Contin. NH 454 567. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 1st 10am-3pm Badenoch & Strathspey Inspired in Inshriach NNR. Explore a remote and beautiful corner of the Invereshie & Inshriach National Nature Reserve. Please book a place and find out more information on 01540 673907. Location given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 1st 8pm Caithness Moth Magic. Help attract/identify moths using sugar and set up a moth trap in the forest. We’ll empty the trap tomorrow morning. Meet at Seadrift at 8pm Saturday. Then Seadrift 10am on Sunday. ND 219 706. Adults £3 Child £2. Contact Paul: 01847 821531 Saturday 1st 2-4pm Inverness Bushcraft Day at Abriachan. Try your hand at making a shelter, building a fire or foraging with experts on hand to guide you. Please book a place and find out more information on 01463 710786. Exact location given out on booking. Adults £5 Child £3 (To be confirmed). Monday 3rd 10am-12pm East Sutherland Jurassic Lark! Explore the rocks of Helmsdale in search of Jurassic fossils. Meet at Helmsdale harbour car park. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. ND 030 152. Adults £3 Child £2. Monday 3rd 1pm-3pm East Sutherland Gold panning. Visit the site of Sutherland’s gold rush and try your hand at gold panning. Meet at Helmsdale harbour car park. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. ND 030 152. Adults £3 Child £2 plus £3 equipment hire. 6 Tuesday 4th 10am-2pm North West Sutherland Ceannabienne Hill (383m) . Hill walk over rough ground. Fine views in all directions, moorland flowers and birds. Meet at Ceannabienne beach car park 4miles east of Durness. NC 444 654. Adults £5 Child £3 Thursdays 6th May. 10th June. 1st & 29th July. 19th Aug 10am-1pm North West Sutherland Scourie bay coastal walk. North shore. Superb views, wild flowers, geology, seabirds. Meet at Pier car park. NC 155 448. Adults £3 Child £2 Thursdays 6th May. 18th May. 1st & 8th June. 28th July. 19th Aug. 9th Sept. 11am-3pm Assynt Achmelvich Coastal walk, Assynt Delightful cliff top walk to the old meal mill at Altanabradhan through croftland and machair. Meet Achmelvich beach car park. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 058 248. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 6th 1.30-3.30pm West Lochaber Volcanic Rings and Other Things. Tiptoe over the stepping stones and ponder on the deserted village of Glen Drian hidden in the geology of the famous Volcanic Ring Dyke. Meet at Kilchoan Community Centre. Please bring own transport. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232. NM 491 636. Adults £3 Child £2 Friday 7th 12-3pm North Sutherland Scullomie to Sletell. Coastal hill walk to the abandoned post-clearance settlement of Sletell. Lots of plants, hopefully displaying newts in pool. Return via similar route. Roadside car park above Coldbackie Beach. NC 612 601. Adults £3 Child £2 Saturday 8th 1-3.30pm Great Glen Way Navigation for Numpties. Orienteering, Fort Augustus. An afternoon practicing navigation skills learned in the previous four sessions. Booking essential. 01320 366633. NH 350 072. Adults £5 Child £3 per session. Saturday 8th 4.30-8pm Skye and Lochalsh Birds before Breakfast: Celebrate international Dawn Chorus Day with a sunrise walk in Broadford. Learn to identify our common birds by sight and sound and afterwards join us for breakfast. 3km. Meet at the Broadford Library/Service Point. NG 638 237. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 9th 10.30am Caithness Walk of silence. Challenge yourself and see if you can remain completely silent on this lovely walk from Lybster to the old herring station. Bring lunch. Meet at Waterlines, Lybster Harbour. Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 243 349. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 11th 10am-1pm Easter Ross Springtime at Tarradale Muir of Ord. Exploring Gilchrist and Tarradale farmland to the Firth. Looking for yellowhammers and skylarks and red kite or an osprey if we are lucky. Meet outside the Black Isle Showground. NH 535 493. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 11th 10am-3pm North West Sutherland Ben Arnaboll (230m). Hill walk with fine views over Loch Hope and . Geology of the Moine, moorland wildlife and a bit of recent history. Meet at gate by roadside (A838) west of Hope bridge. NC 467 597. Adults £5 Child £3. Tuesday 11th 11.30am West Lochaber/Arisaig “Egnaig & the North Channel” Walk. A short walk near Eilean Shona to the site of the long abandoned village of Egnaig. Please phone for details of meeting place. 01687 462983/01967 402232. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 12th 11am-5pm Skye and Lochalsh The Skye Trail: A long walk through Skye in eight one-day chunks. 2.Fossils at Flodigarry: Kilmaluag to Quiraing via Flodigarry. 9km. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820526. NG 436 749. Adults £5 Child £3. 7 Thursday 13th May 17th June. 15th July. 5th & 26th Aug 10am-12.30pm North West Sutherland Scourie coast. Dikes & garnets. Geology, views, otter’s signs, seabirds. Meet at Scourie beach bird hide. NC 152 446. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 13th 1-3pm Easter Ross Springtime along the River Sgitheach. Evanton Walk the riverside to Balconie Point looking for darting dippers and wagtails feeding along the waters edge. Learn the benefits of alder trees along the riverbank? Leaves from village car park. NH 607 661. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 13th 11.30am Arisaig “Glen Beasdale Circle” Walk. A climb on the Beasdale ridge to the summit of “Druim Fiaclach”. Booking preferred. 01687 462983. Meet at the foot of Glen Beasdale. NM 716 851. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 13th 11:30am - 2:30pm Wester Ross Seashore Animals & Plants. As part of Scottish Biodiversity Week, join Dr James Merryweather and the HC Ranger to search for fascinating seashore wildlife. All ages welcome! Gairloch Area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £3 Children £2 Saturday 15th 9am-5.30pm Great Glen Way Navigation For Numpties Hill Day, Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh. The culmination of the Navigation for Numpties workshops: A hill walk designed to try out your new skills. Booking essential. 01320 366633 Priority places for those attending the workshops. NH 491 239. Adults £10 Child £7 per session. Saturday 15th 2pm-4pm Caithness Beginners Bird Watch. As part of Biodiversity Week join the ranger to view and learn about our local birds. Telescope provided, bring binoculars. Meet at Thurso River Harbour car park (not Scrabster) Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND122 688. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 16th 10.30m Caithness Dirlot Castle. Come explore Dirlot castle and the beautiful area it is located in. No dogs please. Meet at forestry car park (500 m past quarry) Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 119 491. Adults £3 Child £2. Monday 17th 8pm Caithness Clowns of the ocean. A short walk to view a magnificent puffin colony in the Dunbeath area. No dogs. More details on booking (essential). Contact Marina: 01955 607758. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 18th 1-3pm Easter Ross Springtime along the River Averon. Alness Wander the River Averon looking for sandpipers and dippers feeding along the waters edge. Learn about the geological history of the sandstone crags alongside, Meet Crawl Park car park. NH 655 696. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 19th 11am-4pm Wester Ross Flowerless Plants (mosses, liverworts, ferns, lichens) Dr James Merryweather is a lecturer for the Field Studies Council and a leading expert in the study of flowerless plants. Join him during Scottish Biodiversity Week to learn about these unusual plants. Suitable for all. Gairloch Area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 20th 10-4pm Skye and Lochalsh Skye Biodiversity (1) Woodland: Discover the ancient woodland of the ‘hidden valley’ in Waternish. Skirt the head of Loch Bay and follow the coast to reach this seldom-visited corner of Skye. Meet at Bay. 6km. NG 269 539. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 20th 17 Aug. 2nd Sept 11am-3pm Assynt The Limestone valley of the Traligill. Assynt A fascinating walk through ancient limestone scenery, past secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and dry river beds. Meet at Inchnadamph car park. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC251 216. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 20th 11.30am Arisaig “Shielings & Cairns” Walk. An easy family walk to the “Shieling” returning by way of the “Camusdarach Cairns”Meet at Traigh Farm. NM 656 904. Adults £3 Child £2. 8 Thursday 20th 1pm-3pm Wester Ross A Walk Through Time - Sand River Trail. A fascinating walk looking at the remains of ancient settlements and homes of people who once lived in this area. Scottish Biodiversity Week event. Gairloch Area.Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 20th 7pm Easter Ross Evensong at Culbokie Wood. An evening stroll to listen and learn about the woodland birds and how they attracted mates and advertise their territories including warblers, tits and finches Leaving Forestry Commission carpark Culbokie, Black Isle. NH611598. Adults £3 Child £2. Friday 21st 1-3pm North Sutherland Strathy Point Sea Watch. Look for whales and dolphins as part of ‘Biodiversity Week’. Telescopes provided, bring binoculars. Very weather dependent – phone 01641 521884. Meet Totegan Car Park (Strathy Point) No Dogs!. NC827 687. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 22nd 10.30am-1pm Easter Ross Springtime - Drummondreach Oak Wood, BlackIsle. Take in the sounds of our feathered friends amongst the oak wood as they sing for a mate at the open air pulpit. From adjacent parking at Teandore, Alcaig to Findon Road. NH 578 579. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 23rd 10.30am-3.30pm Glen Nevis Scottish Biodiversity Week. Drop in throughout the day & assist the Rangers in making homes for the Glen’s wildlife. Suitable for families. Phone 01397 705922 for more information. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 23rd 11am-3pm Nairn To the Edge and Back, Whiteness Head. Enjoy an extensive walk to the end of this remote spit. We will be walking along by saltmarsh and shingle shores looking for some of the amazing wildlife to be found here. Meet at Hilton of Delnies Farm, off the B9092 Nairn to Ardersier Road. NH 844 566. Adults £5 Child £3. Sunday 23rd 10am-1pm Easter Ross Monadh Mor in Springtime – Tore. Explore this unique bog woodland and wildlife benefiting from it. Looking for pinewood specialists that have adapted to the conditions. Forestry Commission Monadh Mor carpark, A835(T) west of Tore. NH 579 527. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 25th 10am-3pm North West Sutherland Ben Hutig. [408m]. Stunning views, chance of golden eagle, ravens, mountain hare, moorland plants, returning along the top of Ben Hutig. Meet at The Craggan Hotel in Melness. NC 588 615. Adults £5 Child £3. Tuesday 25th 11am-4pm Wester Ross Torridonian Wildlife. Step back in time on this stunning coastal walk to glimpse fossil records of the first life to appear on Earth. European Geopark Network Month. Achiltibuie area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £5 Child £3. Tuesday 25th Also 24th June. 21st July. 7th Sept 11am-2pm Assynt The Bone Caves, Assynt. Walk to the caves where bones of reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph.No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 254 179. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 26th 10.30am-1pm Easter Ross Seaboard Coastline, Hilton of Cadboll. Explore the coastline north of Hilton looking out for plants and bird life of the dunes and foreshore. Meet at Hilton of Cadboll Standing Stone carpark. NH 871 767. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 26th 7-9.30pm Glen Nevis Evening Chorus. A dawn chorus with a difference… Come and discover the birds and wildlife of Glen Nevis on this evening stroll. Booking essential. Tel 01397 705922. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Fort William. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. 9 Thursday 27th Also 6th July. 23rd Sept 11am-3pm Assynt Where the meteorite crashed in Assynt. Visit Europe’s largest ever meteorite strike. Learn about the ancient landscape it struck over one billion years ago. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park, No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 040 273. Adults £5 Child £3. Sunday 30th 10.30am Caithness Le pays perdu. Visit the forgotten village of Badryrie, learn about wildlife and ancient monuments along the way. Bring lunch. Meet at Loch Stemster road end. No dogs. Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 186 422. Adults £3 Child £2. June An t-Ògmhios Tuesday 1st & 22nd Also 13th July 10am-1pm North West Sutherland Talmine Treasures. Masses of beautiful plants including lesser butterfly orchids. Interesting geology and sea life on route to Port Vasgo. Meet at Talmine Pier; please do not block pier access. NC 588 632. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 1st 11am Caithness Needles and nests. Join us on a cliff top walk to view a spectacular natural arch and an amazing array of seabirds. Bring snack. Meet Smiddy Inn car park, Thrumster. Contact Marina: 01955 607758. ND 338 453. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 2nd 11am-3pm Wester Ross Ramble through Rassal. Discover abundant flowers and fascinating archaeology of the most northerly ashwoods in Scotland. Look out for orchids and mountain avens flourishing on the limestone slopes. Lochcarron area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 3rd & 24th Also 22nd July. 12th Aug 10am-12.30pm North West Sutherland Scourie cliffs. Fine scenery, sea caves & cliffs, wild flowers, seabirds. Not suitable for young children. Meet at Free church car park.. NC 152 434. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 3rd 11.30am Arisaig “Eireagoraidh Ruins” Walk. Climb to “Loch Eireagoraidh” for lunch, then circle round “Beinn nan Caorach” and back by way of “An Leth allt” and “Loch an Nostarie”.Meet at Glasnacardoch. NM 675 957. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 6th 9.30am Caithness Ben Dorrery to Loch Surrery via Loch Caluim. Let’s walk part of an ancient drove road (Catanach, or “the Sutherland men’s path) which ran from Thurso to Kinbrace (Sutherland). 14 km (9 miles) Rough walking. No dogs. Adults only. Bring lunch. Drivers taken back to start. Meet Halkirk Spar shop for car pool. Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 130 595. Adults £3 Child £2. Each Monday June 7th to August 2nd (Not 5th July) 2-4pm North West Sutherland Do the Puffin walk – Faraid head, Durness. 2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park. NC 392 687. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 8th Also Tues 20th July 10am-2pm North West Sutherland Watch Hill. Superb views over the Kyle of Tongue and beyond from Cnoc an Fhreiceadeain (307m). Vehicle needed for return. Meet at A836 car park above Coldbackie Beach near Tongue. Tel 01971 511756 for further details. NC 612 601. Adults £5 Child £3. Wednesday 9th 10am-6pm Skye & Lochalsh The Skye Trail: A long walk through Skye in eight one-day chunks. 3.Peaks and Pinnacles. Quiraing to Storr via Beinn Edra. 19km. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820526. NG 439 678. Adults £5 Child £3. 10

Munlochy As always, we have Horses, Ponies, ‘Sam’ Animal Aid our Donkey, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits, Birds, Cats and Dogs and of course ‘Hector’ We are a local charity, and ‘Rhodo’ our providing help and care resident deer for creatures from all around the Highlands & Islands. We offer help with Veterinary fees for Woodend, North sick animals and also Kessock, Inverness Charity

provide assistance with IV1 3ZD 029144

neutering. Tel: 01463 811 722 no: Scottish

Fancy a trip up north?

Visit the RSPB’s exhilarating Dunnet Head reserve and be as far north as you can be! (without getting your feet wet…) • Home to thousands of breeding seabirds • Panoramic views to • RSPB nature guide on site • Cobwebs blown away! Or drop in to the RSPB’s Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve – land of the big bog and even bigger skies... • Family-friendly visitor centre • Nest camera • Guided walks • Tr a i l s o u t o n t o t h e b o g For more details on these or any other RSPB reserves visit www.rspb.org.uk

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a registered charity – England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654 Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) Visit the

Museum of Childhood

Victorian Station

Gift shop Coffee shop Audio-visual displays Hands-on activities Doll and toy collections Customs and folklore

Open 1st April—31st October Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 2pm-5pm Old Station, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire IV14 9DH 01997 421031 To see our full range of outdoor clothing,visit our shop in Struan,Isle of Skye Coffee Shop also open in winter 07759 690 459 ( we also retail footwear, clothing & accessories), or on our web-site at the address below.

www.highlandmuseumofchildhood.org.uk

ALNESS HERITAGE CENTRE Exhibitions of Alness and Local History changing throughout the year. Alness at War plus various Summer Exhibition. Heritage Shop with Local Crafts, Paintings, Knitwear. Large selection of Baby Knitwear always in stock. Alness Souvenirs, Cards, lots of lovely unusual Gifts. The Wallace Room available for Conferences, Weddings, etc. Outdoor Events held throughout the Summer in the Heritage Garden. See Local Press and our website www.alness.com for details. 102-106 HIGH STREET, ALNESS TEL: 01349 883005 Explore your forests!

Come in and enjoy!

You’ll find wildlife, views, walks, biking, archaeology, special events & much more in the forests of the North Highlands. Rosal Deserted Township - near Tongue is the remains of a once thriving Highland village, which was cleared of its inhabitants to make way for sheep. Raven's Rock Gorge - near Rosehall is a spectacular gorge walk on suspended boardwalks. Kyle of Sutherland trails - 17km of mountain bike trails for a range of skills, with stunning views over the Kyle of Sutherland. Morangie Forest - walk, ride or cycle through the pinewoods at Aldie Burn or enjoy spectacular views of Easter Ross and the Sutherland coastline from Tain Hill.

For information about your forests and events in your area, call us on 01408 634063,email [email protected] or visit our website www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

Wednesday 9th 11am-2pm Wester Ross Wildlife Wander. Explore the waterfall and gorge of the Inverianvie River looking out for flora and fauna including orchids and maybe a dipper or two. Gruinard area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place to be given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 10th Also 22nd July. 3rd Aug & 31st Aug 11am-2pm Assynt Clachtoll Coastal walk, Assynt. Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village past an Iron-age fort. Meet Clachtoll beach car park. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 040 273. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 10th Evening West Lochaber Sunart Bat Watch. A short slide show and talk followed by an evening walk to learn more about these elusive creatures. Meet at Forestry Office, Strontian. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232. NM 814 619. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 12th 11am-2pm Inverness West Riverside Wander. A lovely walk along the banks of the River Beauly taking in scenery and wildlife. One of the Ranger’s favourites. We’ll be going roughly 5km on good tracks. Bring lunch. Meet at Kiltarlity Old Church near Kilmorack. Phone 01463 710786 for more information. NH 497 439. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 13th 11am-2pm Caithness Dunnet Natural Sculptures. Create your own work of natural art in Dunnet Forest. Fun for the whole family. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park from 11am onwards. Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND 221 645. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 15th 10am-2pm North West Sutherland Kyle of Durness. Circular coastal walk with amazing wild flowers, beautiful scenery, beaches, otter signs. Meet at Durness golf course car park. NC 392 688. Adults £5 Child £3. Tuesday 15th 11.30am West Lochaber/Arisaig “Silver Walk” A lovely circular walk following the ancient path by Loch then looping back to the view over Castle Tioram. Meet at Dorlin sands. NM 664 720. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 16th 11am-2pm Wester Ross Wildlife Wander at Falls of Stroma. Explore the waterfalls and gorge of Gleann Mor looking out for flora and fauna including orchids and maybe a dipper or two. Ullapool area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place to be given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 17th 10.30am-12.30pm North Sutherland Portskerra to Dunes. Masses of coastal wildflowers and a bit of beachcombing for mermaids purses. Meet at Portskerra old harbour (not the Pier). NC 878 664. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 17th 10.30am-12.30pm East Sutherland Balblair rare. A pleasant walk through the national nature reserve looking for one-flowered wintergreen and twinflower. Meet at Balblair woods, Loch Fleet by Golspie. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NH 815 977. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 17th 11am-5pm Assynt Bone Caves to the Traligill Basin, Assynt. A fascinating walk linking two cave systems within the limestone area of Inchnadamph. Meet at Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 254 179. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 17th 11.30am Arisaig “Arisaig Triangle” Walk. Take the easy way up the three Arisaig peaks “Sasunnaich”, “Creag Mhor” & “Albanaich” Booking preferred. Meet at Arisaig Station. NM 663 867. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 17th 2pm-4.30pm Skye and Lochalsh Skye Biodiversity (2):Mountain and Moorland. Explore Sligachan Peatlands, a Special Area of Conservation to discover some of Skye’s rarest plants & breeding birds. 3km. Bring your wellies! Meet at Sligachan Hotel Car Park. NG 485 298. Adults £3 Child £2. 16 Friday 18th 2-4pm East Sutherland Blooming marvellous. A walk through the dunes and grassland of the Common Good Lands. Meet at the airfield car park, Dornoch. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NH 802 884. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 19th 10.30am-12.30pm Caithness Bushcraft Skills. Try your hand at survival skills such as fire starting, bush tucker and lamp making. All materials provided. Booking recommended. Seadrift Centre. Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND 219 706. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 20th 11am-3pm Inverness East Sheannachie Stroll, Following the track up the Tom na Slaite hill (426m) and down to the River Findhorn and the remains of Shenachie. A remote and breathtakingly beautiful walk. Meeting place will be given out on booking. Tel 01462 702932. Location given out on booking. Adults £5 Child £3. Monday 21st 10am-3pm Glen Nevis Midsummer Ramble to Allt a’Mhuilinn. Enjoy fine views of the majestic north face of Ben Nevis, and discover the history and geology of this iconic mountain. Meet at the north face car park, Torlundy. Booking Essential. Packed lunch required. Tel 01397 705922. NN 144 764. Adults £5 Child £3. Monday 21st 10pm Caithness Midsummer night’s stream. Lovely night walk through Dunbeath Strath. Meet at Dunbeath Mill. Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 160 299. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 22nd Also 5th Aug. 14th Sept 11am-3pm Assynt Drumbeg Peat Road, Assynt. Journey to the interior of Assynt rich in wildlife and history and dangerous stories. Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 120 330. Adults £5 Child £3. Wednesday 23rd 10am-12pm Easter Ross The Dark Mysteries of Blackrock Gorge - Evanton. Take a walk and learn about the chasm of Blackrock Gorge and the folklore that goes with it. Meet Evanton village car park. NH 607 661. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 24th 11.30am West Lochaber / Arisaig “Graves & Garnets” Walk. Drift through the multiple environments in an investigative wander on the Moidart peninsula. Meet at Roshven Farm. NM 720 785. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 24th 7.30-10pm Skye and Lochalsh Skye Biodiversity (3) In-bye Croft and Farmland. Join us for an evening talk, and then venture out at Trumpan for a night survey of the UK’s only globally endangered bird, the corncrake. (3km) Meet at Stein car park. NG 263 563. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 26th 10am-4pm Wester Ross Dragonfly Safari. Never seen a dragonfly before? Then this is the event for you! We’ll study the pools and ponds around Loch Achall. with the British Dragonfly Society. Ullapool area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place given out on booking. FREE. Sunday 27th 11am Caithness Ministry of silly walks. Join the Ranger at Dunnet forest and see what silly things are going on! Dress up silly for the occasion. Meet Dunnet forest car park. Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 221 645. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 29th 10am-3pm North West Sutherland . Hill walk by loch, river and moorland. Beautiful scenery, moorland wildlife and amazing geology in the foothills of Foinaven. Meet at Rhiconich hotel car park. NC 255 524. Adults £5 Child £3. Tuesday 29th 11.30am Arisaig “Smirisary & the White Beach” Walk. Look back into the hardships of old crofting life and see 21st century changes before lunching at the aptly named “White Beach”. Booking only 01687 462983. Meet at Inn. NM 671 773. Adults £3 Child £2. 17 Wednesday 30th 10am-2.30pm Easter Ross Deserted Homesteads of Aultgowrie, Muir of Ord. Out below Cul Beag, past hut circles from the bronze/ iron age then up this bleak valley. Once at the empty farmstead of Tighachrochadair stop for lunch and learn a bit of the local history. From forest entrance to Auchmore Wood. NC 479 509. Adults £5 Child £3. Wednesday 30th 10.30am-12pm Sutherland / Caithness Puffin Watch. Join the ranger at the largest local puffin colony to view these popular ‘clowns of the ocean.’ A telescope provided, bring your binoculars and cameras. A836 Sutherland/Caithness boundary sign. NC 921 645. Adults £3 Child £2. July An t-luchar Thursday 1st 11am-3pm Assynt River Inver to Glencanisp, Assynt. A varied walk along riverside woodland, old Clearance Village and loch shore. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, . No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 094 225. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 1st 11.30am Arisaig “Brinacory & Lochan Stole” Walk. Follow the old county road to a school of past ages before taking to the hills to experience the view of a lifetime. Meet at Bracorina. NM 725 927. Adults £5 Child £3. Friday 2nd 12pm-2pm North Sutherland Strathy Point Sea Watch. Look for whales and dolphins at Strathy Point. Telescopes provided bring binoculars. Very weather dependent – phone 01641 521884. Meet at Totegan Car Park (Strathy Point). No Dogs! NC 827 687. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 6th 10.30am-12.30pm East Sutherland Survival skills. Learn some wilderness survival skills. Including shelter building and fire lighting. Meet at Dunrobin Castle, Golspie. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NC 850 010. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 6th 11am-2.30pm Wester Ross The Coral Beaches of Applecross. Visit the beautiful coral beaches of Ard Ban (The White Promontory) and discover how these stunning white sands are formed. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place to be given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 6th 1.30pm-3.30pm East Sutherland Osprey watch. Join us on the lookout for a pair of Sutherland’s nesting ospreys. Meet at the Mound Car Park, between Golspie and Dornoch. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NH 776 982. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 6th 2pm Caithness Seabird Cities. Learn about the amazing seabird cities while taking in dramatic coastal scenery with sea stacks & sheer sided geos. Meet at car park. Contact Marina: 01955 607758. ND 405 735. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 6th 11am-12pm Caithness Meet the Gruffalo. Join the story and meet the fabulous creatures who inhabit Dunnet Forest. For kids 7 years and under. Two separate sessions will be run. Dunnet Forest car park. Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND 221 645. Child £2. Tuesday 6th 1.30pm-3pm Inverness West Adventure in The Night Garden Oh no! The Pontipine children are lost. Join them on an adventure through The Night Garden meeting friends along the way. Suitable for push chairs. Meet at Urquhart Bay Woods car park, Drumnadrochit. NH 515 295. Adults £3 Child £2. Every Wednesday during July 12pm-2pm Glen Nevis Wild on Wednesday. Fun & Games for 7-11yrs old with the Countryside Rangers. Phone for details, bookings etc 01397 705922. NN 123729. Child £3. Wednesday 7th 10.30am-5pm Skye and Lochalsh The Skye Trail: A long walk through Skye in eight one-day chunks. 4: Coast and Cliff Bearreraig bay to Portree. 14km. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820526. NG 516 524. Adults £5 Child £3. 18 Wednesday 7th 11am-1pm Caithness Beginners Bird Watch. Not good on your birds? Join the Ranger to view and learn about local birds around Thurso. Telescope provided, bring binoculars. Meet at Thurso Harbour car park. Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND 122 688. Adults £3 Child £2 Wednesday 7th Also 28th Sept 12pm-2pm Assynt The secrets of Glen Leireag, Assynt. Discover magic of this woodland glen including freshwater pearl mussels, dippers and eagles. Meet at Nedd bridge 3km east of Drumbeg. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 148 315. Adult £5 Child £3. Wednesday 7th 7pm Caithness Coastal treasures of the Wick coast. Experience the sights, smells of an amazing seabird colony set amidst the beauty of the East Caithness Coast. Discover sea stacks, natural arch & caves along the way. Meet outside old herring mart (yellow & red wooden hut), Wick Harbour. Contact Marina: 01955 607758. ND 369 505. Adult £3 Child £2. Thursday 8th 10am-5pm Assynt Glas Bheinn, Assynt. A walk to the top of one of Assynt’s less-visited mountains, Glas Bheinn. If the weather is not good we will do a shorter low level walk. Meet Inchnadamph car park. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 251 216. Adults £5 Child £3 Thursday 8th 11am-3pm Wester Ross Ancient Fort of Dun Canna. Walk to the ancient fort of Dun Canna and learn about the lives of the people who once lived in this stunning area. Ullapool area. Booking only. Call 01854 613904. Meeting place to be given out when booking. Adult £5 Child £3. Thursday 8th 5-7pm North Sutherland Portskerra Sea Watch. Bring binoculars and look for whales, dolphins and porpoises with the Ranger. Telescopes provided. Very weather dependent - phone 01641 521884. Meet at Portskerra Harbour (not the pier). NC 878 664. Adult £3 Child £2. Tuesday 13th 3-4pm Assynt Rockpools at Achmelvich, Assynt. There is more to rockpooling than a load of old crabs stuffed in a bucket. Meet at Achmelvich beach car park. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 058 248. Adult £3 Child £2. Tuesday 13th 11am-1pm Caithness Minibeast. Join the rangers and hunt for minibeasts in the forest and ponds. Nets provided. Suit 8-12 years old younger kids must be accompanied. Dunnet Forest car park. Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND 221 645. Adult £3 Child £2. Tuesday 13th 11.30am West Lochaber / Arisaig “Roshven” Walk. Drift through the multiple environments in an investigative wander on the Moidart peninsula. Meet at Roshven Farm. NM 720 785. Adult £3 Child £2. Wednesday 14th 1.30am-3pm Inverness West Winnie the Pooh in Hundred Aker Wood, Drumnadrochit. Fun and games with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Suitable for off road push chairs. For more information and to book a place call 01463 710786. Location given out when booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 14th 1.30pm West Lochaber Wild on Wednesday. Fun & Games for 7-11yrs old at Sgoil na Coille, Salen with the Highland Council and Forestry Commission Rangers. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232. NM 692 649. Child £3. Thursday 15th 10.30am-4pm Assynt Skye Biodiversity (4) Sea and Coast: Follow the sheltered coast of Loch Pooltiel to the cliffs of Neist Point – one of Skye’s best whale and bird watching locations. 7km. Meet at Meanish Pier, Milovaig. NG 153 505. Adults £5 Child £3 19 Linnhe Lochside Holidays Almost a botanical garden with stunning views, in a rural setting. Just five miles from Fort William but well placed for day trips to Oban, Skye, Loch Ness etc. Luxurious four star Alpine Chalets, Afascinatingmuseumtellingthe well equipped Holiday Caravans, Heated Toilet block for Tourers. Licensed shop, private shore story of mankind’s relationship with free trout fishing, drying room. with north east Scotland. •Exhibitionsanddisplays •Rooms,lectureandaudio presentation facilities for hire •Localinformation •Caféandshop •Opendailyandadmissionisfree

Caithness Horizons,OldTownHall, Corpach, Fort William PH33 7NL Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8AJ Te l : 0 1 3 9 7 7 7 2 3 7 6 Tel: 01847 896508 E: [email protected] www.linnhe-lochside-holidays.co.uk www.caithnesshorizons.co.uk

Explore and experience some of the finest old semi-natural woodlands in Britain that surround and stretch into Morvern, along and into Loch Eil. • Guided Walks • Events • Volunteering Opportunities Leaflets and Publications available • www.sunartoakwoods.org.uk Contact: Sunart Community Forester on 01967 402165 or Highland Council Ranger 01967 402232 YO U R T I M E AN D E N E R GY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Help us plant 100,000 trees in 2010! Join us on a CONSERVATION WORK WEEK and help return the stunning, native, wild forest to the Highlands of Scotland. d one of te th o e Conservation Weeks cost £70-£300, including V TOP 10 food, accommodation and travel from Inverness. Conservation Holidays in the www.treesforlife.org.uk World Conservation Week Enquiry Line: 0845 6027386 BBC Wildlife Magazine Registered Scottish Charity No.SCO21303

HIGHLAND FOLK MUSEUM Forsinard Flows Taigh-tasgaidh Sluagh na Gàidhealtachd Nature reserve NEwTONMOrE 2010 VisitVisit Scotland Scotland award award and Activities in July and August and National NatureNational Reserve Nature Reserve See website for details !"#$ %&' (%)* +,%&' '-* .+#'+/'"0 1%0+1 2"1$1".* +' %&) .+("134.)"*#$13 5"/"'%) Free Admission 0*#')*6 7*# -+))"*) 889: #*/'2+'0- ,*'2**# 1+'* ;+3 +#$ <&13= -%' $)"#>/ +#$ OPENING HOURS : 1April2010-31August2010:10.30-17.30 .+") ')+$* /#+0>/ +5+"1+,1*6 1September2010-31October2010:11.00-16.30 !"#$# &'()* 9&*/? T: 01540 673551 9-&)/ @4AB(= ;+34C&D&/' www.highlandfolk.com E/(+11 0-+)D* +BB1"*/F6 +",# !* ,3 ')+"#= %# '-* G#5*)#*// H I"0> 1"#*= '-* 0*#')* "/ "# '-* %1$ /'+'"%# ,&"1$"#D6 J3 0+)= %# '-* CKLM ,*'2**# ;*15"0- 4 7*1(/$+1*6

NB*# $+"13 CB) H N0'= L+( H A6OPB(6 +-$$ '#."**"/, 9*1Q PRSTR AMR@@A 2226)/B,6%)D6&>?.%)/"#+)$ Thursday 15th 11.30am Arisaig “Carnach Heights” Walk. A new walk to “Lochan na Craoibhe” in the Carnach hills. Booking only 01687 462983. Meet at Carnach. NM 680 857. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 15th 1-4.30pm Glen Nevis Steall Falls. Travel along the old stalkers path to experience fantastic views of Glen Nevis gorge and An Steall, the magnificent waterfall. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, to drive to the end of the Glen Nevis road and the start of the walk. Tel 01397 705922 for booking and more information. Not suitable for children under 10yrs old. NN 123 729. Adults £5 Child £3. Tuesday 20th 11am-1pm Caithness Flying High. Have fun with the Rangers building your own kite out of everyday items. Take it home and watch it soar. Suit 8-12 years. Seadrift Centre. Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND 219 706. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 20th 11am-1pm East Sutherland Pond dipping. Using pond nets and butterfly nets we will find whatever flip, flops and flies in the Skelbo pond. A joint event with the Forestry Commission. Meet at Skelbo Forest car park, near Dornoch. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NH 780 942. FREE. Tuesday 20th 2-4pm East Sutherland Mud glorious mud. Explore Loch Fleet’s mud flats for the amazing hidden wildlife. Wellies essential. Meet at Balblair Woods, Loch Fleet by Golspie. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NH 815 977. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 21st 10am-5pm Skye and Lochalsh The Skye Trail: A long walk through Skye in eight one-day chunks. 5: Battle of the Braes. Portree to Sligachan via Braes. 14km. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820526. NG 474 407. Adults £5 Child £3. Wednesday 21st 11.30am-2pm West Lochaber Teddy Bears Picnic. Fun and games for pre-school children. Lets go on a “Bear Hunt” around the Strontian Woodlands followed by a picnic lunch. Bring your favourite teddy bear! Meet at Forestry Commission Office, Strontian. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232. NM 814 619. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 21st 2-4pm Inverness Meet the Gruffalo at Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, Inverness. A mouse took a stroll in the deep dark wood. Can you be like the mouse and follow the trail to find the Gruffalo? Most suitable for families with children under the age of 8 years. Meet at the turning circle, South Kessock, Inverness. Find out more information on 01463 710786. NH 655 472. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 21st 10am-4pm Glen Nevis Half way Lochan & the North Face. Enjoy a walk and wonderful views to Lochan Meall an t’Suidhe, then into below the North face of Ben Nevis. Packed lunch and suitable footwear/clothing required. Booking essential. 01397 705922. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. NN 123 729. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 22nd 11.30am West Lochaber / Arisaig “Footsteps of the Prince” Walk in the Footsteps of Prince Charlie in the wooded grounds of Kinlochmoidart House and lunch by the River Moidart.Meet at Kinlochmoidart. NM 710 727. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 27th 10am-12.30pm North West Sutherland by Kinlochbervie. Walk across the machair - masses of wild flowers, fine views, return along the beach. Meet at beach car park. NC 203 584. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 27th 10.30am-12.30pm Lochaber Slate Paths. Discover Ballachulish’s past as you walk through the quarry and into Brecklett. Meet outside the Tourist Information Centre, Ballachulish. Booking essential. Tel 01397 705922. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 27th 11.30am Arisaig “Deep Waters & Pools of Silence” Walk. Steadily climb to the reservoir that supplies the local villages then wander back by the slow moving waters of “The Burn of the Milk” Meet at Glasnacardoch. NM 656 904. Adults £3 Child £2. 22 Tuesday 27th 12-2pm Caithness Whale of a Time. Bring the whole family and your spades to help build a huge magical sand whale. Let’s see how big and decorative we can make it. Seadrift car park. Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND219 706. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 27th 11am-1pm Assynt Clachtoll Sand Sculpture Competition, Assynt. Fun for all the family. Bring bucket and spade and lots of ideas. Superb prizes. Meet Clachtoll Beach car park. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 040 273. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 28th 2-4pm Inverness The Plight of the Bee at Abriachan. Come along and find out more about bees. What they are up against and why we need them so badly? Meet at Abriachan Forest Trust Car park, Abriachan. Find out more information on 01463 710786. NH 541 354. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 28th 2-4pm North Sutherland Pond Dipping - Family Fun Learn about the creatures in Nelly’s Pool. Limited nets so bring your own and your wellington boots. Meet at car park opposite the fire station in . NC 705 624. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 29th 10am-3pm Glen Nevis Allt a’Mhuilinn and the North Face of Ben Nevis. Enjoy fine views of the majestic North face of Ben Nevis, and discover the history and geology of this iconic mountain. Meet at the North face car park, Torlundy. Booking Essential. Packed lunch required. Tel 01397 705922. NN 144 764. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 29th 10am-3pm Skye and Lochalsh Skye Biodiversity (5) Freshwater: Join a team of ornithologists, entomologists, botanists and other experts for a Bioblitz at Mill Pond to put the wildlife of Portree on the map! Meet at Mill Pond, Portree. NG 474 438. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 29th 2-3.30pm Nairn Aquabeasts!!! The River Nairn. Try a spot of river dipping on the River Nairn. Bring your wellies and lots of enthusiasm. Booking essential. Tel 01463 702932. Location given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Friday 30th 2-4pm East Sutherland Borgie Nature Sculptures. Use your imagination to build natural sculptures along the footpaths by the river. What can you come up with? Meet Borgie Forest large car park. NC 664 584. Adults £3 Child £2. August An Lùnastal Tuesday 3rd 11am-1pm Caithness Funny Faces. Come along and have fun with the Rangers making your own funny mask using the materials provided. Suit 8-12 years, younger kids must be accompanied. Seadrift Centre. Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND 219 706. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 3rd 2pm Caithness Castles & Crabs. Enjoyable shore walk passing a traditional harbour & 16th century castle ruins. Looking at shorelife, plants & birds. Meet Keiss beach car park. Contact Marina: 01955 607758. ND 344 601. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 3rd 2-4pm Wester Ross Peek in the pond. Ever wondered what lurks beneath the water? How many different beasties can we find? Come to Beinn Eighe to find out! Wellies and booking essential. Call 01854 613904. More details given out on booking. Child £3. Wednesday 4th Glen Nevis Wild on Wednesday. Fun & Games for 7-11yrs old with the Countryside Rangers. Phone for details, bookings etc 01397 705922. NN 123 729. Child £3. 23 Wednesday 4th 10am-5pm Skye and Lochalsh The Skye Trail: A long walk through Skye in eight one-day chunks. 6: Skirting the Cuillin. Sligachan to Kilmarie via Glen Sligachan.18km. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820526. NG 485 298. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 5th 11am-3pm Glen Nevis Dun Deardail. A forest walk on the West Highland Way to the site of an ancient Iron Age fort, Dun Deardail. Meet at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Fort William. Take a packed lunch. Tel 01397 705922 to book. NN 123 729. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 5th 11.30am Arisaig “Arisaig Past Present & Future” Walk. A good walk over paths and sheep tracks passing the hidden croft and “Arisaig House” the wartime billet of the “S.O.E.” Meet at Arisaig. NM 660 863. Adults £5 Child £3. Monday 9th 7-9pm Caithness Holborn Head Sea Watch For the National Whale and Dolphin Week. Join the Ranger at Holborn Head and look for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Telescope provided, bring binoculars. Meet by Scrabster lighthouse (no cars). Weather dependent phone to check.Contact Paul: 01847 821531. ND 106 707. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 10th 1.30-3.30pm East Sutherland Carbisdale Cycle. Join Forestry Commission and Highland Council Rangers for a cycle along the tracks of this varied forest. There will be a chance to try the easier mountain bike trail for those so inclined. Bikes can be supplied. Meet at the Carbisdale forest car park. NH 575 955. Phone 01408 634063 to book a bicycle. FREE. Tuesday 10th 2-3pm Assynt Rockpools at Clachtoll, Assynt. There is more to rockpooling than a load of old crabs stuffed in a bucket. Meet at Clachtoll beach car park. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 040 273. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 11th Glen Nevis Wild on Wednesday. Fun & Games for 7-11yrs old with the Countryside Rangers. Phone for details, bookings etc 01397 705922. NN 123 729. Child £3. Wednesday 11th 11am-1pm East Sutherland Seal watch. Come and get some of the closest views of common seals anywhere in Scotland. Meet at small car park by Skelbo Castle, on south shore of Loch Fleet. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NH 793 953. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 11th 2-4pm Caithness Skerray Pebble Art. Bring the family and join the ranger at Skerray Beach to paint your own pebble to take home. Paint/brushes provided, just find a pebble. Meet at Skerray Harbour. NC 662 638. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 11th 6-9pm Assynt Whale and Dolphin watching at Stoer lighthouse. A slide show at Stoer hall followed by a visit to the cliffs to watch for passing cetaceans. This event is part of the National Whale and Dolphin Watching Week. Meet at Stoer Hall. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 041 297. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 12th 9am-6pm Assynt Elphin to Lochinver, Assynt. Long distance walk (19km) through fabulous country on rough path. We will get the post bus to the start of the walk at Elphin. Meet at the Lochinver Post Office. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 094 225. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 12th 10.30am-4pm Skye and Lochalsh Lunching like Lords. Join us for a gentle climb to the flat top of Healabhal Mhòr, the smaller of MacLeod’s Tables, where we’ll enjoy lunch with a spectacular 360° panorama. 7km. Meet at the water station, Skinidin. NG 248 459. Adults £5 Child £3. 24 Thursday 12th 11.30am West Lochaber / Arisaig “Stones and Secrets” Walk. Meander through this forgotten corner with your senses alert and enjoy lunch at a secret beach. Meet at Roshven Farm. NM 720 785. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 12th 2-5pm North Sutherland Presentation and Sea Watch Enjoy a digital presentation on whales/dolphins. Then out to Strathy Point for a guided sea watch (weather permitting). Meet at the Strathy Inn. Charge not for use of Inn! NC 831 656. Adults £3 Child £2. Friday 13th 8-10pm Inverness Night walk at Farr, near Inverness. If you go down to the woods tonight….Explore the woodland as the sun goes down and watch the night time animals come out. Please book a place on 01463 710786. Given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Friday 13th 10.30am-12.30pm Glen Nevis Glen Nevis Venture. Join the Ranger for this riverbank and woodland ramble to learn more about the history, wildlife and scenery of Glen Nevis. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Fort William. Phone 01397 705922 for details and booking. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Monday 16th 1-4.30pm Glen Nevis Steall Falls. Travel along the old stalkers path to experience fantastic views of Glen Nevis Gorge and An Steall, the magnificent waterfall. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, to drive to the end of the Glen Nevis road and the start of the walk. Tel 01397 705922 for booking and more information. Not suitable for children under 10yrs old. NN 123 729. Adults £5 Child £3. Tuesday 17th 10am-3pm North West Sutherland Kylestrome & Glendubh. By Kylesku. Hill and coastal walk with spectacular views, chance of seeing ravens, red deer, seals, divers, moorland flowers. Walking on rough tracks and heath. Meet at Reay Forest estate car park (Kylestrome). NC 218 346. Adults £5 Child £3. Tuesday 17th 11am-3pm East Sutherland Brora river and hill fort. An 8 mile walk along the Brora river followed by a climb to Duchary hill fort. With great views over Strath Brora. Meet at the Brora Heritage Centre. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NC 898 042. Adults £5 Child £3. Wednesday 18th 10am-5pm Skye and Lochalsh The Skye Trail: A long walk through Skye in eight one-day chunks. 7: John Muir and the Trust. Elgol to Torrin. 17km. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820 526. NG 519 135. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 19th 10am-4pm Glen Nevis Half way Lochan & the North Face. Enjoy a walk and wonderful views to Lochan Meall an t’Suidhe, then into below the North face of Ben Nevis. Packed lunch and suitable footwear/clothing required. Booking essential. 01397 705922. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. NN 123 729. Adults £5 Child £3 Thursday 19th 11.30am-4pm West Lochaber A Journey through History. From chambered cairns to clearance villages, join the Ranger on a journey from Neolithic times to the present day below majestic Ben Hiant. Please bring a packed lunch. Meet at Camas nan Geall car park, . Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232. NM 562 616. Adults £5 Child £3. Friday 20th 10.30am-12.30pm Glen Nevis Glen Nevis Venture. Join the Ranger for this riverbank and woodland ramble to learn more about the history, wildlife and scenery of Glen Nevis. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Fort William. Phone 01397 705922 for details and booking. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 24th 10am-1pm North West Sutherland Wheelhouse, by Laid, Loch Eriboll. Hill walk to ancient 2,000 year old dry-stone dwelling. Rough remote moorland walk – fine views. Meet at old roadside quarry 7 miles east of Durness on A838. NC 423 464. Adults £3 Child £2. 25 Tuesday 24th 11.30am Arisaig “Local Heroes” Walk. A gentle walk to a panoramic viewpoint followed by a stroll along the beaches to learn a little about the marine molluscs. Meet at Glennancross. NM 664 916. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 24th 7.30-9.30pm Assynt Bat evening, Lochinver. Slide show at the Visitor Centre followed by a visit to the local pipistrelle roost to watch up to 100 bats leave their roost. Bring midge protection. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 094 225. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 25th Glen Nevis Steall Falls. Travel along the old stalkers path to experience fantastic views of Glen Nevis Gorge and An Steall, the magnificent waterfall. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, to drive to the end of the Glen Nevis road and the start of the walk. Tel 01397 705922 for booking and more information. Not suitable for children under 10yrs old. NN 123 729. Adults £5 Child £3. Wednesday 25th 2-4pm Caithness Portskerra Rock Pools. The whole family can have fun learning about the creatures to be caught in the rock pools here at Portskerra. Bring nets and wellies. Portskerra Harbour (not the pier). NC 878 664. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 26th 5-7pm North Sutherland Strathy Point Sea Watch. Early evening watch for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Telescopes provided, bring binoculars. Very weather dependent – phone 01641 521884. Meet at Totegan Car Park (Strathy Point). No Dogs! NC 827 687. Adults £3 Child £2. Friday 27th Glen Nevis Glen Nevis Venture. Join the Ranger for this riverbank and woodland ramble to learn more about the history, wildlife and scenery of Glen Nevis. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Fort William. Phone 01397 705922 for details and booking. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Friday 27th 7.30-10pm Skye and Lochalsh Skye Biodiversity (6) The Built Environment: Join us for a short talk followed by a foray in search of bats and other nocturnal wildlife.Meet at the Highland Council Office, Tigh na Sgire in Portree. 2km. NG 481 436. Adults £3 Child £2. Friday 27th 8.30-10pm East Sutherland Bat walk. A short talk on bats followed by a walk to find them around Lairg. Meet at the Ferrycroft Centre, Lairg. Phone 01549 402638 for more details. NH 580 062. Adults £3 Child £2. Monday 30th 8.30pm Caithness Bat walk, Geise Farm. Join us on a bat hunt along this lovely trail through old trees and burns. Stout footwear. Bring torch. Meet at Geise Farm, 1.5 miles south of Glengolly on Halkirk road. No dogs. Please book a place. Contact Marina: 01955 607758. ND 108 649. Adults £3 Child £2. September An t-Sultain Wednesday 1st 9.30am-5.30pm Skye and Lochalsh The Skye Trail: A long walk through Skye in eight one-day chunks. 8: On the Crofters Trail. Torrin to Broadford via Suisnish and Boreraig. 20km. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820526. NG 572 212. Adults £5 Child £3. Friday 3rd Glen Nevis Glen Nevis Venture. Join the Ranger for this riverbank and woodland ramble to learn more about the history, wildlife and scenery of Glen Nevis. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Fort William. Phone 01397 705922 for details and booking. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Friday 3rd 8pm Caithness Bat walk Dunbeath. Learn all about bats in the lovely setting of Dunbeath Strath. Bring torch and good footwear. Meet Dunbeath Mill. Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 160 299. Adults £3 Child £2.

26 Saturday 4th 10am-3.30pm Great Glen Way Wild Food Forage, Glengarry. Free your inner gastronomist with the basic skills of wild food foraging. Demonstrations on how to find, prepare and cook wild foods. Booking essential. 01320 366633. NH 284 014. Adults £10 Child £7. Saturday 4th 2-4pm Inverness Wild Food and Fungi walk at Farr near Inverness. Wild foods are all around us and have been used for most purposes. Learn how to recognise and use them. Please book a place on 01463 710786. Location given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 7th 10am-3pm North West Sutherland Rhiconich. Hill walk by loch, river and moorland. Beautiful scenery, moorland wildlife and amazing geology in the foothills of Foinaven. Meet at Rhiconich hotel car park. NC 255 524. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 9th 10am-4pm Skye and Lochalsh Earthquake! (Scottish Geology Festival event) See remarkable evidence of a massive earthquake on Raasay 11,700 yeas ago which has only recently been explained. 5km. Meet at Sconser for 10:25 ferry. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820526. NG 525 322. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 9th 11.30am West Lochaber / Arisaig “Charcoal & the Devil’s Staircase” Walk. Enjoy a gentle historical/magical wander on the old road above Loch Moidart and appreciate the skills of our forebears. Meet at Kinlochmoidart Pier. NM 696 728. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 11th 8-10pm Inverness West Outdoor Cinema – Seachd, The Inaccessible Pinnacle, Drumnadrochit. An opportunity to see the stunning Gaelic language feature film Seachd, The Inaccessible Pinnacle under a blanket of stars. Come prepared to spend 2 hours sitting outdoors. For more information and to book a place call 01463 710786. Location given out on booking. Donations welcome. Saturday 11th 11am-2pm North Sutherland Portskerra to Strathy Bay Stunning hidden coastal walk with promontory fort and lime kilns. Fantastic views of the north coast. Vehicle needed call if you can help. 01641 521884 Meet at Melvich Hall by toilets. NC 876 650. Adults £3 Child £2. Sunday 12th to 17th 9am-4.30pm Great Glen Way Whole Way Walk: Inverness - Fort William. The longest Ranger guided walk in the country. Join us for a day or for a week and experience the grandeur of Gleann Mhòr, the Great Glen. Booking essential. 01320 366633. Block booking for whole week £25/£15. NH 666 450. Adults £5 Child £3 per day. This series of events are not covered by the general season ticket. Sunday 12th 11am Caithness Fossil foray. A beginners introduction to fossil fish with the opportunity to search for your own specimen. Meet at Achanarras car park. Contact Marina: 01955 607758. ND 155 535. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 16th Glen Nevis Half way Lochan & the North Face. Enjoy a walk and wonderful views to Lochan Meall an t’Suidhe, then into below the North face of Ben Nevis. Packed lunch and suitable footwear/clothing required. Booking essential. 01397 705922. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. NN 123 729. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 16th 11am-2pm Assynt Fungi at Culag woods. Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet Culag Wood car park, 500m south of Lochinver Primary. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 093 213. Adults £3 Child £2. Tuesday 21st 11am-3pm Assynt River Inver to Glencanisp, Assynt. A varied walk along riverside woodland, old Clearance village and loch shore. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 094 225. Adults £5 Child £3. 27 Tuesday 21st 11.30am Arisaig “Carnach & Carn Mor” Walk. A fairly low level circular, part hill, walk east of Arisaig village. Meet at Arisaig. NM 680 857. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 22nd 10.30am-4pm Skye and Lochalsh Volcano! (Scottish Geology Festival event) Walk into the heart of Skye’s extinct volcano and see how it has changed since its birth 60 million years ago. Meet at Glenbrittle car park. NG 408 208. Adults £5 Child £3. Thursday 23rd 1.30-3pm West Lochaber A Walk in the Woods. A circular walk around Sonachan hazel woodland with wonderful views of Ardnamurchan Lighthouse and the Small Isles. Meet at Sonachan Hotel, Ardnamurchan. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232. NM 454 664. Adults £3 Child £2. Thursday 30th 11am-2pm Assynt Bird Ringing demonstration at Clachtoll, Assynt. Learn about the ongoing research project for twite with the Highland Ringing group. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park, No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. NC 040 273. Adults £3 Child £2. October An Dàmhair Saturday 2nd 11am-2pm North Sutherland Scullomie to Strathan. Fantastic cliff top walk passing the abandoned post clearance settlement of Sletell. Vehicle needed for return, please call if you can help. Tel 01641 521884. Roadside parking above Coldbackie Beach. NC 612 601. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 9th 11am-2pm North Sutherland The Borg to Dyke. Walk through the Dyke Forest and on to hill, wet underfoot. Archaeology and hopefully rutting deer. Meet at Bunahoun Cemetery, Strath Halladale. Bring your binoculars. NC 896 524. Adults £3 Child £2. Saturday 9th 7.30-9pm Glen Nevis Dark Sky Event. Come & discover the secrets of the night sky, outdoor observation & indoor activities depending on the weather. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Phone 01397 705922 for booking and information. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Monday 11th 11am Caithness Burials, brochs and bogs. Meet at South Yarrows car park. Explore a landscape teeming with history, from stone age till present, and learn about the wildlife on the way. Bring snack. Contact Marina: 01955 607758. ND 306 433. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 13th 10.30am-1pm Glen Nevis Meet the Ancestors. As part of the Highland Archaeology events join the Rangers on a trip into the past to learn how the Glen’s former inhabitants lived. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Old clothes recommended. Tel 01397 705922 for bookings and more information. NN 123 729. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 13th 1.30pm West Lochaber Wild on Wednesday. Fun & Games for 7-11 years old at Sgoil na Coille, Salen with the Highland Council and Forestry Commission Rangers. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 402232. NM 692 649. Children £3. Wednesday 13th 2-4pm Inverness East The Magic & Mystery of Clava Cairns, The Clava Cairns have many unanswered questions. Why did people build them? What did they believe in? How did they explain the changing seasons? Help us to unravel the mysteries of this amazing place. Booking essential Tel 01463 702932. Location given out on booking. Adults £3 Child £2. Wednesday 20th 1.30pm West Lochaber Wild on Wednesday. Fun & Games for 7-11yrs old at Sgoil na Coille, Salen with the Highland Council and Forestry Commission Rangers. Phone for details, bookings etc 01967 40 2232. NM 692 649. Children £3. 28 Wednesday 27th 10am-4pm Skye and Lochalsh Talisker to Tusdale. Join us on a walk along spectacular cliffs between Talisker and Eynort taking in Dun Sleadale, Preshal Beag and the deserted village of Tusdale. 10km. Booking essential. Phone 01471 820526. NG 326 308. Adults £5 Child £3. Sunday 31st 3-5pm Badenoch and Strathspey Beastly Badenoch Tales. Join the Countryside Ranger in Ruthven Barracks for some tall, spooky tales to get you in the mood for Halloween. In association with Historic Scotland. Meet at Ruthven Barracks car park on B970 south of Kingussie. For more information please call 01540 673907. NN 765 997. Adults £5 Child £3. Sunday 31st 4.30pm Caithness Samhain. Come and learn about Halloween and where it comes from. Come dressed up for our scary walk. Meet Achvarasdal woods Contact Dieter: 01955 607758. ND 982 649. Adults £3 Child £2. November An t-Samhain Thursday 11th 10am-5pm Skye and Lochalsh Rubh’ an Dunain. Walk back through time to discover the archaeology of human settlement on Skye, from an unusual ‘horned cairn’ (3000BC) to the ancestral home of the MacAskill Clan, last inhabited in the 1860’s. (10km) Meet at Glenbrittle carpark. NG 408 208. Adults £5 Child £3. Sunday 28th 11am Caithness Corbigoe Coast. Meet Smiddy Inn car park, Thrumster Cliff top walk to view a spectacular natural arch and possibly grey seal pups. Bring snack. Contact Marina: 01955 607758. ND 338 453. Adult £3 Child £2. December An Dùbhlachd Tuesday 21st 2.30-4.30pm Badenoch and Strathspey A Winter Solstice Celebration. Our ancestors revered the shortest day as one of the most important in their calendar. Join the Ranger at sunset to explore more about our past. Please bring a torch. Meet at Alvie Estate by Kincraig. For more information please call 01540 673907. NH 842 077. Adults £3 Child £2. January 2011 Am Faoilleach Wednesday 5th 10.30am-4pm Skye and Lochalsh Walk the Ling. Wrap up warm for a winter walk! You can stop wondering We’ll follow the tumbling waters of the River Ling up-stream into the picturesque Glen Ling, under the shadow of the impressive Ben Killilan. (10km). NG what to do today. 938 304. Adult £5 Child £3. March KINTAIL Am Márt outdoor activities: Sea Kayaking, Thursday 10th Guided walks, Superb scenery, Ranger 10am-3pm Skye and Lochalsh Service, Morvich Farm, Inverinate, By Kyle, IV40 8HQ. Tel08444932230 A Head for Heights! Tackle Scòrach Breac, the You canjoin the National trust for highest hill in Sleat, and its neighbour, scotland for as little as £5 per month Sgiath-bheinn an Uird. Booking Essential. for afamily.tobecome amember, (6km) Phone 01471 822905. Meet at Ord road end visit www.nts.org.uk to car share to start of walk. NG 673 103. Adults £5 Child £3. The NationalTrustfor Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is acharityregistered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

29 Speyside by craigellache The beauty and whisky of the Scottish Highlands

Non members welcome

The Speyside Club Site will give you a real taste of the Scottish Highlands. There are a least 50 well-known distilleries in Speyside, including the world famous Macallan Distillery (less than a mile away). Tents, trailer tents, caravans and motorhomes welcome. Open from 25 March to 1 November. Merkinch Greenspace Price from £17.00 to £23.20 for 2 people per night per unit. 14 Grant Street | Inverness | IV3 8BL Facilities include electric hook-up, hardstanding, toilets, showers, separate disabled washroom facilities, motorhome service point, laundry, shop, playarea and dog walk. Tel: 01340 810414 Tel - 01463 240085/715450 www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/speyside [email protected] Speyside Camping and Caravanning Club Site, www.merkinchlnr.org.uk Archiestown, Aberlour, Moray AB38 9SL Visit Tollie Red Kites viewing facility near Dingwall and you might catch one of these majestic birds snacking right in front of you! We open at Easter and we’d love to show you red kites up close. Our centre is 15 miles north west of Inverness, just off the main road to Ullapool (A835). Feeding time is 2.30 pm in summer and 1. 3 0 pm in winter, seven days a week. Visit our website for details, or call 01463 715000. www.eyestotheskies.org.uk

Eyes to the Skies is a Highland project celebrating our beautiful red kites, involving Brahan Estate, schools, members of the community andRSPB Scotland.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654. 720-1637-09-10

Ferrycroft Caithness Broch St Fergus Swanson Brora Heritage Centre Gallery, Wick Gallery, Thurso Visitor Centre Centre Ionad Bhroch Gaileiridh Gaileiridh Crois-rathad Ionad Dualchais Ghallaibh Naomh Swanson, Inbhir aig Tuath Bhrùra Fhearghais, Theòrsa Inbhir Uige Opens June 2009 4 star Visitor 3star Visitor Attraction. Quality touring and An innovative display that Attraction. To t a l Family friendly. presents a news story of Quality touring and local exhibitions, refurbishment 2008. the prehistory on the north local exhibitions, rotates each 4 weeks Admission Free: coast of Caithness during rotates each 4 weeks Family Friendly. Please throughout the year. Opening Times: the time of the brochs. throughout the year. telephone for details of May, June, Sept: Learn about the 19th Admission Free: opening times. century community who Admission Free: Mon-Fri; first excavated the brochs; Opening Times: Opening Times: Te l : 0 1 5 4 9 4 0 2 1 6 0 July Aug: the community who lived Mon-Sat: Mon/Tues & Thurs: Mon/Tues & Wed: www.highland.gov. in the area two thousand 1pm-5pm 10.30am-4.30pm years ago; and the 12noon-5.30pm uk/ferrycroft community who now work Fridays: 2pm-8pm Fridays: 1pm-8pm Te l : 0 1 4 0 8 6 2 2 0 2 4 Saturdays: 10am-1pm Lairg, Sutherland, and live with the brochs Saturdays: www.highland.gov. Closed: Thurs & Sun IV27 4AZ Admission Free: 10.30am-1pm uk/bhc For details of Closed: Wed & Sun Te l : 0 1 8 4 7 8 9 6 3 5 7 Coal Pit Rd, Brora, opening times Access: 1st Floor www.highland.gov. KW9 6LE please call: (no lift) uk/swansongallery 01955 607771 Te l : 0 1 9 5 5 6 0 3 4 8 9 Thurso Library, En route to John ò Groats. www.highland.gov. The Old School House, Davidson,s Lane, uk/stfergusgallery Thurso KW14 7AS Auckengill, Wick Sinclair Terrace, KW1 4XP Wick KE1 5AB www.knoydartfoundation.com - 01687 462242 [email protected] [email protected]

KNOYDART PENINSULA... A remote and wild land. JULY 2010 Reached by ferry from the Wed 7th—11.30am—Scottas Woods fishing port of Mallaig in Wed 14th—11.30am—Butterfly walk Lochaber. Join the Knoy- Wed 21st—11.30am—Remote Doune (LR) 26th-30th—Knoydart Garden Week – various events dart Foundation Rangers Wed 28th—11.30am—Knoydart in a Knutshell in- on a guided walk or tour cluding visit to market garden between ferries, or book AUGUST 2010 them for a unique WILD Wed 4th—11.30am—Eagle walk (BOOKING ESSENTIAL) KNOYDART photostalking Wed 11th—11.30am—Wild food seashore foray tour or team-building day Thu 12th—11pm—Perseids Meteor Shower Show out.Callus:01687462242. – Landrover to Doune Top (BOOKING ESSENTIAL) Wed 18th—11.30am—Knoydart in a Knutshell MARCH 2010 Wed 25th—11.30am—AWalkThroughthePast Wed 31st—11.30am— Knoydart in a Knutshell SEPTEMBER 2010 Wed 1st—7pm—Fungi talk with Liz Holden APRIL 2010 Thu 2nd—11.30am—Woodland fungi foray with Liz Mon 5th—2pm—Beach clean & BBQ Holden (BOOKING ESSENTIAL) Wed 7th—11.30am—AWalkThroughthePast Wed 8th—11.30am—Knoydart in a Knutshell Wed 14th—11.30am—Remote Doune (LR) Wed 15th—11.30am—Remote Doune (LR) Wed 21st—11.30am—Knoydart in a Knutshell Wed 22nd—11.30am—Knoydart in a Knutshell Wed 28th—11.30am—Vegetation monitoring walk Wed 29th—11.30am—Red deer rut (LR) (BOOKING (BOOKING ESSENTIAL) ESSENTIAL) MAY 2010 OCTOBER 2010 Wed 5th—11.30am—Knoydart in a Knutshell Wed 6th—11.30am—Knoydart in a Knutshell Fri 7th—4am—International Dawn Chorus Day walk Wed 6th—6pm—Knoydart Owl Day - To-wit-to-woo Wed 12th—11.30am—Scottas Woods walk Wed 19th—11.30am—Scottish Biodiversity Week – Wed 13th—11.30am—Red deer rut (LR) (BOOKING Habitat walk ESSENTIAL) Wed 26th—11.30am—Coastal / marine walk (LR) Wed 20th—11.30am—Scottas Woods Sat 29th—11am—AWalkThroughthePast Wed 27th—11.30am—Knoydart in aKnutshell JUNE 2010 Walks £5 adults, children free Wed 2nd—11.30am—Scottas Woods Landrover tours and walks (LR) £10 adults, Wed 9th—11.30am—Otter walk children £5 (BOOKING ESSENTIAL) Wed 16th—11.30am—Renewable energy walk ALL PROCEEDS TO KNOYDART LAND MANAGEMENT (BOOKING ESSENTIAL) Also: regular free Monday walks with Knoydart Forest Trust Wed 23rd—11.30am—AWalkThroughthePast Wed 30th—11.30am—Remote Doune (LR) VIEW FROM CAMPING AREA AT LONG BEACH, KNOYDART Company RegisteredinScotlandNo171248ScottishCharityNo SCO26246 WELCOME TO THE HIGHLANDS Don’t let the Highlands go to waste ... have a green holiday and recycle your rubbish! KERBSIDE RECYCLING Most households have either a blue box for paper, tins and cans, or a blue bin for paper, tins, cans, cardboard and plastic bottles.

RECYCLING POINTS There is a network of over 200 Recycling Points across Highland, which accept paper, cans and glass bottles and jars. Many also accept textiles.

To find out more about the Recycling Facilities available to you, or for advice on waste minimisation, contact: ( 01349 868439, * www.highland.gov.uk/recycle, 8 [email protected] Reduce Reuse Recycle Lughdaich Ath-chleachd Ath-chuartaich towards zerowaste aplacefor everyone

Enjoy walking with the National Trust for Scotland

Many ofourproperties are ideal to walk at and are open all year round. Whether you’re aseriouswalker planning achallenginghike or afair-weather walker looking for agentlestroll, the Trust has aplacefor everyone. Join today on0844493 2100

Visit our website for great places to visit throughout Scotland www.nts.org.uk

The NationalTrustfor Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is acharityregistered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410