Ranger Walks, Events and Activities in the Cuairtean, Tachartasan is Cur-seachadan nam Maor-dùthcha ann an Gàidhealtachd na h-Alba 2015 Explore Deep Time With Geo-Routes, Geo-Tours, Trails, Geo-Adventures and more there is something for the whole family to enjoy in the North West Highlands Geopark.

Follow the Rock Route, visit NNR and the new Geo-centre exhibition and café at Unapool to enjoy spectacular views over Loch Glencoul. Experience the 3 billion year story of our landscape and become a Geo-Explorer.

Cycling Trekking Kayaking Sailing Hiking Climbing Sandy Beaches Wilderness Walks Guided Walks and Bus Tours Fordetails of events please visitour website, email, join us on social mediaorjustgiveusacall. www.nwhgeopark.com [email protected] (t) 01971 521301

2 Ranger Map Mapa Maoir-dùthcha We have divided the Highlands into four main countryside ranger zones and have colour-coded them throughout the booklet as follows:

• Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (purples) • • and (blues) • Ross, Cromarty, Skye, Lochalsh & the Great Glen (greens)

Scottish Great Trails • Great Glen Way • West Way • Speyside Way

For more details about events in each countryside area, contact either the ranger for each event, or if you don’t know, email [email protected] and we’ll be able to help you.

Durness North Caithness Northwest Sutherland Ranger ● ● ● Ranger () Kinlochbervie● North Sutherland Ranger Caithness ●Wick East Caithness RSPB Forsinard Rangers

Assynt Sutherland Lochinver● Assynt Ranger ● Helmsdale Lairg● Mid & East ● Brora Sutherland Ranger Ranger ● ●Dornoch NTS Inverewe ● Tain Gairloch● Ross & Cromarty Alness●●Invergordon Uig Achnasheen ● Dingwall Nairn ● Ross & Cromarty● East Ranger ● continues ● Inverness to Buckie ● Nairn ● Kyle of Inverness & Inverness Nairn Rangers Lochalsh FCS Balnain Broadford ● ● Grantown Skye & Lochalsh Rangers NTS Kintail Drumnadrochit ●Badenoch & Strathspey ● Speyside WayRangers Skye & Lochalsh Great Glen Way Aviemore Rangers ● RSPB Abernethy Sound of ●Fort Augustus RSPB Marshes Ranger ● Badenoch Arisaig● Lochaber & Strathspey GreatGlen Ways & West Fort William● Highland Way Rangers Highland Way West N West Lochaber Ranger● NTS Glencoe ● continues to Milngavie

3 Introduction Ro-ràdh

Together with our colleagues we are encouraging visitors into the Scottish countryside, with natural stunning beauty and biodiversity, promoting ways in which we can all enjoy our beautiful wildlife, landscapes, and heritage. This programme in 2015 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 fi tness.

Our 2015 events booklet includes more ways to get out into the Highlands of as this year we have teamed up with listing events from RSPB Forsinard, RSPB Insh Marshes, and RSPB , along with National Trust for Scotland Inverewe Estate, NTS Kintail and NTS Glencoe and Forestry Commission Inverness. This makes the 2015 events booklet a great place to fi nd a diverse range of events for the whole family.

If you want a particular event and cannot fi nd it here, email [email protected] and we may be able to create and develop something specifi c for your needs. Check out the website where you will fi nd all of the events listed here and many more… www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk

Key for event grading Iuchair airson Rangachadh

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 . 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 with an adult. Event A limit of 3 children per adult. 4 Follow us on Our Facebook pages

Highland Council Countryside Rangers 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

National Trust for Scotland Rangers Glencoe Rangers & Visitors Centre Kintail Ranger Service Inverewe Garden & Estate

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Rangers RSPB North Scotland

Forestry Commission Scotland Rangers Forestry Commission Scotland

Produced by: Development and Infrastructure Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX www.highland.gov.uk 5 ���� ������� ������ � ����������

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Plastic Bottles

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Tins and Cans

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

6 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 Ranger organising the event(s) you are interested in.

It is advisable to contact the rangers PrIor to attending and more importantly, book when it is essential. Please be aware that 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 the Development and Marketing Offi cer on 01463 255289 or email [email protected].

Large print version This booklet is also available in large print. Please check out our website www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk/rangers to download your free electronic version. Photographs and advertising All photographs, unless otherwise stated, are copyright and the property of The Highland Council. 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 Offi cer on 01463 255289 or email [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 know who is leading your event.

Events Calendar – alerts for Google accounts An easy to use calendar has been created to make events easy to fi nd by date order. If you have a Google account, you can add a reminder for an event by copying the event to your calendar with one click.

www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk/calendar

7 Ranger Contacts for 2015 events Seòlaidhean Maoir-dùthcha airson Tachartasan 2015 Please feel free to contact any of the rangers for more information on events in this Guide, membership and loyalty cards, extra events, wildlife/environmental advice, private walks and much more.

Lochaber highland Council Countryside rangers on.fb.me/LochaberRangers

eilidh-ann Phillips michelle melville West lochaber glen nevis 01967 402232 01397 705922 [email protected] [email protected] Centre, Strontian, Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Argyll, PH36 4HZ Glen Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6PF

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

Fiona maclean national Trust for scotland, glencoe glen nevis fb.me/GlencoeRangersVisitorCentre 01397 705922 fi [email protected] rachael mckerral Glen Nevis Visitor Centre national Trust for scotland 01855 812018 Glen Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6PF [email protected] Education and Events Ranger Glencoe Visitor Centre, Glencoe Argyll, PH49 4HX

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey highland Council Countryside rangers 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, IV2 3EG Inverness Castle, Inverness, IV2 3EG

John orr saranne bish Inverness east and nairn badenoch & strathspey north 01463 255285 01479 873914 [email protected] [email protected] Round Tower The Courthouse, The Square Inverness Castle, Inverness, IV2 3EG Grantown-On-Spey, PH26 3HG

8 general Contact Forestry Commission scotland, balnain Inverness and nairn Team fb.me/enjoyscotlandsforests 01463 255291 [email protected] sandra reid Round Tower recreation ranger Inverness Castle, Inverness, IV2 3EG 01456 476251 [email protected] Forestry Commission Scotland Inverness, Ross and Skye District, Balnain Offi ce, Glenurquhart, IV63 6TJ royal society for the Protection of birds fb.me/rspbnorthscotland alison greggans Pete moore Community ranger, abernethy Insh marshes Warden 01479 821409 01540 661518 [email protected] [email protected] RSPB Abernethy National RSPB Insh Marshes National Nature Nature Reserve, Forest Lodge Reserve, Ivy Cottage, Insh Nethy Bridge, PH25 3EF , PH21 1NT

Caithness & Sutherland highland Council Countryside rangers on.fb.me/CSrangers

andy summers marina swanson assynt Caithness east 01571 844654 01955 607758 [email protected] [email protected] Assynt Visitor Centre Bruce Buildings, Sinclair Terrace Lochinver, 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, Sinclair Terrace Visitor Information Centre Wick, KW1 5AB Sangomore, , 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, Thurso, KW14 8XD Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4TP royal society for the Protection of birds Forsinard fb.me/rspbnorthscotland Paul Turner rsPb Forsinard 01641 571 225 [email protected] RSPB Forsinard Flows Forsinard, Sutherland, KW13 6YT

9 Highland Long Distance Routes highland Council Countryside rangers on.fb.me/GGWrangers

Jock macgillivary 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 bruce kocjan-briggs great glen Way great glen Way 01320 366633 01320 366633 [email protected] [email protected] Great Glen Way Offi ce Great Glen Way Offi ce Auchterawe, Fort Augustus, PH32 4BT Auchterawe, Fort Augustus, PH32 4BT

Skye, Lochalsh, highland Council Countryside rangers on.fb.me/SLRCrangers

John Phillips ellie maclennan skye & lochalsh skye & lochalsh 01471 820526 01471 820527 [email protected] [email protected] Offi ce C, Old Corry Industrial Estate Offi ce C, Old Corry Industrial Estate Broadford, , IV49 9AB Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9AB

reuben brown martin hind Wester ross easter ross 01854 613904 01349 868563 [email protected] [email protected] Service Point, North Road Council Buildings Ullapool, IV26 2XL Strathpeffer Road, Dingwall, IV15 9QN

national Trust for scotland fb.me/KintailRangerService fb.me/InvereweGarden rule anderson Carol mackintosh kintail, West affric & Inverewe garden and estate Falls of glomach ranger 01445 712954 08444 932231 [email protected] [email protected] Poolewe, By Achnasheen Morvich Frarm, Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8HQ Wester Ross, IV22 2LG

10 Inverness & naIrn InbhIr nIs agus InbhIr narann Inverness & Nairn Inbhir Nis agus Inbhir Narann

TOP 5 MUST SEES Merkinch Local Nature Reserve Try to spot dolphins or ospreys in the Moray Firth. Nairn Beach Stroll, run or paddle along the sand. Is this Scotland’s most beautiful glen? Clava Cairns Soak up the atmosphere at these remarkable Bronze Age monuments. Falls of Foyers A spectacular waterfall and gorge, cloaked in trees. Try to spot a red squirrel.

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

March Am Màrt April An Giblean Saturday March 07, 2015 Tuesday April 07, 2015 10am - 12.30pm 10am - 11.30am Stories in the Woods, Drumnadrochit We are Going on an Egg Hunt - Celebrate World Book Day as we read woodland In Search of the Dragon’s Nest, Cannich stories and lead you on a fantasy walk. Meet some This Easter there have been some dragon sightings in familiar characters and create some of your own tales. Cannich. Can you help track them and fi nd their rare Suitable for all ages, including the young at heart. eggs for scientifi c research? Suitable for families with Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. children 4-10 years and a sense of adventure. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Meet in the car park at Cannich Village Hall. Grid ref: Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or NH 343315. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Saturday March 28, 2015 7.30pm - 9pm Wednesday April 08, 2015 Earth Hour in Beauly 2pm - 3.30pm Turn off everything at home and celebrate our brilliant Go Fly a Kite at Abriachan planet on this torch lit walk through Beauly town to the Have a go at making a kite out of bits and pieces and river. As part of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Earth see how they fl y. Hour we will be trying to spot wildlife, have fun and tell Meet at Abriachan Forest car park. Grid ref: NH 540353. stories as we embrace the darkness. Bring a torch. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Meet at the gate entrance of the Beauly Priory, Beauly. Contact Katy on 01463 255291 or Grid ref: NH 527464. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Saturday April 11, 2015 2pm - 3.30pm Spring at Merkinch Local Nature Reserve Discover the wildlife gem that is Merkinch LNR. We’ll be looking for the wildlife that lives here. Meet by the Old Ferry Ticket Offi ce, The Turning Circle, Kessock Road, Inverness. Grid ref: NH 655472. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Katy on 01463 255291 or [email protected].

11 Sunday April 12, 2015 May An Cèitean 2pm - 3.30pm Dragon Walk at Tradespark Saturday May 09, 2015 Do dragons really exist? There’s only one way to 4.30am - 7am find out! Be brave and join us for a dragon hunt. Dawn Chorus Suitable for families with children 4-10 years and There’s a whole world out there that most people miss, a sense of adventure. come along and get an introduction to bird calls and the Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. secrets they tell each other. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on Contact John on 01463 255291 or booking. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Clelland on 01320 366633 or [email protected]. Wednesday April 15, 2015 1.30pm - 4pm Thursday 28 May, 2015 Inverness Town Treasure Hunt 11am - 3pm Join us for a Treasure Hunt around Inverness City Centre Shieling Walk and find out the stories behind the ‘treasure’ you find at Bag some exercise and views of mountains on the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. historic track along the Allt na Imrich River. Hear how Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. crofters lived and hopefully see some of the present Grade A. Free event. Contact Cait on 01463 237114 or inhabitants. Off-track and strenuous walking. Bring a [email protected]. packed lunch, good boots, waterproofs, midge hood. Weather permitting. Before walk, car sharing will be Friday April 17, 2015 needed to leave some at other end of walk. 6pm - 12 midnight Booking essential. Meet at Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain Midnight on the Great Glen Way Car Park, Glen Affric. Free event. Contact Sandra on Walk a section of the Great Glen Way when all other 01463 791575 or [email protected]. walkers have gone to bed and the best wildlife has just come out. Limited transport back to the start of the walk is available on a first come first served basis. June An t-Ògmhios Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Sunday June 07, 2015 Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Clelland 10am - 1pm on 01320 366633 or [email protected]. Freshwater Pearl Mussel Day, Invermoriston Join the rangers and The Ness & Beauly Fisheries Saturday April 25, 2015 Trust, as we explore the fascinating lives of our rare 5am - 7.30am fresh water pearl mussels and other river creatures. Dawn at the River Beauly, Kilmorack Learn from the experts, observe an electrofishing Start this walk in darkness then enjoy the dawn chorus demonstration and take part in some activities. Suitable of birds as a new day begins. Bring warm clothing and for all ages. No dogs please. a torch. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Meet at the Black Bridge, Kilmorack. Grid ref: NH Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. 497439. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or £11.00. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or [email protected]. [email protected]. Wednesday June 10, 2015 Tuesday May 05, 2015 10am - 2.30pm 10am - 3.30pm Spring Flowers and Trees above Loch Ness A Walk to the Top: Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, Enjoy a scenic walk while discovering spring flowers and Drumnadrochit their medicinal uses. Marvel at the Woodland Trust’s Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring as we climb this native woodland and learn about the history of this old prominent near Drumnadrochit. The views are path from Abriachan to the loch side and back up the worth it! Participants must wear appropriate hill walking hill again. clothing and footwear. Please bring lunch and water. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Jenny on Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or 01463 255291 or [email protected]. [email protected].

12 Saturday June 13, 2015 Inverness & N a i rn Inbh r Ni s agus Inbh i r N arann 2pm - 4pm Summer at Merkinch Local Nature Reserve TheCaledoniaianCanal Flowers are at their peak now. Join us as we explore and look for some of the orchids and find out the stories The natural choice! behind them. Bring waterproof footwear please. Meet by the Old Ferry Ticket Office, The Turning Circle, Kessock Road, Inverness. Grid ref: NH 655472. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Katy on John Muir Award 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Wellbllbeing walklks Onliline maps Sunday June 14, 2015 Filmslms & info 11am - 3pm Walklks &talks Shenachie Stroll Group activities A beautiful walk above the Findhorn River, up Tom Volulunteering na Slaite Hill (426 m) and down to the ruins of Wildldlilife skillslls Shenachie . Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Through our canals we create brighter futures Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. for people,p,placesand wildlife Contact John on 01463 255291 or [email protected]. [email protected] www.scottishwaterwaystrust.or.org.uk Thursday June 18, 2015 11am - 2pm scottishwaterwaystrust 01463725561 A Plod at Plodda, Tomich A slow-paced walk along forestry tracks to view the falls at Plodda. Learn about the history and wildlife of this site and have a picnic like the Victorians may have done. Meet at Plodda Falls car park, Tomich. Grid ref: NH 279237. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family Thursday 25 June, 2015 £11.00. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or 2pm - 4.30pm [email protected]. Affric Trees Walk Can’t see the wood for the trees? Go for a walk to Sunday June 21, 2015 have a closer look at the pinewoods. Hear about the 8pm - 9.30pm conservation of this National Nature Reserve and Ardersier Sunset Walk what makes Glen Affric so special. Bring good boots Take a midsummer’s eve walk into the sunset along and waterproofs, midge hood/repellent. Ardersier Bay to Fort George. Learn about the Meet at Dog Falls Car Park, Glen Affric. Free event. landscape and find what lives on the shore as we walk Contact Sandra on 01463 791575 or towards the setting sun on the longest day. [email protected]. Meet at the Pocket Garden car park, Ardersier. First left after the Gun Lodge Hotel. Grid ref: NH 780554. Grade Saturday June 27, 2015 A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John 10am - 12pm on 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Butterfly Rescue Mission, Ardersier Help the scarce small blue butterfly at Ardersier Bay by Sunday June 21, 2015 planting its favourite food plant along the shore path. All 11am - 3pm equipment provided. Fathers Day Dad Woodland Skills Day Meet at Ardersier picnic site car park. Grid ref: Learn and teach your kids bushcraft and woodsman skills NH 779557. Grade A. Free event. Contact John on that you and they will be able to take with them for the 01463 255291 or [email protected]. rest of their days. Sorry, Dad’s and kids only. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Clelland on 01320 366633 or [email protected].

13 July An t-Iuchar Thursday July 16, 2015 10am - 4pm Saturday 04 July, 2015 Exploring the Three Glens (1): Glen Cannich 2pm - 3.30pm Head for the hills in beautiful Glen Cannich. From the Nature Detectives summit of the Corbett, Sgorr na Diollaid, we hope to Follow the trail to work out the clues to solve the have views towards the hills of the neighbouring glens; mystery of what lives in the woods and how they live Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar. This walk is on rough there. Family event. Children must be accompanied by ground. Please wear suitable hill walking clothing and an adult. Bring good footwear and waterproofs, midge footwear and bring lunch. hood/repellent. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Meet at Craigmonie Woodland, Drumnadrochit. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Jenny on Free event. Contact Sandra on 01463 791575 or 01463 255291 or [email protected]. [email protected]. Friday July 17, 2015 Tuesday July 07, 2015 11am - 4pm 10am - 12.30pm The Nairn Seashore Roadshow Art in the Forest, Abriachan Crafts, kite making, guided walks, activities, displays and Join us for a morning of forest art and crafts at entertainment at this seashore related open day. Abriachan Forest Trust. Try your hand at sculpture, Meet at Nairn Central Links. Grid ref: NH 880569. natural dying, charcoal drawing and more. This event is Grade A. Free event. Contact John on 01463 255291 suitable for all ages and creativity levels. or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Wednesday July 22, 2015 Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or 2pm - 3.30pm [email protected]. Dragon walk at Abriachan Do dragons really exist? There’s only one way to find Thursday July 09, 2015 out! Be brave and join us for a dragon hunt. Suitable 11am - 12.30pm for families with children 4-10 years and a sense of Culloden Creature Trail adventure. Meet some creatures of the forest on this fun, family Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. quest for treasure. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Meet at the Doocot car park, off Barn Church Road, Contact Katy on 01463 255291 or Culloden. Grid ref: NH 720462. Grade A. Adults £4.00, [email protected]. conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Thursday 23 July, 2015 2pm - 4.30pm Saturday July 11, 2015 Dragons and Damsels 2pm - 4pm Do you know your damsels from your dragonflies? Den Building at Farr Walk to Coire Loch to look for and find out about Try your hand at building a shelter and learn about the lives of these amazing insects. Bring waterproof staying warm and dry outdoors. boots and waterproofs, midge hood/repellent. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Weather permitting. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Meet at Dog Falls Car Park, Glen Affric. Free event. Contact Katy on 01463 255291 or Contact Sandra on 01463 791575 or [email protected]. [email protected].

Wednesday July 15, 2015 Friday July 24, 2015 2pm - 3.30pm 8pm - 4am Nairn Aquabeasts! A Look in the River Dusk till Dawn on the Great Glen Way Dip your nets in the River Nairn to find some Take in one of the most spectacular sections of the watery wildlife and learn all about them. Great Glen Way as the sun goes down and when it Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. comes back up. An experience that you’ll carry with you Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. for years to come. Limited transport back to the start of Contact John on 01463 255291 or the walk is available on a first come first served basis. [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Clelland on 01320 366633 or [email protected].

14 Inverness & N a i rn Inbh r Ni s agus Inbh i r N arann Friday July 31, 2015 Sunday August 23, 2015 9am - 2.30pm 11am - 3pm From River to Firth - Whiteness Head & Back A Fish’s Tail, the Beauly Firth Enjoy an extensive 6 km/4 mile walk by salt marsh and The story of creatures that use both the sea and fresh shingle to the end of this unusual and remote spit. water are always fascinating. Join us and The Ness & Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Beauly Fisheries Trust for a day of exploration around Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. the Beauly Firth and neighbouring burns as part of Contact John on 01463 255291 or the Highland Seashore Project. See the salmon, trout [email protected]. and eels in action. Places are limited so book to avoid disappointment. Friday August 28, 2015 Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. 8.30pm - 10pm Grade A. Free event. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 Dusk at Merkinch Local Nature Reserve or [email protected]. Dusk is a lovely time of day when night time animals begin to emerge and plants scent strongly. Join us to walk through the LNR looking for wildlife - we might August An Lùnastal be lucky enough to find bats and moths. Please dress Thursday August 13, 2015 warmly and you may want to bring a torch to light your 9am - 1pm feet. First Time Fisherman Meet by the Old Ferry Ticket Office, The Turning Circle, If you’ve never fished before and fancy giving it a try, or Kessock Road, Inverness. Grid ref: NH 655472. Grade A. fancy getting your kids into it, then come along and give Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Katy on it a go. 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. September An t-Sultain Contact Clelland on 01320 366633 or [email protected]. Saturday September 05, 2015 2pm - 4pm Friday August 14, 2015 Highland Harvest at Farr 7pm - 9pm Autumn in the Highlands is a time of harvest. We will Nairn Bat Walk be foraging for fungi, fruits and anything else that catches A short presentation and a wander around Viewfield our eye while learning more about the organisms Park, using bat detectors to help us find these elusive themselves. night time fliers. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. booking. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. family £11.00. Contact Katy on 01463 255291 Contact John on 01463 255291 or or [email protected]. [email protected]. Friday September 18, 2015 Sunday August 23, 2015 6.30pm - 9pm 10am - 4pm Dusk at the River Beauly, Kilmorack Exploring the Three Glens (2): The gloaming is a special time of day when some Glen Strathfarrar animals get ready to sleep and others begin to wake The second glen to explore this summer in the up. On this walk we will watch and listen for bats, Strathglass area is magical Glen Strathfarrar. Get off the jumping fish, the evening bird chorus and more as beaten track and onto the hills for a day in this wild day becomes night. Bring a torch. place. Bring lunch and wear clothing & footwear suitable Meet at the Black Bridge, Kilmorack. Grid ref: for hill walking. NH 497439. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. family £11.00. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Jenny on or [email protected]. 01463 255291 or [email protected].

15 ActiveActive LearningLearning inin AbriachanAbriachan inin 20120154 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

The Highlands have a fifth of Scotland’s coastline - some of the most dramatic scenery in the World is here. The Highland Seashore Project is a three year ini- tiative that encourages people to enjoy and explore this amazing environment. Working in partnership with the Council Rangers, the Project supports events to help locals and visitors discover and learn about the heritage and diversity of the coast. Look out for the Project logo in the event listings of this booklet for a Ranger-guided Highland Seashore event.

Visit our website to find out more about the Seashore Project, its surveyors network, publications and the two festivals planned for 2015. www.highlandseashore.org.uk

16 Thursday September 24, 2015 Wednesday October 14, 2015 Inverness & N a i rn Inbh r Ni s agus Inbh i r N arann 10am - 5pm 2pm - 4pm Exploring the Three Glens (3): Glen Affric The Slochd Shielings In our third of the glen walks in this area, walk around Follow the Old Military Road up to the shieling Loch Affric taking in the sights and sounds of the remains on the hillside. stunning Glen Affric. This is a 18.5 km/11.5 mile long Booking essential. Meeting place given out on walk, so please bring plenty of food and water. booking. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. family £11.00. Contact John on 01463 255291 Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Jenny on or [email protected]. 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Tuesday October 20, 2015 Saturday September 26, 2015 2pm - 4pm 11am - 3.15pm Clava Cairns Up Close Raigmore Cairn Discovery Day A hands on tour around the mysterious Clava Discover the story behind the Raigmore cairn. We start Cairns with some activities for everyone. at IMAG to examine the finds from the site and hear Booking essential. Meeting place given out on its story. Then, after lunch we head to the Raigmore booking. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, cairn for a walk around. We’ll be back at Inverness family £11.00. Contact John on 01463 255291 Museum and Art Gallery for 4pm. Please bring lunch or [email protected]. and outdoor clothing. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Saturday October 24, 2015 Grade A. Free event. Contact Cait on 01463 237114 or 1pm - 4pm [email protected] Apple Day A celebration of all things appley! Join us to find out about apple types, apple produce and how to grow October An Dàmhair apples. Lots of family fun. Keep an eye out for details Saturday October 10, 2015 in the press nearer the time. 7pm - 10pm Meet at Floral Hall, Inverness. Grid ref: NH 657436. History of Star Gazing Grade A. Free event. Contact Katy on 01463 255291 An introductory experience of star gazing and how it’s or [email protected]. changed our human understanding of everything in the universe and our standing in it. Thursday October 29, 2015 5.30pm - 8pm Booking essential. Meeting place given out on The Stars of Halloween, Abriachan booking. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Clelland on 01320 366633 Learn more about some of the animals that feature at or [email protected]. Halloween; bats, spiders, slimy things and more. Make some creepy creatures, listen to stories and get ready Tuesday October 13, 2015 for guising at the weekend. Dress up if you want! 10am - 2pm Meet at Abriachan Forest Trust outdoor classroom. Archaeology and Autumn at , Grid ref: NH 540353. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. Cannich £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 Explore RSPB Corrimony at this fantastic time of year. or [email protected]. Starting with some Archaeology we will look at the Corrimony Cairns then on to look for fungi, seeds, fruits, harvestmen and other wildlife and history as we walk November An t-Samhain through the reserve. Wednesday November 04, 2015 Meet at the Corrimony Cairns car park. Grid ref: 2pm - 3.30pm NH 383303. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, Loch Bellivat Loop family £20.00. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 A short walk around this secluded lochan with or [email protected]. beautiful autumnal colours all around. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on 01463 255291 or [email protected].

17 Saturday November 07, 2015 December An Dùbhlachd 10am - 12pm Wild Technology, Balnain Thursday December 10, 2015 Join us for a gentle woodland walk, returning to Balnain 11am - 2pm Hall to view things more closely using technology; Winter Wander, Belladrum electronic microscopes, wildlife apps, stealth cameras and Warm up with a stomp to the top of Phoineas Hill then more. If you have any devices with wildlife apps, digital wander the grounds of Belladrum Estate, take in the cameras or sound recorders, please bring them along. winter scenes and discover the history of this beautiful Meet at Balnain Hall, Balnain. Grid ref: NH 446302. place. Bring lunch and a hot drink. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Meet at the Canadian Road car park, Belladrum Estate. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or Grid ref: NH 523422. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. [email protected]. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Jenny on 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Saturday November 14, 2015 2pm - 3.30pm Monday December 21, 2015 Autumn at Merkinch Local Nature Reserve 9am - 4pm The leaves are changing and the seasonal wheel is Winter Solstice on the Great Glen Way turning. Join us to see what autumn brings to Merkinch Celebrate the Shortest Day/Longest Night in style and LNR. Please dress warmly. take a break from all the Christmas stress. Walk on a Meet by the Old Ferry Ticket Office, The Turning Circle, breath-taking section of the Great Glen Way few people Kessock Road, Inverness. Grid ref: NH 655472. Grade A. see. Limited transport back to the start of the walk is Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Katy on available on a first come first served basis. 01463 255291 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Clelland on 01320 366633 or [email protected].

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) We carry a maximum of 12 passengers per trip, so we take pride in our ability to provide our guests with a more personal experience of the Loch The MV Morag mo Chridhe has GPS, Side & Down scanning Sonars, VHF Radio, Radar, and an Audio/Visual presentation system. Private cruise for a special occasion? Please contact 07831 434691 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] 18 badenoCh & sTraThsPeybadenoCh bÀIdeanaCh agus sraTh sPÈ Badenoch & Strathspey Bàideanach agus Srath Spè

TOP 5 MUST SEES Roches Moutonees Glacially scraped rocks, creating dramatic scenery. Loch Imrich A hidden woodland gem in the heart of Newtonmore. Red squirrel Try to spot this charismatic creature in the pine forest. Uath Lochans Beautiful pools surrounded by woodland. A good place to spot dragonfl ies. Ellan Wood Pine woodland in Carrbridge, home to lovely wild fl owers and wood ant colonies.

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

March Am Màrt Tuesday 21 April, 2015 10am - 1pm Saturday March 28, 2015 Guided walk, Insh Marshes NNR 7.30pm - 10pm Join the reserve Warden to look for breeding waders Ghost Walk, Carrbridge and wildfowl on the marshes with the Monadhliath Celebrates this year’s Earth Hour by exploring Ellan Mountains as a stunning backdrop. We will also explore Wood and the riverside path with your head torch. the aspen woodland to listen for singing migrants such We’ll be listening for sounds of the night and checking as tree pipit and redstart and learn fascinating facts for stars and planets on the way. Hot chocolate and about aspen and its associated rare wildlife. The pace cakes await us in the woods. Good dogs very welcome. will be slow. No need for wellies, walking boots are fi ne. Suitable for families. Children under 16 go free. Dogs welcome if kept on a Meet at the Community Wood car park, Carrbridge. lead. Grid ref: NH 904228. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Meet at Insh Marshes car park. Grid ref: NN 773998. family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve [email protected]. offi ce on 01540 661518 or [email protected].

Wednesday April 29, 2015 April An Giblean 5am - 7am Lords of the Dance, Tuesday April 14, 2015 2pm - 4pm An opportunity to witness the spectacle of a black Go Fly a Kite in Carrbridge grouse lek and other wildlife, in beautiful surroundings. Tea and coffee available. A chance to make kites out of bits and bobs and weather permitting, fl y them! Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Meet at the Carrbridge village car park. Grid ref: family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 NH 908228. Grade A. Adults go free with accompanying or [email protected]. children, £3.00 per child. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or [email protected].

19 May An Cèitean Wednesday 13 May, 2015 9.30am - 1pm Wednesday 06 May, 2015 Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest 9.30am - 1pm A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. an adult. It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by Meet at Osprey Centre car park. Grid an adult. ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. [email protected]. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or [email protected]. Saturday May 16, 2015 2pm - 4pm Let’s Make Homes for Wildlife! Some fun activities to create your very own wildlife homes for you to put in your garden. Meet at the Town House, Grantown. Grid ref: NJ 034280. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or [email protected].

20 badenoCh & sTraThsPeybadenoCh bÀIdeanaCh agus sraTh sPÈ Tuesday 19 May, 2015 June An t-Ògmhios 10am - 1pm Guided walk, Insh Marshes NNR Wednesday 03 June, 2015 Join the reserve Warden to look for breeding waders 9.30am - 1pm and wildfowl on the marshes with the Monadhliath Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest Mountains as a stunning backdrop. We will also explore A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. the aspen woodland to listen for singing migrants such Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain as tree pipit and redstart and learn fascinating facts tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper about aspen and its associated rare wildlife. The pace and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red will be slow. No need for wellies, walking boots are fi ne. squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep Children under 16 go free. Dogs welcome if kept on a an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. lead. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a Meet at Insh Marshes car park. Grid ref: NN 773998. snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by offi ce on 01540 661518 or [email protected]. an adult. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid Wednesday 20 May, 2015 ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. 9.30am - 1pm Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest [email protected]. A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain Wednesday 10 June, 2015 tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper 9.30am - 1pm and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep an adult. an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by [email protected]. an adult. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid Wednesday 27 May, 2015 ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. 9.30am - 1pm Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest [email protected]. A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain Tuesday June 16, 2015 tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper 6pm - 9pm and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red Orchids Galore, Newtonmore squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep A gentle stroll around part of the Wildcat Trail in search an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. of orchids and other wildfl owers. We’ll be hearing about The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a some of the stories associated with them. snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. Meet at Newtonmore Station car park. Grid ref: It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by NN 715984. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, an adult. family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid or [email protected]. ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or [email protected].

21 Wednesday 17 June, 2015 9.30am - 1pm Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or [email protected].

Wednesday 17 June, 2015 Wednesday June 24, 2015 9.30am - 1pm 2pm - 5pm Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest Bog life in the Mossie, Grantown-on-Spey A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. A chance to have an in depth look at the weird and Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain wonderful plants and animals that call the Mossie ‘home’. tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper Meet at the Town House, Grantown. Grid ref: and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red NJ 034280. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. or [email protected]. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. Wednesday 24 June, 2015 It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by 9.30am - 1pm an adult. Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper [email protected]. and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep Tuesday 23 June, 2015 an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. 10am - 3pm The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a Guided walk, Insh Marshes NNR snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. Join the reserve Warden to explore the diverse habitats It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by of the Invertromie trail. Learn fascinating facts about an adult. aspen trees and their associated rare wildlife. Look for Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid fl owers, butterfl ies and dragonfl ies. No need for wellies, ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. walking boots are fi ne. Children under 16 go free. Dogs Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or welcome if kept on a lead. Bring a packed lunch. [email protected]. Meet at Insh Marshes car park. Grid ref: NN 773998. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Saturday June 27, 2015 offi ce on 01540 661518 or [email protected]. 2pm - 5pm Bogs, birds and birches at Anagach, Grantown-on-Spey A family friendly event to explore the bogs at Anagach Woods. We’ll be using nets to catch some of the special insects in the air, on the land and in the water. Please wear wellies. Meet at the Town House, Grantown. Grid ref: NJ 034280. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or [email protected].

22 badenoCh & sTraThsPeybadenoCh bÀIdeanaCh agus sraTh sPÈ July An t-Iuchar Wednesday 01 July, 2015 9.30am - 1pm Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or Self catering log cabins, chalets and apartments on [email protected]. the banks of the . Less then a 10 minute walk to the village centre and a 15 minute drive Wednesday July 08, 2015 (or bus) to the Cairngorm Mountain area. Wide 2pm - 4pm selection of places to eat and drink, with relaxation, Peeking into a Pond, Loch Vaa adventure and nature all on your doorstep. Everyone enjoys peeking into the unknown depths of a body of water! Join us to fi nd out what fabulous beasties Dalfaber Road | Aviemore | PH22 1PX lurk in this beautiful pond. Wear wellies. Tel: +44 (1479) 810 000 E-mail: [email protected] Meet at Laggantygown Cemetery car park. Grid www.pinebankchalets.co.uk ref: NH 910174. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or [email protected].

Wednesday 08 July, 2015 Wednesday 15 July, 2015 9.30am - 1pm 9.30am - 1pm Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. an adult. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or [email protected]. [email protected].

23 LOCH INSHWatersports & Boathouse Kincraig Restaurant 01540651272 Self Catering Log cabins Canoeing B & B Bunkhouse Sailing, SUP Windsurfing Archery, Bikes Dry ski slope

Wildlife Tour 01540 651 272

www.lochinsh.com Wednesday 22 July, 2015 Tuesday 28 July, 2015 9.30am - 1pm 10am - 3pm Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest Guided walk, Insh Marshes NNR A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Join the reserve Warden to explore the diverse habitats Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain of the Invertromie trail. Learn fascinating facts about tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper aspen trees and their associated rare wildlife. Look for and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red fl owers, butterfl ies and dragonfl ies. No need for wellies, squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep walking boots are fi ne. Children under 16 go free. Dogs an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. welcome if kept on a lead. Bring a packed lunch. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a Meet at Insh Marshes car park. Grid ref: NN 773998. snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by offi ce on 01540 661518 or [email protected]. an adult. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid Wednesday 29 July, 2015 ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. 9.30am - 1pm Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest [email protected]. A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain Sunday July 26, 2015 tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper 12pm - 4pm and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red Top Dogs Day Out, Glenmore squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep Dog agility courses, displays, quizzes and all sorts of an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. doggy craziness! Register your dog on the day (fi rst The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a come, fi rst served basis), or simply come and watch the snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. fun. Refreshments available. Joint event with the Forestry It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by Commission Scotland. an adult. Meet at Hay Field, . Grid ref: NH Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid 980093. Grade B. Adults £5 per dog, . Contact Saranne ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. on 01479 873914 or [email protected]. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or [email protected]. 24 badenoCh & sTraThsPeybadenoCh bÀIdeanaCh agus sraTh sPÈ August An Lùnastal Wednesday 19 August, 2015 9.30am - 1pm Wednesday 05 August, 2015 Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest 9.30am - 1pm A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. an adult. It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid an adult. ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. [email protected]. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or [email protected]. Wednesday 26 August, 2015 9.30am - 1pm Wednesday 12 August, 2015 Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest 9.30am - 1pm A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. Caledonian pine guided walk, Abernethy Forest Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain A gentle amble through Caledonian pine woodland. tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper Breathtaking views span loch shores to mountain and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red tops - home to otters, goldeneye, common sandpiper squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep and osprey. Forest favourites include redstarts and red an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. squirrels, spotted fl ycatchers and crested tits and keep The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a an eye out for roe deer as they melt into distant trees. snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. The pace is slow to ensure we see all we can, so bring a It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by snack and drink. Please note there are no seats en route. an adult. It’s free for children, but they must be accompanied by Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid an adult. ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Meet at Loch Garten Osprey Centre car park. Grid Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or ref: NH 977183. Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. [email protected]. Contact Osprey Centre on 01479 831476 or [email protected]. September An t-Sultain Tuesday 18 August, 2015 Wednesday September 16, 2015 10am - 3pm 8pm - 10pm Guided walk, Insh Marshes NNR Bat Walk, Grantown Join the reserve Warden to explore the diverse habitats Ever wondered what bats do for us? Or how they fi nd of the Invertromie trail. Learn fascinating facts about their way in the dark? Join us for a bat walk in Grantown aspen trees and their associated rare wildlife. Look for to fi nd out what bats we have around us. Please dress fl owers, butterfl ies and dragonfl ies. No need for wellies, warmly and bring a torch. walking boots are fi ne. Children under 16 go free. Dogs welcome if kept on a lead. Bring a packed lunch. Meet at Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey. Grid ref: NJ 033279. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Meet at Insh Marshes car park. Grid ref: NN 773998. family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or Grade B. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve [email protected]. offi ce on 01540 661518 or [email protected].

25 Friday September 25, 2015 November An t-Samhain 8pm - 10pm Bat Walk to the River Spey, Grantown Wednesday November 04, 2015 10.30am - 12.30pm Ever wondered what bats do for us? Or how they fi nd Meditate to the autumn colours at their way in the dark? Join us for a bat walk to the River Craigellachie NNR, Aviemore Spey in Grantown to fi nd out what bats are about. Please dress warmly and bring a torch. De-stress on Stress Awareness Day in a mindful fashion! We’ll wander through the gorgeous birch woods of Meet at Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey. Grid Craigellachie National Nature Reserve and have a go ref: NJ 033279. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, at meditating outside - a wonderful experience! Perhaps family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or we’ll see some migrating birds too? [email protected]. Meet at the dry ski slope car park, MacDonald’s Wednesday September 30, 2015 Aviemore Resort, Aviemore. Grid ref: NH 892123. 4.30pm - 7pm Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Monarchs of the Glen, Laggan Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or The red deer rut is one of Scotland’s fi nest wildlife [email protected]. spectacles. The glens are echoing to roaring of stags at this time of year. We will be looking for other December An Dùbhlachd wildlife too. Tuesday December 01, 2015 Booking essential. Meeting place given out on 6.30pm - 8pm booking. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Christmas Arts & Crafts Winter Lights family £11.00. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 Switch-on, Grantown or [email protected]. Try your hand at making your own natural Christmas decorations as the town is lit up with festive lights. Look for details in the press nearer the time. Meet at the Town House, Grantown. Grid ref: NJ 034280. Grade A. Adults go free with accompanying children, £3.00 per child. Contact Saranne on 01479 873914 or [email protected]. SPEYSIDE WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS | DAY TRIPS | HIDES | TAILORMADE TOURS

Spend an evening in our own hide watching Pine Martens, Badgers and Red Deer Experienced guides available for tailored days out

01479 812498 enquiries@ speyside wildlife.co.uk WWW.SPEYSIDEWILDLIFE.CO.UK

26 CaIThness gallaIbh CaIThness Caithness Gallaibh

TOP 5 MUST SEES Most northerly point of the British mainland. Seadrift Centre Free visitor centre focussing on wildlife, geology and local history. Drum Hollistan Largest puffi n colony in the area and dramatic sea cliffs. Keiss Castle A beautiful ruin with picturesque harbour and sandy beach nearby. Castle Sinclair A wonderful castle ruin surrounded by spectacular views over Sinclair’s bay

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

March Am Màrt Saturday 28 March, 2015 7pm - 9.30pm Sunday 15 March, 2015 Dunnet Beach by Night 11am - 1pm As part of the Earth Hour celebrations join the Navigation for Numpties! countryside Ranger on an after dark evening walk and Want to learn some basic navigation & map reading activities along Dunnet beach from the south end to the skills? Why not join in on a hill walk around the north end. We will fi nish with a warm drink and toasted Ulbster area where we hope to fi nd some interesting marshmallows around an open fi re on the beach. Bring archaeological remains including chambered cairn, stone a sense of fun, warm clothing and a torch. All children rows and a hill fort. Walking boots and outdoor gear must be accompanied. required. Bring compass if you have one. Rough walking Booking essential. Meeting place given out on in parts. booking. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Booking essential. Meet at Loch Watenan car park. Grid family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 ref: ND 319408. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, or [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected]. April An Giblean Saturday 28 March, 2015 Sunday 05 April, 2015 8.15pm - 9.30pm 2pm - 3pm Earth Hour Star Gazing Family Easter Treasure Hunt A fascinating look at the earth in space, making the It’s not just chocolate eggs at Easter time! Search for most of our unpolluted Caithness night skies. Slide show clues & learn about different types of animal eggs at the and guided star gazing provided by the local astronomy beautiful Geise woodland, near Glengolly. group, then a night walk to the pond. No astronomy knowledge needed. Please bring a torch and binoculars if Booking essential. Meet at Geise farm car park. Grid you have them. Places limited. ref: ND 109649. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or Booking essential. Meet at Newtonhill Croft car park. [email protected]. Grid ref: ND 362511. Grade A. Free event. Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

27 Monday 06 April, 2015 Sunday 10 May, 2015 2pm - 4pm 11am - 3pm Easter Egg-case Hunt at Sandside Berriedale Strath Guided walk Come along and join the hunt to see how many Follow the river from Berriedale up the strath passed mermaids purses (skate, ray and shark egg-cases) we can the ruins at Strath Cuil & to the beautiful Millery pool, find, especially the large common skate egg cases. Any returning through the woodlands on the south side. finds will be recorded to help in the conservation effort Please wear walking boots and outdoor clothing and for these rare fish. All children must be accompanied. bring a packed lunch. Meet at the car park by Sandside Harbour in Reay. Booking essential. Meet by the Berriedale phone box. Grid ref: NC 957659. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. Grid ref: ND 120228. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected]. or [email protected].

Saturday 18 April, 2015 Sunday 24 May, 2015 11am - 2pm 10am - 12noon Dunnet Beach Clean Seashore Shenanigans at Keiss Please help us to give Dunnet Beach a good clean ready Fun family morning with activities based around ‘Herring’. for the coming summer season. Gloves, bags and a free Meet at Keiss Harbour area. Grid ref: ND 350610. hot drink provided. Please help if you can and stay as Grade B. Free event. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 long as you are able. or [email protected]. Meet at Dunnet beach car park by the Seadrift Centre. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A. Free event. Contact Paul Sunday 24 May, 2015 on 01847 821531 or [email protected]. 3pm - 5pm Seashore Shenanigans at Lybster Friday 24 April, 2015 Fun family afternoon with activities based around 11am - 2pm ‘Herring’. Woodland Burn and clifftops of Forse Meet at Waterlines, Lybster Harbour. Grid ref: A hidden gem of a coastal walk, with waterfall, ND 244349. Grade B. Free event. Contact Marina on spectacular cliff formations, castle and beautiful pocket 07818 588256 or [email protected]. sized native woodland. Please wear sturdy boots and bring a packed lunch. Some fence lines to cross. Exact Sunday 31 May, 2015 route will depend on the height of the burn on the day. 10.15am - 6pm Booking essential. Meet at North Shore Pottery car park, Ship a , to Forse Mill. Grid ref: ND 216344. Grade C. Adults £4.00, Annual boat trip directly across to the Orkney Island conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Kirsty on of Hoy from John O Groat’s. Choose either a leisurely 07500 784123 or [email protected]. walk to the Old Man of Hoy sea stack or enjoy a more strenuous walk over Ward Hill, hopefully with time to visit the native Berriedale Wood en route to Rackwick. May An Cèitean Suitable outdoor clothing and packed lunch are needed Wednesday 06 May, 2015 for both walks. Porpoise, minke whale and orca seen on 11am - 1pm last year’s boat trip. £44 - Charge covers ferry ticket, bus Sea Watch at Holborn Head ticket and Ranger charge. Help the Countryside Ranger look for and record Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. whales, dolphins and porpoises using our telescopes. Grade C. Adults £44.00, no concessions, . Contact Paul Bring your binoculars and learn about the species we on 01847 821531 or [email protected]. may find here. All records will be sent to the Sea Watch Foundation to help in cetacean conservation. Wrap up warm. Meet at Scrabster Harbour at the bottom of road up to the lighthouse (please do not drive to the lighthouse). Grid ref: ND 107706. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

28 C

Friday 12 June, 2015 A IT HNESS G alla i bh 10.30am - 3pm Explore the back of beyond, Munsary A guided wildflower walk into Scotland’s only plantlife nature reserve. Join the reserve manager to learn about the techniques used to preserve this unique haven for boggy flora. Take in the local history and birdlife along the way. Bring your lunch. Booking essential. Meet at Munsary Reserve car park (by Stemster Loch, Achavannich). Grid ref: ND 186424. Grade A. Free event. Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Sunday 14 June, 2015 11am - 3pm Photography Workshop Be dazzled by Ken Crossan’s own photography before putting his tricks of the trade into action during an outdoor practical session in the Coronation meadow at Dunnet Links where we hope to see alongside other fascinating plants. Please bring suitable outdoor gear and packed lunch. Booking essential. Meet at Seadrift Visitor Centre. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or www.jogferry.co.uk [email protected]. Wednesday 24 June, 2015 10am - 12.30pm Puffin Watch June An t-Ògmhios Join the ranger at the largest puffin breeding colony in the area. Watch the antics of these charming birds Friday 05 June, 2015 through our telescope and bring your binoculars and 10.30am - 3.30pm cameras. Some rough walking required so walking boots Bilbster to Wick, River Walk recommended. Follow the river downstream from Bilbster to Wick Bay. Meet at the Sutherland and Caithness boundary sign We’ll stroll the fisherman’s beats whilst the sand martens on the A836 road. Grid ref: NC 921645. Grade C. fly over our heads. We will be surveying the plant life as Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul we travel along this natural transect line. on 01847 821531 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at bridge to the rear of Bilbster Mains Farm. Grid ref: ND 281531. Grade C. Adults Friday 26 June, 2015 £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Kirsty on 6pm - 9pm 07500 784123 or [email protected]. Puffin Watch Join the ranger at the largest puffin breeding colony Monday 08 June, 2015 in the area. Watch the antics of these charming birds 7.30pm - 9pm through our telescope and bring your binoculars and Clowns of the Ocean cameras. Some rough walking required so walking boots Enjoy an illustrated talk on ‘An Introduction to Caithness recommended. Seabirds’ with some coffee/tea & home baking before Meet at the Sutherland and Caithness boundary sign taking a short walk to view a puffin colony. on the A836 road. Grid ref: NC 921645. Grade C. Booking essential. Meet at Laidhay Tea Rooms. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul Grid ref: ND 175308. Grade A. Adults £7.00, on 01847 821531 or [email protected]. conc. £6.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

29 Monday 29 June, 2015 Thursday 09 July, 2015 11am - 4pm 11am - 12.30pm Duncansby to Skirza Fairies & Wizards of the Wick River Experience some truly inspiring coastal scenery during Children’s event most suitable for under 8s. Come for a this clifftop walk from Duncansby Head to Skirza. Enjoy magical time up the Wick Riverside with wand & fl ower breathtaking views of seastacks, caves & geos and potions. amazing seabird colonies, including puffi ns. Please wear Booking essential. Meet at Wick Riverside car park. walking boots and outdoor clothing, and bring a packed Grid ref: ND 362511. Grade A. Adults go free with lunch. accompanying children, £3.00 per child, family £7.00. Booking essential. Meet at Duncansby Head Lighthouse Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or car park. Grid ref: ND 405735. Grade B. Adults £8.00, [email protected]. conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected]. Wednesday 15 July, 2015 1pm - 3pm July An t-Iuchar Thurso Rock Pools Kids bring your nets or use ours and have fun Friday 03 July, 2015 discovering the fascinating creatures found in the Thurso 6pm - 8pm rock pools. Wear wellies and warm clothing. All children Bumblebee Safari at Dunnet must be accompanied. Learn to identify our local bumblebees on a guided Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. bumblebee safari through the dunes and forest Grade B. Adults go free with accompanying children, at Dunnet. See if we can fi nd a rare great yellow £3.00 per child. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or bumblebee and discover how you can help these [email protected]. important buzzing pollinators. Meet at Dunnet beach car park by the Seadrift Centre. Thursday 16 July, 2015 Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. 11am - 12noon £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 Fairies & Wizards of Dunnet Forest or [email protected]. Children’s event most suitable for under 8s. Come for a magical time in Dunnet forest with wand & fl ower Wednesday 08 July, 2015 potions. 11am - 12.30pm Booking essential. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park. Damsels & Dragons Grid ref: ND 222698. Grade A. Adults go free with A pond life family event including pond dipping & craft accompanying children, £3.00 per child, family £7.00. activities. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or Booking essential. Meet at Newtonhill Croft Woodland [email protected]. car park. Grid ref: ND 362511. Grade A. Adults go free with accompanying children, £3.00 per child, Wednesday 22 July, 2015 family £7.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or 11am - 12noon [email protected]. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Join the caterpillar as he munches his way around Argyll Wednesday 15 July, 2015 Square. Inspired by the work of Eric Carle’s fantastic 11am - 12noon book, this hands on interactive story walk is suitable for Rockpool Rummage children aged 3-6. Discover life below the waves. Search for weird & Booking essential. Meet at Argyll Square gardens. wonderful creatures including fi erce meat-eating Grid ref: ND 365505. Grade A. Adults go free with predators. Wellies essential. accompanying children, £3.00 per child, family £7.00. Booking essential. Meet at Keiss beach layby. Grid ref: Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or ND 344601. Grade B. Adults go free with accompanying [email protected]. children, £3.00 per child, family £7.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

30 CaIThness gallaIbh CaIThness Thursday 23 July, 2015 Monday 27 July, 2015 11am - 12noon 11am - 1pm The Very Hungry Caterpillar Mask Making at Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Join the caterpillar as he munches his way through Kids use your imagination and have fun making your Dunnet Forest. Inspired by the work of Eric Carle’s very own mask from everyday items. All materials are fantastic book, this hands on interactive story walk is provided but numbers are limited so book early to avoid suitable for children aged 3-6. disappointment. Booking essential. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park. Booking essential. The Seadrift Visitor Centre, Dunnet Grid ref: ND 222698. Grade A. Adults go free with Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A. Adults go free with accompanying children, £3.00 per child, family £7.00. accompanying children, £3.00 per child. Contact Paul on Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or 01847 821531 or [email protected]. [email protected]. Wednesday 29 July, 2015 Friday 24 July, 2015 11am - 12noon 11am - 1pm Nursery Rhyme Trail Thurso Viking Ventures The under fi ves will enjoy the songs and activities on this Become a young Viking and see if your team can interactive nursery rhyme trail around Thrumster woods. be victorious in the different challenges to decide Watch out for the crocodile! which team gets the glory of setting sail on a Viking Booking essential. Meet at Thrumster House. Grid ref: raid. Numbers are limited so book early to avoid ND 332452. Grade A. Adults go free with accompanying disappointment. children, £3.00 per child, family £7.00. Contact Kirsty on Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. 07500 784123 or [email protected]. Grade B. Adults go free with accompanying children, £3.00 per child. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Bringing to life the history and culture of Caithness

MUSEUM EXHIBITION GALLERYCAFEFREEWIFIGIFTSHOP Open AllYearMon Sat10am-6pmSun 11am-4pm (April—Sept only) Free Admission OldTown Hall, High Street,Thurso,CaithnessKW148AJ [email protected] 01847 896508

31 Thursday 30 July, 2015 11am - 12noon Nursery Rhyme Trail The under fi ves will enjoy the songs and activities on this interactive nursery rhyme trail around Dunnet Forest. Watch out for the crocodile! Booking essential. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park. Grid ref: ND 222698. Grade A. Adults go free with accompanying children, £3.00 per child, family £7.00. Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected]. Friday 28 August, 2015 8pm - 9pm August An Lùnastal Batty about Bats! Tuesday 04 August, 2015 Enjoy a slide show about our fabulous midge munchers 11am - 1pm before wandering round Thrumster woods. Please bring Eat the sun for lunch - family science workshop a torch & stout footwear. Event is weather dependent. How does the energy from the sun get inside plants and Booking essential. Meet at Thrumster House. Grid end up in our bodies? Learn about the amazing science ref: ND 332452. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, beneath the leaves. Demonstrations and hands-on family £11.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or activities for kids and big kids. Children must have adult [email protected]. supervision. Event supported by International Year of Light – Celebratory Events in Caithness. Booking essential. Meet at Seadrift Visitor Centre. Grid September An t-Sultain ref: ND 219706. Grade A. Free event. Contact Kirsty on Friday 04 September, 2015 07500 784123 or [email protected]. 8.30pm - 9.30pm Bats and Marshmallows Wednesday 05 August, 2015 A moonlit search around the harbour and woods 11am - 1pm for these fl ying mammals with a taste for midges. Bush Craft with Volcanoes Marshmallow toasting and hot chocolate to fi nish. Did you know Caithness had volcanic vents? Learn Wrap up and bring a torch. about our geology and try out some fi re lighting skills to Booking essential. Meet at Latheronwheel Harbour. create your own smoldering volcanoes by the lava rocks Grid ref: ND 191322. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. at Sannick. Unsuitable for under 6s due to fi re danger. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 Booking essential. Meet at Sannick beach layby, on road or [email protected]. to Duncansby Light House. Grid ref: ND 400733. Grade B. Adults go free with accompanying children, £3.00 per Friday 04 September, 2015 child, family £7.00. Contact Kirsty on 07501 784123 or 8pm - 9.30pm [email protected]. Castle of Mey Bat Walk Use our bat detectors to discover the fl ying midge Friday 14 August, 2015 munchers around the castle at night. Wrap up warm 11am - 1pm and bring a torch. All children must be accompanied. Kite Making at Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Assemble and fl y your very own kite made from Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. everyday household items. All materials provided but Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or limited numbers so book early to avoid disappointment. [email protected]. Kite fl ying will take place only if conditions are suitable. Booking essential. The Seadrift Visitor Centre, Dunnet Sunday 13 September, 2015 Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A. Adults go free with 11am - 1pm accompanying children, £3.00 per child. Contact Paul on Fossil Fish Forray 01847 821531 or [email protected]. Search for the remains of creatures older than the dinosaurs! Learn about the fascinating fossil fi sh of the Caithness beds & try to fi nd a specimen to take home. Booking essential. Meet at Achanarras Quarry car park. Grid ref: ND 157536. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected]. 32 C

Wednesday 16 September, 2015 A IT HNESS G alla i bh 8pm - 9.30pm Castle of Mey Bat Walk Use our bat detectors to discover the flying midge munchers around the castle at night. Wrap up warm and bring a torch. All children must be accompanied. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

October An Dàmhair FREE FOR 2015 Saturday 03 October, 2015 11am - 2pm Opening Hours Loch of Yarrows to Whaligoe April - October inclusive Monday - Friday 10am-5pm A walk through history in classic Caithness landscape. Saturday 11am-4pm The route is peppered with archaelogical sites spanning Winter and all other times, by appointment several thousand years; burial cairns, , hill fort and Groups welcome ending at the breath taking steps at Whaligoe harbour. Rough hill walking in parts. Bring lunch and walking 1 High Street boots. Drivers returned to start. Elgin Moray IV30 1EQ Booking essential. Meet at Loch of Yarrows car park. Scotland Grid ref: ND 307433. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. Tel. 01343 543675 £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 [email protected] or [email protected]. www.elginmuseum.org.uk “Finalist in Telegraph Kids’ Friendly Awards 2014”

Welcome to the Isle of Rum

Discover Rum with the Community Ranger! Inspirational and innovative guided walks, talks and events throughout the year

Visit isleofrum.com/wildliferanger for information Volunteering opportunities also available always something new to discover!

33 Sutherland Cataibh

TOP 5 MUST SEES Smoo Cave at Durness Massive sea cave of phenomenal proportions. Clachtoll Split Rock Stunningly beautiful beach and crofting township. Farr Glebe Bumblebee reserve at Bettyhill packed with wonderful wildfl owers in July. Achness Falls, Rosehall Great place to see salmon leaping and spectacular after rainfall. National Nature Reserve with year round interest and rare fl owered wintergreen.

©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©HC Ranger ©Silvia Duckworth ©HC Ranger

April An Giblean Wednesday 08 April, 2015 10.30am - 12.30pm Tuesday 07 April, 2015 Kite Making, Brora 10.30am - 1.30pm Talmine to Port Vasco Come along and make kites and fl y them. Very beautiful coastal walk in an exquisite remote Booking essential. Meet at the Brora Heritage Centre, location; cliffs, beaches, moorland. Brora. Grade A. Adults go free with accompanying children, conc. £3.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 Meet at Talmine Pier car park (please do not block or [email protected]. access). Grid ref: NC 587632. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on Thursday 09 April, 2015 01971 511756 or [email protected]. 10.30am - 12.30pm Green Woodworking, Lairg Wednesday 08 April, 2015 10.30am - 1.30pm Make a three-legged stool using the tools and Scourie Seacliffs techniques of green woodworking. Join us on this undulating coastal walk with cliffs, caves, Booking essential. Meet at the Shin Falls car park, wild fl owers and signs of otters. Lairg. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 or Meet at Free Church car park at the south end of village. [email protected]. Grid ref: NC 152434. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or [email protected].

34 suTherland CaTaIbh Friday 10 April, 2015 Tuesday 05 May, 2015 10.30am - 12.30pm 2pm - 4.45pm Willow Models, Brora Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Make animal models with willow and tissue. Superb, This walk is a great way to explore the internationally creative, messy fun. important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Booking essential. Meet at the Brora Heritage Centre, Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Brora. Grade A. Adults go free with accompanying animals which make their home here and learn more children, conc. £3.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 about the work being done to protect and restore or [email protected]. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Tuesday 21 April, 2015 heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so 10.30am - 12.30pm wellies/walking boots are essential. Faraid Head Dunes Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Guided walk amongst a fascinating dune system Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. plus a walk across beautiful Balnakeil beach. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected]. Meet at Balnakeil Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 392687. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Thursday 07 May, 2015 Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or 11am - 2pm [email protected]. Ard Mor Guided Walk, Bettyhill Thursday 23 April, 2015 Early season guided walk around this lovely headland 10.30am - 1.30pm at Bettyhill with lots of plants and hopefully seashore Garnets & Dikes, Scourie wildlife to enjoy. Suitable clothing and footwear required. Guided coastal walk, fi ne views, seabirds, geology, Meet at the River Naver Pier at Bettyhill. Grid ref: wildfl owers, signs of otters. NC 700619. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or Meet at Scourie Beach bird hide. Grid ref: NC 151446. [email protected]. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or Thursday 07 May, 2015 [email protected]. 10.30am - 1.30pm North Shore, Scourie Thursday 30 April, 2015 10.30am - 1.30pm Guided coastal walk, outstanding views, moorland, Loch Leathad Trail, Scourie seabirds, and a bit of geology. Guided hill and lochside walk. Meet at village pier car park. Grid ref: NC 155448. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Meet at Scourie Depot Road, 300 m south of village Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or sign. Grid ref: NC 157437. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. [email protected]. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or [email protected]. Monday 11 May, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm May An Cèitean Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Monday 04 May, 2015 This walk is a great way to explore the internationally 2pm - 4.45pm important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and animals which make their home here and learn more This walk is a great way to explore the internationally about the work being done to protect and restore important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be animals which make their home here and learn more heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so about the work being done to protect and restore wellies/walking boots are essential. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. wellies/walking boots are essential. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected]. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected].

35 Tuesday 12 May, 2015 Thursday 14 May, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm 11am - 3pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Clachtoll coastal walk This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. township rich in wildlife, to the iron-age broch. Hear Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and the stories of skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic animals which make their home here and learn more collapse”. Find extraordinary ancient life forms. about the work being done to protect and restore Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so [email protected]. wellies/walking boots are essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Sunday 17 May, 2015 Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. 11.00am - 2.00pm £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 The Big Bog walk, Crask Inn or [email protected]. Explore a part of the famous looking for rare birds and man’s attempts to exploit the water. Tuesday 12 May, 2015 11am - 2pm Booking essential. Meet at the Crask Inn, between Strathy Point to Aultivullin Guided Walk Lairg and . Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 Fantastic rocky coastal cliff walk with superb geology or [email protected]. and wildlife. Another vehicle required to help return drivers to the start, please phone if you can help. Some Monday 18 May, 2015 high, steep coastal cliffs on this walk, suitable clothing and 2pm - 4pm boots recommended. Puffi n Walk, Durness Meet at Strathy Point car park (Totegan). Grid ref: Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. NC 827687. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, See the full ad on page 34. family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or [email protected]. [email protected]. Tuesday 12 May, 2015 Monday 18 May, 2015 10.30am - 1.30pm 2pm - 4.45pm Castle Bharraich Walk Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Guided walk to this enigmatic ruin and beyond. This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Meet at Tongue village car park near the bank. Grid important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. ref: NC 592566. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 animals which make their home here and learn more or [email protected]. about the work being done to protect and restore this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Tuesday 12 May, 2015 changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be 11am - 3pm heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Drumbeg peat road wellies/walking boots are essential. Stunning walk in the remote Assynt “cnoc and loch” Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. landscape. We will be walking through the Drumbeg Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Common Grazing land full of history and teeming with £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 wildlife. or [email protected]. Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park. Grid ref: NC 120330. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected].

36 suTherland CaTaIbh

Tuesday 19 May, 2015 Monday 25 May, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm 2pm - 4.45pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Guided walk, Forsinard Flows This walk is a great way to explore the internationally This walk is a great way to explore the internationally important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and animals which make their home here and learn more animals which make their home here and learn more about the work being done to protect and restore about the work being done to protect and restore this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so wellies/walking boots are essential. wellies/walking boots are essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected]. or [email protected].

Tuesday 19 May, 2015 Tuesday 26 May, 2015 11am - 3pm 2pm - 4.45pm Bone Caves, Inchnadamph Guided walk, Forsinard Flows This is a fascinating walk back in time to the ice-age This walk is a great way to explore the internationally where the bones of reindeer, polar bears and even important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. humans were discovered in the caves. Stout footwear is Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and essential. animals which make their home here and learn more Meet at Bone Caves car park, 2.5miles south of about the work being done to protect and restore Inchnadamph. Grid ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be 01571 844654 or [email protected]. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so wellies/walking boots are essential. Thursday 21 May, 2015 Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. 11am - 3pm Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Dubh Clais Clearance village £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 We will search out the ruins of the clearance township or [email protected]. at Dubh Clais and learn about how they lived. Lots of woodland and river edge wildlife to see as well. Tuesday 26 May, 2015 11am - 3pm Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver. Clachtoll Coastal Walk Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting [email protected]. township rich in wildlife, to the iron-age broch. Hear the stories of skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic collapse”. Find extraordinary ancient life forms. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected].

37 Wednesday 27 May, 2015 Monday 01 June, 2015 11am - 3.30pm 2pm - 4.45pm Moine Path Guided Walk Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Hill walk from the south end of Loch Hope over the This walk is a great way to explore the internationally historic Moine path by Ben Hope to the Kyle of Tongue important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. at Kinloch; moorland wildlife, chance of seeing eagles and Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and deer, beautiful remote scenery. Bring suitable clothing, animals which make their home here and learn more waterproofs and lunch. We may share vehicles, leaving about the work being done to protect and restore cars at either end of route, please help if possible. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or wellies/walking boots are essential. [email protected]. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Thursday 28 May, 2015 £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 11am - 3pm or [email protected]. Achmelvich coastal walk Come and see brilliant orchids, jewelled rocks and Tuesday 02 June, 2015 marvellous machair as we walk along a coastline steeped 2pm - 4.45pm in crofting history, to the old mill at Altanabradhan. Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Meet at Achmelvich Beach car park. Grid ref: This walk is a great way to explore the internationally NC 058248. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and or [email protected]. animals which make their home here and learn more about the work being done to protect and restore Sunday 31 May, 2015 this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for 12noon - 3pm changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be 4x4 Safari, Forsinard Flows heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so wellies/walking boots are essential. Our staff-led 4x4 safari is one of the best ways to explore the vast Forsinard Flows nature reserve. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Join us to fi nd out more about this fascinating and Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. internationally important habitat and see some fantastic £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 scenery along the way. Includes tea/coffee and delicious or [email protected]. homebaking. Booking is essential as there are limited spaces - please phone the reserve offi ce to book and let Tuesday 02 June, 2015 us know of any special requirements you may have. Not 11am - 4pm suitable for children under 12. Traligill Valley Caves, Inchnadamph Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Walk with us on this brilliant walk in the valley of Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Adults £25.00, the trolls and see the fantastic fl owers and view the conc. £20.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 evidence of stunning forces which have built mountains or [email protected]. and created deep caves. Meet at Inchnadamph car park. Grid ref: NC 251216. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. June An t-Ògmhios Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected]. Monday 01 June, 2015 2pm - 4pm Thursday 04 June, 2015 Puffi n Walk, Durness 11am - 3pm Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. Clachtoll coastal walk See the full ad on page 34. Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or township rich in wildlife, to the iron-age broch. Hear [email protected]. the stories of skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic collapse”. Find extraordinary ancient life forms. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected].

38 suTherland CaTaIbh Monday 08 June, 2015 2pm - 4pm Puffi n Walk, Durness Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. See the full ad on page 34. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or [email protected].

Monday 08 June, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Thursday 11 June, 2015 important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. 11am - 3pm Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Bone Caves, Inchnadamph animals which make their home here and learn more This is a fascinating walk back in time to the ice-age about the work being done to protect and restore where the bones of reindeer, polar bears and even this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for humans were discovered in the caves. Stout footwear changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be is essential. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so wellies/walking boots are essential. Meet at Bone Caves car park, 2.5 miles south of Inchnadamph. Grid ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. 01571 844654 or [email protected]. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected]. Sunday 14 June, 2015 10.30am - 1.30pm Tuesday 09 June, 2015 Embo Orchid Walk 2pm - 4.45pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows A walk from Dornoch to Embo visiting one of the best sites for Lesser Butterfl y Orchids in Scotland. This walk is a great way to explore the internationally important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Booking essential. Meet at the Beach car park, Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Dornoch. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, animals which make their home here and learn more family £20.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 about the work being done to protect and restore or [email protected]. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Monday 15 June, 2015 heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so 2pm - 4pm wellies/walking boots are essential. Puffi n Walk, Durness Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. See the full ad on page 34. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or or [email protected]. [email protected].

Tuesday 09 June, 2015 Monday 15 June, 2015 11am - 3pm 2pm - 4.45pm Secrets of Glen Leireag, Drumbeg Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Visit the lost township of Glen Leireag and discover This walk is a great way to explore the internationally the secrets of this magical woodland glen. Seek out important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. moorland wildlife and golden eagles. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Meet at Nedd Bridge, 2 miles east of Drumbeg. animals which make their home here and learn more Grid ref: NC 148315. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. about the work being done to protect and restore £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for or [email protected]. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so wellies/walking boots are essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected]. 39 Tuesday 16 June, 2015 Thursday 18 June, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm 11am - 3pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Drumbeg peat road This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Stunning walk in the remote Assynt “cnoc and loch” important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. landscape. We will be walking through the Drumbeg Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Common Grazing land full of history and teeming with animals which make their home here and learn more wildlife. about the work being done to protect and restore Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park. Grid ref: this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for NC 120330. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so or [email protected]. wellies/walking boots are essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Monday 22 June, 2015 Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. 2pm - 4pm £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 Puffi n Walk, Durness or [email protected]. Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. See the full ad on page 34. Tuesday 16 June, 2015 11am - 3pm Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or Achmelvich Coastal Walk [email protected]. Come and see brilliant orchids, jewelled rocks and Monday 22 June, 2015 marvellous machair as we walk along a coastline steeped 2pm - 4.45pm in crofting history, to the old mill at Altanabradhan. Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Meet at Achmelvich Beach car park. Grid ref: This walk is a great way to explore the internationally NC 058248. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and or [email protected]. animals which make their home here and learn more about the work being done to protect and restore Wednesday 17 June, 2015 this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for 11am - 2pm changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Strathy Peatland Pools and Priest’s Stone heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Walk out to a lovely bog pool system with breeding wellies/walking boots are essential. birds, amphibians and lots of peatland plants then Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. on to the Christianised Pictish Priest’s Stone. Warm Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. waterproof clothing and waterproof footwear £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 recommended. or [email protected]. Meet at the roadside parking at the beginning of road to Strathy Point. Grid ref: NC 829656. Grade C. Adults Tuesday 23 June, 2015 £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 2pm - 4.45pm 01847 821531 or [email protected]. Guided walk, Forsinard Flows This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Thursday 18 June, 2015 important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. 10.30am - 1.30pm Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Kyle of Durness Walk animals which make their home here and learn more Guided walk around a stunning coastal area, masses of about the work being done to protect and restore wild fl owers and stunning views. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Meet at Durness Golf Course car park. Grid ref: changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be NC 389687. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 wellies/walking boots are essential. or [email protected]. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected].

40 suTherland CaTaIbh Tuesday 23 June, 2015 Monday 29 June, 2015 11am - 3pm 2pm - 4pm Clachtoll Coastal Walk Puffi n Walk, Durness Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. township rich in wildlife, to the iron-age broch. Hear the See the full ad on page 34 stories of skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or collapse”. Find extraordinary ancient life forms. [email protected]. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Monday 29 June, 2015 Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or 2pm - 4.45pm [email protected]. Guided walk, Forsinard Flows This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Wednesday 24 June, 2015 important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. 10.30am - 1pm Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Wildfl ower Extravaganza at Oldshoremore animals which make their home here and learn more Guided walk over the dunes and beach near about the work being done to protect and restore Kinlochbervie. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Meet at Oldshoremore Beach car park 4miles north changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be of Kinlochbervie. Grid ref: NC 203585. Grade B. Adults heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on wellies/walking boots are essential. 01971 511756 or [email protected]. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Thursday 25 June, 2015 £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 10am - 5pm or [email protected]. Glas Bheinn hill walk A walk to the top of one of Assynt’s less-visited Tuesday 30 June, 2015 mountains Glas Bheinn – the Green Mountain (776m), 2pm - 4.45pm with some wonderful views. If the weather is not good Guided walk, Forsinard Flows we will do a shorter low level walk. This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Booking essential. Meet at the layby by Loch na important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Gainmhich on the A894. Grid ref: NC 240290. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Andy animals which make their home here and learn more on 01571 844654 or [email protected]. about the work being done to protect and restore this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Sunday 28 June, 2015 changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be 12noon - 3pm heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so 4x4 Safari, Forsinard Flows wellies/walking boots are essential. Our staff-led 4x4 safari is one of the best ways to Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. explore the vast Forsinard Flows nature reserve. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Join us to fi nd out more about this fascinating and £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 internationally important habitat and see some fantastic or [email protected]. scenery along the way. Includes tea/coffee and delicious homebaking. Booking is essential as there are limited Tuesday 30 June, 2015 spaces - please phone the reserve offi ce to book and let 11am - 4pm us know of any special requirements you may have. Not Off the beaten track at Glencanisp, Lochinver suitable for children under 12. Wonderful walk over the patterned landscape of Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Glencanisp. Come and learn about the wildlife that Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Adults £25.00, lives on the community owned Glencanisp estate and conc. £20.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 possibly see some eagles. or [email protected]. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver and we will share transport the one mile to Glencanisp lodge. Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected].

41 Tuesday 30 June, 2015 Tuesday 07 July, 2015 10.30am - 1.30pm 2pm - 4.45pm Talmine to Port Vasco Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Very beautiful coastal walk in an exquisite remote This walk is a great way to explore the internationally location; cliffs, beaches, moorland. important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Meet at Talmine Pier car park (please do not block Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and access). Grid ref: NC 588632. Grade C. Adults £4.00, animals which make their home here and learn more conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on about the work being done to protect and restore 01971 511756 or [email protected]. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so July An t-Iuchar wellies/walking boots are essential. Thursday 02 July, 2015 Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. 10.30am - 1.30pm Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Coast Walk at Kinlochbervie Pier £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected]. Fascinating walk with superb views, past the pier, over the hill and out to the point. Tuesday 07 July, 2015 Meet by the Old Mission at the pier. Grid ref: 11am - 3pm NC 220560. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Drumbeg Peat Road family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 Stunning walk in the remote Assynt “cnoc and loch” or [email protected]. landscape. We will be walking through the Drumbeg Common Grazing land full of history and teeming with Thursday 02 July, 2015 wildlife. 11am - 1pm Black-throated Divers Meet at Drumbeg view point car park. Grid ref: NC 120330. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, Accompany the Ranger to look for these stunningly family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or beautiful birds on a traditional breeding loch. A speciality [email protected]. of this area, its eerie calls are some of the most evocative sounds of the remote lochs in Assynt. Tuesday 07 July, 2015 Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre, Main Street Lochinver. 10.30am - 12.30pm Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Rockpools, Helmsdale family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or The best rockpools in East Sutherland, full of weird [email protected]. and wonderful sea creatures. Bring your wellies. Monday 06 July, 2015 Booking essential. Meet at Helmsdale Harbour 2pm - 4.45pm car park. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Guided walk, Forsinard Flows family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 or [email protected]. This walk is a great way to explore the internationally important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Tuesday 07 July, 2015 Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and 1.30pm - 3.30pm animals which make their home here and learn more Gold Panning, Helmsdale about the work being done to protect and restore this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Try your hand at gold panning at the site of the changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be famous 1868 gold rush. Bring your wellies. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Booking essential. Meet at Helmsdale Harbour wellies/walking boots are essential. car park. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. or [email protected]. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected].

42 suTherland CaTaIbh Monday 13 July, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows This walk is a great way to explore the internationally important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and animals which make their home here and learn more about the work being done to protect and restore this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so wellies/walking boots are essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected].

Monday 13 July, 2015 11am - 1pm Wednesday 08 July, 2015 Wildlife Crime Scene, Lochinver 10.30am - 12.30pm Wildlife CSI. This is a family adventure for amateur Mud Lark, Loch Fleet animal detectives. Investigate several crime scenes in the Explore the unique habitat of estuary mud fl ats and see countryside and work out what was the crime and who who lives in this strange place. Bring your wellies. committed it - search for clues and gather the evidence. Booking essential. Meet at the entrance to Balblair Booking essential. Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods on the Golspie-Littleferry road. Grade A. Woods, past Lochinver Primary on the road to Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian Inverkirkaig. Grid ref: NC 093213. Grade A. Adults £4.00, on 01549 402638 or [email protected]. conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected]. Thursday 09 July, 2015 9pm - 11pm Tuesday 14 July, 2015 Bat Watching, Lochinver 2pm - 4.45pm Join us to watch one of nature’s amazing spectacles as Guided walk, Forsinard Flows up to 100 pipistrelle bats leave their roost. We will start This walk is a great way to explore the internationally with a short illustrated talk on bats at the Assynt Visitor important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Centre. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Booking essential. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, animals which make their home here and learn more Lochinver. Grid ref: NC 094225. Adults £4.00, conc. about the work being done to protect and restore £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for or [email protected]. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Thursday 09 July, 2015 wellies/walking boots are essential. 10.30am - 12.30pm Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Bushcraft Apprentice (1), Skelbo Wood Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. The fi rst of our series on bushcraft covering shelter £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 building and fi re lighting. or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Skelbo Wood, between Golspie and Dornoch. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. Tuesday 14 July, 2015 £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 10.30am - 1pm or [email protected]. Wildfl ower Extravaganza at Oldshoremore Guided walk over the dunes and beach near Monday 13 July, 2015 Kinlochbervie. 2pm - 4pm Meet at Oldshoremore Beach car park 4 miles north Puffi n Walk, Durness of Kinlochbervie. Grid ref: NC 203585. Grade B. Adults Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on See the full ad on page 34. 01971 511756 or [email protected]. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or [email protected]. 43 Tuesday 14 July, 2015 Monday 20 July, 2015 10.30am - 12.30pm 2pm - 4pm Pond Dipping, Skelbo Wood Puffi n Walk, Durness Come and explore the best pond in East Sutherland Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. for the variety of life in it. Bring your wellies. See the full ad on page 34. Booking essential. Meet at Skelbo Wood, between Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or Golspie and Dornoch. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. [email protected]. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 or [email protected]. Monday 20 July, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm Wednesday 15 July, 2015 Guided walk, Forsinard Flows 10.30am - 12.30pm This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Tern Walk, Brora important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. A walk along the lovely beach to observe the comings Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and and goings at the Arctic tern colony and seabirds animals which make their home here and learn more offshore. about the work being done to protect and restore Booking essential. Meet at Brora Golf course. Grade A. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be 01549 402638 or [email protected]. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so wellies/walking boots are essential. Thursday 16 July, 2015 Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. 2pm - 4pm Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Portskerra Rockpools £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 Kids bring your nets or use ours and have fun or [email protected]. discovering the fascinating creatures of Portskerra rock pools at Melvich. Wear wellies and warm clothing. All Tuesday 21 July, 2015 children must be accompanied. 2pm - 4.45pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Meet at Portskerra Old Harbour (not the pier). Grid ref: NC 877664. Grade B. Adults go free with accompanying This walk is a great way to explore the internationally children, conc. £3.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. [email protected]. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and animals which make their home here and learn more Thursday 16 July, 2015 about the work being done to protect and restore 10.30am - 1.30pm this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Scourie Seacliffs changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Join us on this undulating coastal walk with cliffs, caves, wellies/walking boots are essential. wild fl owers and signs of otters. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Meet at the Free Church car park at the south end of Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. village. Grid ref: NC 152434. Grade B. Adults £4.00, £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on or [email protected]. 01971 511756 or [email protected]. Tuesday 21 July, 2015 Thursday 16 July, 2015 11am - 1pm 10.30am - 12.30pm Bettyhill Viking Ventures Bushcraft Apprentice (2), Skelbo Wood Become a young Viking and see if your team can be This time we will make cord, charcoal and whittle victorious in the different challenges to decide which some wood. team gets the glory of setting sail on a Viking raid. Booking essential. Meet at Skelbo Wood, between Limited numbers so book early to avoid disappointment. Golspie and Dornoch. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 Grade B. Adults go free with accompanying children, or [email protected]. conc. £3.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

44 suTherland CaTaIbh Tuesday 21 July, 2015 Monday 27 July, 2015 10.30am - 1.30pm 2pm - 4pm Talmine to Port Vasco Puffi n Walk, Durness Very beautiful coastal walk in an exquisite remote Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. location; cliffs, beaches, moorland. See the full ad on page 34. Meet at Talmine pier car park (please do not block Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or access). Grid ref: NC 588631. Grade C. Adults £4.00, [email protected]. conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or [email protected]. Monday 27 July, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm Thursday 23 July, 2015 Guided walk, Forsinard Flows 11am - 3pm This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Clachtoll Coastal Walk important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and township rich in wildlife, to the iron-age broch. Hear the animals which make their home here and learn more stories of skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic about the work being done to protect and restore collapse”. Find extraordinary ancient life forms. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or wellies/walking boots are essential. [email protected]. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Thursday 23 July, 2015 £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 10.30am - 1.30pm or [email protected]. Scourie, Garnets & Dikes Guided coastal walk, fi ne views, seabirds, geology, Tuesday 28 July, 2015 wildfl owers, signs of otters. 2pm - 4.45pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Meet at Scourie Beach bird hide. Grid ref: NC 151446. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. [email protected]. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and animals which make their home here and learn more Sunday 26 July, 2015 about the work being done to protect and restore 12noon - 3pm this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for 4x4 Safari, Forsinard Flows changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Our staff-led 4x4 safari is one of the best ways to wellies/walking boots are essential. explore the vast Forsinard Flows nature reserve. Join us to fi nd out more about this fascinating and Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. internationally important habitat and see some fantastic Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. scenery along the way. Includes tea/coffee and delicious £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 homebaking. Booking is essential as there are limited or [email protected]. spaces - please phone the reserve offi ce to book and let us know of any special requirements you may have. Not Tuesday 28 July, 2015 suitable for children under 12. 1pm - 3pm Bumblebee Safari at Farr Glebe and Farr Bay Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Adults £25.00, Learn to identify our local bumblebees on a guided conc. £20.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 bumblebee safari at the wonderful Farr Glebe or [email protected]. Bumblebee Reserve and Farr Bay in Bettyhill, North Sutherland. See if we can fi nd a rare Great Yellow Bumblebee and discover how you can help our little pollinating friends. Meet at the Tourist Information Centre (café) car park in Bettyhill. Grid ref: NC 716622. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

45 Tuesday 28 July, 2015 Monday 03 August, 2015 11am - 4pm 2pm - 4.45pm Traligill Valley Caves, Inchnadamph Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Walk with us on this brilliant walk in the valley of This walk is a great way to explore the internationally the trolls and see the fantastic fl owers and view the important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. evidence of stunning forces which have built mountains Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and and created deep caves. animals which make their home here and learn more Meet at Inchnadamph car park. Grid ref: NC 251216. about the work being done to protect and restore Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be [email protected]. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so wellies/walking boots are essential. Tuesday 28 July, 2015 Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. 10.30am - 1.30pm Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Kyle of Durness Walk £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 Guided walk around a stunning coastal area, masses of or [email protected]. wild fl owers and stunning views. Tuesday 04 August, 2015 Meet at Durness Golf Course car park. Grid ref: 7.30pm - 8.30pm NC 389687. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Illustrated Talk on Otters family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or [email protected]. The secret life of the otter in Assynt, come along and hear about how to fi nd them. Thursday 30 July, 2015 Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver. 12noon - 2pm Grid ref: NC 094225. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Rockpools at Clachtoll family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 We have some of the best rockpools in the British Isles. or [email protected]. Join us and meet some of the really weird wildlife living here. Rocks can be steep and slippery. Tuesday 04 August, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm Booking essential. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid Guided walk, Forsinard Flows ref: NC 040273. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or This walk is a great way to explore the internationally [email protected]. important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Thursday 30 July, 2015 animals which make their home here and learn more 10.30am - 1.30pm about the work being done to protect and restore Scourie, Loch Leathad Trail this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Guided hill and lochside walk. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Meet at Scourie Depot Road, 300 m south of village wellies/walking boots are essential. sign. Grid ref: NC 157437. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. or [email protected]. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected]. August An Lùnastal Tuesday 04 August, 2015 Monday 03 August, 2015 10.30am - 12.30pm 2pm - 4pm Rockpools, Embo Puffi n Walk, Durness Great, easily accessible rock pools full of wonderful Guided walk to a small colony of puffi ns at Faraid Head. creatures. See the full ad on page 34. Booking essential. Meet at Embo Pier, Grannies Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or Heilin Hame. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 or [email protected].

46 suTherland CaTaIbh Tuesday 04 August, 2015 Thursday 06 August, 2015 11am - 1pm 10.30am - 12.30pm Tale of the Snail and Whale Bushcraft Apprentice (3), Skelbo Wood “This is the tale of the tiny snail and a great big grey-blue The challenge this time is to learn knots and construct humpback whale.” Theatre workshop, for families with a bridge over a great deep pool. Are you brave enough children 4 - 10 years old. to cross it? Meet at Achmelvich Beach car park 1.5 miles off the Booking essential. Meet at Skelbo Wood, between B869. Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade A. Adults free with Golspie and Dornoch. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. accompanying children, conc. £3.00. Contact Andy on £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 01571 844654 or [email protected]. or [email protected].

Wednesday 05 August, 2015 Monday 10 August, 2015 10.30am - 12.30pm 2pm - 4.45pm Dinosaur Geology, Helmsdale Guided walk, Forsinard Flows The geology of Helmsdale is from the time of This walk is a great way to explore the internationally the dinosaurs. Come along and have the geology important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. unravelled and fossils found. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Booking essential. Meet at Helmsdale Harbour animals which make their home here and learn more car park. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, about the work being done to protect and restore family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for or [email protected]. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Wednesday 05 August, 2015 wellies/walking boots are essential. 1.30pm - 3.30pm Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Gold Panning, Helmsdale Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Try your hand at gold panning at the site of the £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 famous 1868 gold rush. Bring your wellies. or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Helmsdale Harbour Monday 10 August, 2015 car park. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, 10.30am - 12.30pm family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 Faraid Head Dunes or [email protected]. Guided walk amongst a fascinating dune system Thursday 06 August, 2015 plus a walk across beautiful Balnakeil Beach. 11am - 3pm Meet at Balnakeil Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 392687. Bone Caves, Inchnadamph Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. This is a fascinating walk back in time to the ice-age Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or where the bones of reindeer, polar bears and even [email protected]. humans were discovered in the caves. Stout footwear is essential. Tuesday 11 August, 2015 9.15am - 12.15pm Meet at Bone Caves car park, 2.5miles south of Brora - Golspie Coastal Walk Inchnadamph. Grid ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on Catching the train to Brora we will then return along 01571 844654 or [email protected]. this lovely stretch of coast looking for birds and seals (train fare not included). Thursday 06 August, 2015 Booking essential. Meet at Golspie Railway Station. 10.30am - 1.30pm Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. North Shore, Scourie Contact Ian on 01549 402638 or Guided coastal walk, outstanding views, moorland, [email protected]. seabirds, bit of geology. Meet at village pier car park. Grid ref: NC 155448. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or [email protected].

47 Tuesday 11 August, 2015 Wednesday 12 August, 2015 2pm - 4pm 10.30am - 12.30pm Strathy Point Sea Watch Wildlife Crime Investigators, Golspie Bring along your binoculars and use our telescopes at Come and unravel the clues at the crime scenes this hot spot to look for whales, dolphins and porpoises. and develop your tracking skills to solve the crimes. Learn about the different species seen here and help in Booking essential. Meet at the Big Burn car park, their conservation. Wrap up warm and do not drive to Golspie. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, the lighthouse - private road. family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 Meet at Strathy Point car park (Totegan). Grid ref: or [email protected]. NC 827697. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or Thursday 13 August, 2015 [email protected]. 2.00pm - 4.00pm Bushcraft Shipwrecked, Brora Tuesday 11 August, 2015 Cast ashore on the beach we will fi nd buried treasure, 2pm - 4.45pm build shelters and cook over an open fi re. Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Booking essential. Meet at Brora Golf Course. Grade A. This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. 01549 402638 or [email protected]. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and animals which make their home here and learn more Thursday 13 August, 2015 about the work being done to protect and restore 12noon - 2pm this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Rockpools at Achmelvich changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be We have some of the best rockpools in the British Isles. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Join us and meet some of the really weird wildlife living wellies/walking boots are essential. here. Rocks can be steep and slippery. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Booking essential. Meet at Achmelvich Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected]. or [email protected]. Tuesday 11 August, 2015 Thursday 13 August, 2015 12noon - 1.30pm 10.30am - 1.30pm Clachtoll Sand Sculpture Contest Scourie Seacliffs Why not enter? Or just come along to admire the many Join us on this undulating coastal walk with cliffs, caves, amazing sculptures for free! Loads of really good prizes. wild fl owers and signs of otters. Judging at 1.30pm. Meet at the Free Church car park at the south end Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. of village. Grid ref: NC 152434. Grade B. Adults £4.00, To enter the competition: Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or 01971 511756 or [email protected]. [email protected]. Sunday 16 August, 2015 Tuesday 11 August, 2015 11.00am - 2.00pm 2pm - 4pm Glen Cassley walk Clachtoll Seashore roadshow A lovely walk in country with interesting Following the sand sculpture contest, this is a day for hydro works to marvel at. the family. Lots to do- rockpools, crafts, puppets, quizzes, cakes and more. All from 0 to 100 yrs old welcome! Booking essential. Meet at Rosehall Log cabin for car share and onward travel. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ian on 01549 402638 or Grade A. Free event. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 [email protected]. or [email protected].

48 suTherland CaTaIbh Monday 17 August, 2015 Tuesday 18 August, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm 10.30am - 1.30pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Spectacular Hill Walk [307m] at Tongue This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Guided walk up the Watch Hill with amazing views important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. across the Kyle of Tongue, moorland, loch & wildlife. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Meet at the roadside car park on the A836 at animals which make their home here and learn more Coldbackie. Grid ref: NC 609601. Grade C. Adults about the work being done to protect and restore £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for 01971 511756 or [email protected]. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Thursday 20 August, 2015 wellies/walking boots are essential. 10.30am - 1.30pm Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Scourie, Garnets & Dikes Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Guided coastal walk, fi ne views, seabirds, geology, £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 wildfl owers, signs of otters. or [email protected]. Meet at Scourie Beach bird hide. Grid ref: NC 151446. Tuesday 18 August, 2015 Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. 2pm - 4.45pm Contact Donald on 01971 511756 or Guided walk, Forsinard Flows [email protected]. This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Thursday 20 August, 2015 important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. 10am - 5pm Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Quinag hillwalk animals which make their home here and learn more Explore this fantastic Assynt mountain (808m). Look about the work being done to protect and restore for Mountain Hares and Ptarmigan. If the weather is this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for not good we will do a shorter low level walk. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Booking essential. Meet at the car park 3km north of wellies/walking boots are essential. Skiag Bridge.. Grid ref: NC 232274. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. or [email protected]. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 Monday 24 August, 2015 or [email protected]. 2pm - 4.45pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Tuesday 18 August, 2015 11am - 3pm This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Clachtoll Coastal Walk important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting animals which make their home here and learn more township rich in wildlife, to the iron-age broch. Hear the about the work being done to protect and restore stories of skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for collapse”. Find extraordinary ancient life forms. changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. wellies/walking boots are essential. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. [email protected]. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 or [email protected].

49 Tuesday 25 August, 2015 Thursday 27 August, 2015 2pm - 4.45pm 10.30am - 1.30pm Guided walk, Forsinard Flows Loch Leathad Trail, Scourie This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Guided hill and lochside walk. important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. Meet at Scourie Depot Road, 300 m south of village Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and sign. Grid ref: NC 157437. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. animals which make their home here and learn more £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on 01971 511756 about the work being done to protect and restore or [email protected]. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Sunday 30 August, 2015 heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so 12noon - 3pm wellies/walking boots are essential. 4x4 Safari, Forsinard Flows Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Our staff-led 4x4 safari is one of the best ways to Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. explore the vast Forsinard Flows nature reserve. £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 Join us to fi nd out more about this fascinating and or [email protected]. internationally important habitat and see some fantastic scenery along the way. Includes tea/coffee and delicious Tuesday 25 August, 2015 homebaking. Booking is essential as there are limited 11am - 5pm spaces - please phone the reserve offi ce to book and let Culkein to Stoer Lighthouse us know of any special requirements you may have. Not Amazing cliff top walk round the point and past the Old suitable for children under 12. Man of Stoer. Great for seabirds, bonxies, peregrines, Booking essential. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve seals and we may even see some dolphins. We will leave Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Adults £25.00, a vehicle at the lighthouse to take people back to their conc. £20.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 cars. or [email protected]. Meet at the Beach at Culkein Stoer. Grid ref: NC 038332. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, Monday 31 August, 2015 family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 2pm - 4.45pm or [email protected]. Guided walk, Forsinard Flows This walk is a great way to explore the internationally Tuesday 25 August, 2015 important Forsinard Flows National Nature reserve. 10.30am - 1.30pm Discover the wild peatlands, spot some of the plants and Coastal Moorland Hike by Kylestrome animals which make their home here and learn more Guided walk over rough hill ground by the spectacular about the work being done to protect and restore Eddrachilles bay, chance of seeing deer and eagles. this magnifi cent landscape. Please come prepared for Meet at the roadside car park on the A894 at the top of changeable weather, and bring a waterproof. We’ll be Kylestrome Brae. Grid ref: NC 211350. Grade C. Adults heading off the track and crossing open peatland, so £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Donald on wellies/walking boots are essential. 01971 511756 or [email protected]. Meet at Forsinard Flows Reserve Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NC 891425. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. Thursday 27 August, 2015 £3.00. Contact Reserve Offi ce on 01641 571225 8.30pm - 10pm or [email protected]. Bat Walk at Skerray Use our bat detectors and learn all about the bats found feeding around the village of Skerray at night during a guided bat walk. Wrap up warm and bring a torch. All children must be accompanied. Very weather dependant. Meet at Skerray Village Hall. Grid ref: NC 674624. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

50 S u t herland Ca t a i bh

September An t-Sultain Tuesday 15 September, 2015 11am - 2pm Tuesday 01 September, 2015 Fungi at Culag Community Woodlands, 11am - 2pm Lochinver Fungi at Culag Community Woodlands, Lochinver Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the different characters and learn their secrets in one Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the of the best woods for fungi in Sutherland. different characters and learn their secrets in one of the best woods for fungi in Sutherland. Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past Lochinver Primary on the road to Inverkirkaig. Grid Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past ref: NC 093213. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Lochinver Primary on the road to Inverkirkaig. Grid family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or ref: NC 093213. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected]. Tuesday 22 September, 2015 11am - 1pm Thursday 03 September, 2015 Birdwatching at Culkein Stoer 11am - 3pm Clachtoll coastal walk Explore the bay of Culkein where we hope to see ringed plovers, redshanks, whimbrel, other seabirds and Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting maybe an otter. township rich in wildlife, to the iron-age broch. Hear the stories of skeletons, ancient saunas and “catastrophic Meet at Culkein Beach. Grid ref: NC 038332. Grade C. collapse”. Find extraordinary ancient life forms. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected]. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected].

Tuesday 08 September, 2015 11am - 3pm Bone Caves, Inchnadamph This is a fascinating walk back in time to the ice-age where the bones of reindeer, polar bears and even humans were discovered in the caves. Stout footwear is essential. Meet at Bone Caves car park, 2.5 miles south of Inchnadamph. Grid ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Andy on 01571 844654 or [email protected].

51 Lochaber Loch Abar

TOP 5 MUST SEES Chai aig 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 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 Peninsula on shores of .

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April An Giblean Tuesday April 14, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm Saturday April 04, 2015 Stories of The Fort 1pm - 3pm Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Easter Eggstravagansa to Inverlochy. See full ad above. Easter treasure hunt for families around the Glen Nevis Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Visitor Centre. Limited to 100 children. Drop in between or [email protected]. 1pm and 3pm. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Grid ref: Wednesday April 15, 2015 NN 124731. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, 1pm - 3pm family £11.00. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 Beautiful Butterfl y Challenge, Glen Nevis or [email protected]. Butterfl y themed challenge for children accompanied by an adult. Members of Girlguiding UK can gain the Tuesday April 07, 2015 Butterfl y Challenge badge at the event subject to 1pm - 3pm availability. Victorious Vikings Treasure Hunt, Meet at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Grid ref: Quarry NN 124731. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Viking themed Easter treasure hunt for families around family £11.00. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 Ballachulish Quarry. Drop in between 1pm and 3pm. or [email protected]. Meet at the Ballachulish Quarry. Grid ref: NN 085585. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 or [email protected].

52 L o c habe R h Tuesday April 21, 2015 Tuesday May 19, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm Stories of The Fort Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 or [email protected]. or [email protected]. A bar

Tuesday April 28, 2015 Tuesday May 26, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm Stories of The Fort Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 or [email protected]. or [email protected].

May An Cèitean Monday June 01, 2015 9am - 5pm Tuesday May 05, 2015 Buachaille Etive Beag Guided Walk 1.30pm - 4.30pm A high level walk along the Buachaille Etive Beag ridge Stories of The Fort taking in both . There are fantastic views from Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William both summits and opportunities to hear all about this to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. stunning area. Please bring walking boots, waterproofs, Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 spare clothes, packed lunch and a drink. or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Glencoe Visitor Centre (there will be a short drive to the start from here). Wednesday May 06, 2015 Grid ref: NN 112576. Grade D. Adults £30.00 per 1pm - 2pm person. Contact Rachel on 0844 4932222 or Share the Fun, Glen Nevis [email protected]. Outdoor fun for pre-school children aged 1-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tuesday June 02, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Grid ref: Stories of The Fort NN 124731. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William or [email protected]. to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Tuesday May 12, 2015 or [email protected]. 1.30pm - 4.30pm Stories of The Fort Tuesday June 09, 2015 Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William 1.30pm - 4.30pm to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Stories of The Fort Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William or [email protected]. to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Monday May 18, 2015 or [email protected]. 6pm - 8pm Dragons in the Quarry Evening Treasure Hunt, Saturday June 13, 2015 Ballachulish 1pm - 3pm Drop in for a family treasure hunt and discover the Campfire Challenge, Glen Nevis dragons in the quarry. Bushcraft adventure for families - build your own shelter, Meet at Ballachulish Quarry. Grid ref: NN 085585. make a fire and cook some food. Children must be Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. accompanied by an adult. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 or Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Grid ref: [email protected]. NN 124731. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 or [email protected].

53 Tuesday June 16, 2015 Sunday July 12, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm 10am - 4pm Stories of The Fort Mountain Flower Walk in Coire Nam Beith Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William A mountain walk into Coire Nam Beith in the company to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. of Glencoe’s ecologist. Discover some of the rarer Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 upland plants that nestle into the crags beneath Bidean or [email protected]. nam Bian and learn some identification techniques along the way. Please bring walking boots, waterproofs, spare Friday June 19, 2015 clothes, packed lunch and a drink. 9am - 6pm Booking essential. Meet at Glencoe Visitor Centre Buachaille Etive Mor Guided Walk (there will be a short drive to the start from here). A high level walk along the ridge of Buachaille Etive Mor Grid ref: NN 112576. Grade D. Adults £15.00 per taking in both summits. This all day walk along the person. Contact Rachel on 0844 4932222 or iconic ridge has stunning mountain scenery to be viewed [email protected]. in all directions, and fantastic wildlife to discover. Please bring walking boots, waterproofs, spare clothes, packed Tuesday July 14, 2015 lunch and a drink. 1pm - 4pm I’m a Survivor Get me Out of Here, Booking essential. Meet at Glencoe Visitor Centre Ballachulish Quarry (there will be a short drive to the start from here). Grid ref: NN 112576. Grade D. Adults £30.00 per Family survival challenge with a twist. Girlguiding UK person. Contact Rachel on 0844 4932222 or members can gain the ‘I’m A Survivor, Get Me Out Of [email protected]. Here’ badge subject to availability. Meet at Ballachulish Quarry. Grid ref: NN 085585. Tuesday June 23, 2015 Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. 1.30pm - 4.30pm Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 or Stories of The Fort [email protected]. Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Tuesday July 14, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Stories of The Fort or [email protected]. Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Tuesday June 30, 2015 to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. 1.30pm - 4.30pm Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Stories of The Fort or [email protected]. Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Thursday July 16, 2015 12pm - 4.30pm Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Pirates over the Loch or [email protected]. Family journey over the loch to a secret beach where we’ll set up a pirates camp, look for crabs and make a July An t-Iuchar fire to cook s’mores. Tuesday July 07, 2015 Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. 1.30pm - 4.30pm Grade A. Adults £6.00, conc. £6.00. Contact Michelle on Stories of The Fort 01397 705922 or [email protected]. Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 or [email protected].

54 L o c habe R h Saturday July 25, 2015 Friday August 28, 2015 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm Guided Walk Bidean Nam Bian Guided Walk A chance to walk up Glencoe’s highest mountain, the A chance to walk up Glencoe’s highest mountain, the munro Bidean nam Bian: Peak of the peaks. A full day munro Bidean nam Bian: Peak of the peaks. A full day high level walk in the hills will reward you with staggering high level walk in the hills will reward you with staggering views of stunning mountain scenery and perhaps a views of stunning mountain scenery and perhaps a chance to glimpse some of the wildlife that lives here. chance to glimpse some of the wildlife that lives here. A bar Please bring walking boots, waterproofs, spare clothes, Please bring walking boots, waterproofs, spare clothes, packed lunch and a drink. packed lunch and a drink. Booking essential. Meet at Glencoe Visitor Centre Booking essential. Meet at Glencoe Visitor Centre (there will be a short drive to the start from here). (there will be a short drive to the start from here). Grid ref: NN 112576. Grade D. Adults £30.00 per Grid ref: NN 112576. Grade D. Adults £30.00 per person. Contact Rachel on 0844 4932222 or person. Contact Rachel on 0844 4932222 or [email protected]. [email protected].

August An Lùnastal September An t-Sultain Tuesday August 11, 2015 Tuesday September 01, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm Stories of The Fort Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 or [email protected]. or [email protected].

Thursday August 13, 2015 Tuesday September 08, 2015 12pm - 4.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm Pirates over the Loch Stories of The Fort Family journey over the loch to a secret beach where Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William we’ll set up a pirates camp, look for crabs and make a to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. fire to cook s’mores. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. or [email protected]. Grade A. Adults £6.00, conc. £6.00. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 or [email protected]. Friday September 11, 2015 7pm - 10pm Tuesday August 18, 2015 Batty about Bats & Magnificent Moths, 1.30pm - 4.30pm Glen Nevis Stories of The Fort Family event to learn more about the bats and moths Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William that can be found in the glen. to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Grid ref: Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 NN 124731. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, or [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 or [email protected]. Tuesday August 25, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm Tuesday September 15, 2015 Stories of The Fort 1.30pm - 4.30pm Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Stories of The Fort to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. or [email protected]. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 or [email protected].

55 Saturday September 19, 2015 Saturday September 26, 2015 9am - 6pm 10.00am - 4.00pm Buachaille Etive Mor Guided Walk Highland Natural Larder A high level walk along the ridge of Buachaille Etive Mor Come and experience the Highlands that most people taking in both munro summits. This all day walk along the pass by without seeing: The treasures hidden under iconic ridge has stunning mountain scenery to be viewed every leaf and around the next corner! Experience the in all directions, and fantastic wildlife to discover. Please culinary delights of the Highlands’ natural larder. Discover bring walking boots, waterproofs, spare clothes, packed how to find, harvest, prepare and cook wild foods and lunch and a drink. mushrooms. Booking essential. Meet at Glencoe Visitor Centre Booking essential. Meeting place given out on (there will be a short drive to the start from here). booking. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, Grid ref: NN 112576. Grade D. Adults £30.00 per family £20.00. Contact Clelland on 01320 366633 person. Contact Rachel on 0844 4932222 or or [email protected]. [email protected]. Tuesday September 29, 2015 Tuesday September 22, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm Stories of The Fort Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 or [email protected]. or [email protected].

56 L o c habe R h October An Dàmhair Wednesday October 28, 2015 6pm - 8pm Saturday October 03, 2015 Halloween in the Glen, Glen Nevis 9am - 5pm Bring the whole family to Glen Nevis for a spooky Buachaille Etive Beag Guided Walk evening of Halloween fun. Prizes for the best fancy dress A high level walk along the Buachaille Etive Beag ridge and best decorated pumpkin. Please bring a torch as it taking in both munros. There are fantastic views from will be dark! A bar both summits and opportunities to hear all about this Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Grid ref: stunning area. Please bring walking boots, waterproofs, NN 124731. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, spare clothes, packed lunch and a drink. family £11.00. Contact Eilidh-Ann on 01397 705922 Booking essential. Meet at Glencoe Visitor Centre or [email protected]. (there will be a short drive to the start from here). Grid ref: NN 112576. Grade D. Adults £30.00 per person. Contact Rachel on 0844 4932222 or December An Dùbhlachd [email protected]. Saturday December 05, 2015 1pm - 3pm Tuesday October 06, 2015 Frozen Snow Challenge, Glen Nevis 1.30pm - 4.30pm Family snow challenge and Christmas crafts. Members of Stories of The Fort Girlguiding UK can complete a relevant challenge badge Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William subject to availability. to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Grid ref: Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 NN 124731. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, or [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Michelle on 01397 705922 or [email protected]. Saturday October 10, 2015 1pm - 3pm Time Travellers, Glen Nevis A chance for the whole family to dig through history and have a go at activities from the distant past. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Grid ref: NN 124731. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Eilidh-Ann on 01397 705922 or [email protected].

Tuesday October 13, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 or [email protected].

Tuesday October 20, 2015 1.30pm - 4.30pm Stories of The Fort Join the Ranger on a circular walk from Fort William to Inverlochy. See full ad on page 52. Booking essential. Contact Angus on 01397 705922 or [email protected].

57 Skye & Lochalsh An t-Eilean Sgitheanach agus Loch Aillse

TOP 5 MUST SEES The Black A mountain range in miniature. Climb them or just enjoy looking at them from afar! Dun Caan The highest point on – a fl at-topped feature you can see from miles around. Biod an Fhithich One of the lower Glen Shiel hills and easily accessible from the A87 via a good path. Spar Cave Well worth a visit – make sure you visit at low tide and take a torch with you. Preshal Beag An amazing hill, formed from columnar basalt, best reached from .

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

March Am Màrt April An Giblean Saturday March 28, 2015 Saturday April 04, 2015 8pm - 9.30pm 9.30am - 12noon Earth Hour 2015, Duirnish Kinloch Reptile Survey Join the Rangers to celebrate Earth Hour 2015 with a Volunteers wanted! We plan to continue the work night-time wander through woodland and open moor. of Skye and Lochalsh Environment Forum in 2014 in Listen out for nocturnal wildlife and if the skies are clear, surveying the reptile fauna at Kinloch Forest. This will do some stargazing. Please bring a torch and warm be a training and awareness raising session with the clothing. Hot drinks and home baking provided! hope of encouraging volunteers to walk a prearranged Booking essential. Meet at the Duirinish Church car route through the area throughout the year noting park, Dunvegan. Grid ref: NG 251479. Grade A. the presence or absence of reptiles along the way. Will Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie reschedule if weather unsuitable. on 01471 820527 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Kinloch Forest car park. Grid ref: NG 704160. Grade A. Free event. Contact John on 01471 820526 or [email protected].

58 S kye & L o c hals H Friday April 10, 2015 Monday April 20, 2015 10am - 3pm 2pm - 5pm Wild West Coast (1), to Glendale Skye’s Big Five (1) Seal Appeal Explore some of the less-walked parts of the west coast Taking advantage of a very low tide, join the Ranger on of Skye. See full ad on page 58. a walk out to the of Lampay via Coral beach, Booking essential. Meet at Glendale Village Hall to car part of a Special Area of Conservation designated for share to start of walk. Grid ref: NG 178496. Grade C. common seals. We’ll return via Cnoc Mòr a’ Ghrobain, Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact John on which gives fantastic views to and Dunvegan A n Head. 01471 820526 or [email protected]. t - Ei lean S g it heana Booking essential. Meet at Coral Beach car park. Tuesday 14 April, 2015 Grid ref: NG 232537. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. 9.30am - 4.30pm £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 Sea Kayaking Taster Day or [email protected]. We offer guided sea kayaking days around the coast at Kintail, Kyle or Plockton from April to October. No Monday 20 April, 2015 experience is required and all equipment is supplied. So 9am - 5pm why not join us for a great day out, that is perfect for Sea Kayaking Courses c h agus L o c h families, exploring our wonderful local coast? Minimum 3 and 5 day beginner and intermediate sea kayaking child age 10 years. Please contact us for a copy of our courses starting on this date. Accommodation is 2015 activities leaflet. provided at the Kintail Outdoor Centre and all Booking essential. Meet at Kintail Ranger Office, equipment is supplied. Come and learn some new skills Morvich. Grid ref: NG 961210. Adults £50.00, and have fun exploring our world class local coastline. conc. £25.00, family £150.00. Contact Willie on Booking essential. Meet at Kintail Ranger Office, Ai llse 01599 511231 or [email protected]. Morvich. Grid ref: NG 961210. Please contact us for pricing information. Contact Willie on 01599 511231 Wednesday April 15, 2015 or [email protected]. 2pm - 4pm Ainmean Nàdarra Gàidhlig: Gaelic Names for Nature 1. Place names of Skye and Lochalsh May An Cèitean A series of events exploring the use of Gaelic in the Thursday May 07, 2015 natural environment. Have you ever wondered what all 10am - 1pm the Gaelic on the maps means? Come Birds of Ardnish along and explore the topic with John Phillips, Gaelic Join the Rangers and local bird expert Bob McMillan on learner and a Countryside Ranger for 26 years! a visit to Ardnish, a popular pit stop for a wide variety Booking essential. Meet at the meeting room, of migratory birds traveling to and from their northern The Highland Council Offices, Broadford. Grid ref: breeding grounds. Brent geese, bar-tailed godwits, NG 637237. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, whimbrel and great northern divers to name but a few family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 or mingle with the resident breeders, making a spring visit [email protected]. to this site well worth it for any keen bird watcher. Bring binoculars. Saturday April 18, 2015 Booking essential. Meet at Broadford car park to car 12pm - 3pm share to site. Grid ref: NG 643235. Grade C. Adults Earth Hour 2015, £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on Come and see the fossils at Staffin Museum and learn 01471 820527 or [email protected]. about the dinosaurs which once roamed Skye! Then take a walk to the beach where there are giant dino Friday May 15, 2015 footprints, and have a go at making your own! Suitable 11am - 4pm for children aged 6-12. Wild West Coast (2), Glendale to Neist Point Booking essential. Meet at Staffin Museum. Grid ref: Explore some of the less-walked parts of the west coast NG 506657. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, of Skye. See full ad on page 58. family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or Booking essential. Meet at Neist Point to arrange [email protected]. car share back to start of walk. Grid ref: NG 132477. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact John on 01471 820526 or [email protected].

59 Saturday May 30, 2015 2pm - 4.30pm Highland Herbal (1) Husabost A spring session exploring the variety of plants used as remedies by early medical practitioners in the Highlands. The first in this series of 3 walks takes place close to the ancestral home of the Beatons of Skye, hereditary physicians to the Lords of the Isles. Some of the plants, like valerian and lesser celandine are still in use as medicines today whilst others like bogbean and white water lily have long fallen into disuse. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 Wednesday May 20, 2015 or [email protected]. 10am - 12.30pm Ainmean Nàdarra Gàidhlig: Gaelic Names for Nature 2. Birds of Land and Sea June An t-Ògmhios A series of events exploring the use of Gaelic in the natural environment. Did you know that the Gaelic for Tuesday June 02, 2015 Oystercatcher is Gille Brìghde (St. Bride’s servant) and 10am - 2pm that Snipe in Gaelic is Gobhar Adhair (goat of the air)? Skye’s Big Five (2) Regal Eagles Learn the Gaelic names for lots more birds on this easy A fantastic hill walk in a beautiful coastal position, Beinn walk round one of Skye’s best birding sites. Tianavaig offers fabulous views of Portree harbour, the Booking essential. Meet at Broadford main car park Storr and across to Raasay. With Creag na h-Iolaire to car share to the start of the walk. Grid ref: (‘Eagle Crag’) sitting below the summit, there is great NG 637237. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, potential to see both white-tailed and golden eagles. family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 or Booking essential. Meet at the parking area on the shore [email protected]. of Camustianavaig. Grid ref: NG 508388. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Ellie on Tuesday May 26, 2015 01471 820527 or [email protected]. 2pm - 4.30pm Highland Harvest (1) Spring, Portree Friday June 05, 2015 Thought there was no such thing as a free lunch? Think 11am - 3pm again! Join the Rangers on a series of foraging forays to Wild West Coast (3) Neist Point to discover the variety of fare nature has to offer. Learn Explore some of the less-walked parts of the west how to identify and prepare different natural foodstuffs coast of Skye. See full ad on page 58. found across a range of seasons and habitats. Wild garlic, Booking essential. Meet at Glendale village hall ground elder and dandelion - we have all the makings of to arrange car share to start of walk. Grid ref: a spring salad already. Lets see what else we can find to NG 178496. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, go along with it. family £20.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 Booking essential. Meet at Sgoirebhreac car park or [email protected]. (on the coast directly below the Cuillin Hills Hotel). Grid ref: NG 488438. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. Saturday 06 June, 2015 £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 9am - 5pm or [email protected]. Glen Affric to Kintail Guided Walk A two day walk through some of Scotland’s finest Friday May 29, 2015 scenery - from the beautiful woods of Glen Affric to Time given out on booking. wild and rugged Kintail. We will overnight at the Glen Wild Isles (1): Soay Affric Youth Hostel and accommodation is available Board the “Misty Isle” to voyage from to Soay, an before and after the walk at the Kintail Outdoor Centre. island rich in history but little visited. Explore Gavin Transport is provided. Maxwell’s basking shark fishery, hear tales of evacuation Booking essential. Meet at Kintail Ranger Office, Morvich. and re-occupation, and enjoy the unique and varied Grid ref: NG 961210. Grade C. £100.00 per person. wildlife. Contact Rule on 01599 511231 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Misty Isle booking office, Elgol Jetty. Grid ref: NG 516135. Grade C. Adults £15.00 plus boat fee, conc. £7.50 plus boat fee. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected]. 60 S kye & L o c hals H Thursday June 11, 2015 Wednesday June 24, 2015 10am - 1pm Time given out on booking. Bell of the Brae Wild Isles (2): Rona A gentle woodland walk through swathes of bluebells A day trip to Rona on board the Brigadoon. An island as and wild garlic to take in the views from Armadale hill, rich in wildlife as it is in cultural history, visit the Church listen to the spring birds singing and watch the new cave and abandoned villages, soak up the 360 degree lambs playing. Ending with tea and cake at the Stables views which showcase the best of Scotland’s beautiful

this is a real treat for the senses. west coast, and walk among the diverse flora and fauna. A n

Booking essential. Meet at Clan Donald Centre car park. Booking essential. Meet at Portree Harbour. Grid ref: t - Ei lean S g it heana Grid ref: NG 639044. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, NG 485434. Grade B. Adults £15.00 plus boat fee, conc. family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or £7.50 plus boat fee. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected]. [email protected].

Wednesday June 17, 2015 Tuesday June 30, 2015 10am - 4pm 11am - 2pm Highland Dragonflies Skye’s Big Five (3) Otter Spotter

A workshop exploring the life cycles and ecology of A walk to otter hide and eagle exhibit where a c h agus L o c h Highland dragonflies and damselflies. Led by Jonathan turning tide offers great opportunity to see white-tailed Willet of the British Dragonfly Society, learn how to and golden eagles, as well as seals and if we’re really identify and record your sightings of these amazing lucky, otters too. insects. Booking essential. Meet at Forestry Commission car Booking essential. Meet at Highland Council Service park, Kylerhea. Grid ref: NG 786211. Grade A. Adults Point, Tigh na Sgire, Portree. Car share to afternoon £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on Ai llse site. Grid ref: NG 482437. Grade B. Adults £15.00, 01471 820527 or [email protected]. conc. £7.50. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected]. July An t-Iuchar Thursday June 18, 2015 Wild Isles (3): Island 2pm - 5pm Time given out on booking. Ainmean Nàdarra Gàidhlig: Gaelic Names for Nature 3. Sea and Shore We’re teaming up with Diver’s Eye Boat Trips for a visit to Lochbay, an area with a rich diversity of wildlife A series of events exploring the use of Gaelic in the including common seals, porpoise, otter and an array natural environment. Explore the low shore on a spring of breeding seabirds. With time ashore on Isay Island tide to learn the Gaelic names for seaweeds and other to visit abandoned villages, hear tales of times past shore life. Here are a few to get you started: feamainn and explore the foreshore, this is sure to be a day to = seaweed; slige = shell; partan = crab; faochag = whelk remember. This trip will take place in July 2015. Date to and faoileag = gull. be confirmed, please call for further details. Booking essential. Meet at the parking area at An Corran Booking essential. Meet at Stein car park. Grid ref: (Staffin Beach). Grid ref: NG 491685. Grade B. Adults NG 263564. Grade B. Adults £15.00 plus boat fee, £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on conc. £7.50 plus boat fee. Contact Ellie on 01471 820526 or [email protected]. 01471 820527 or [email protected]. Saturday 20 June, 2015 Friday July 03, 2015 9am - 7pm 10am - 1pm South Glen Shiel Ridge Guided Walk Queen’s Path This strenuous hill walk takes in 7 Munros along one of One of the lesser-known walks on Raasay. Take a relaxed Scotland’s finest mountain ridges. For those that would stroll through natural woodland alive with birdsong and prefer not to do the whole ridge in one day we can also wild flowers to the pebble beach below, a lovely spot do it over two days. We repeat this walk regularly from for lunch with stunning views across the sea towards May to October. Please contact us for a copy of our Portree and . Short drive required to walk 2015 activities leaflet. starting point. Booking essential. Meet at Kintail Ranger Office, Morvich. Booking essential. Meet at Raasay Ferry Terminal. Grid ref: NG 961210. Grade D. £40.00 per person. Grid ref: NG 545363. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. Contact Rule on 01599 511231 or [email protected]. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected].

61 Wednesday July 08, 2015 Friday 10 July, 2015 2pm - 5pm 9am - 6pm Ainmean Nàdarra Gàidhlig: Gaelic Names Five Sisters of Kintail Guided Walk for Nature 4. Woodland Plants and Trees This strenuous hill walk takes in 3 Munros and offers A series of events exploring the use of Gaelic in the fantastic views over one of Scotland’s most beautiful natural environment. With its roots in Irish Gaelic, the areas. We repeat this walk regularly from May to Gaelic tree alphabet is well known however many of the October. Please contact us for a copy of our 2015 names have changed through time. Bring yourself up to activities leaflet. date with these and the names for a range of woodland Booking essential. Meet at Kintail Ranger Office, Morvich. plants on this wander through some of Skye’s scarce Grid ref: NG 961210. Grade D. £40.00 per person. ancient woodland. Contact Rule on 01599 511231 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at the shore parking area by the Ord River. Grid ref: NG 616131. Grade B. Adults Saturday July 11, 2015 £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on 2pm - 4.30pm 01471 820526 or [email protected]. Highland Herbal (2) Portree A summer session exploring the variety of plants used as Thursday July 09, 2015 remedies by early medical practitioners in the Highlands. 10am - 1pm Some of the plants, like valerian and lesser celandine are The Art of Survival, Camus na Sgianadin still in use as medicines today whilst others like bogbean Have you got what it takes to survive in the wild and and white water lily have long fallen into disuse. become the next Bear Grylls? Come along and learn Booking essential. Meet at Sgoirebhreac car park how to build a shelter, navigate, forage for wild food, (on the coast directly below the Cuillin Hills Hotel). track animals and make fire. Suitable for children aged Grid ref: NG 488438. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. 6-12. Expect to get muddy! £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 Booking essential. Meet at Camus na Sgianadin parking or [email protected]. area. Grid ref: NG 625254. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or Tuesday July 14, 2015 [email protected]. 10am - 12pm Mammal Magic, Lochalsh Woodland Using camera and small animal traps, come along and see what magical mini mammals we can discover! Learn GIANT MACASKILL MUSEUM some fun facts about the mammals we find, and how to Tells a story of Angus Macaskill the tallest True giant. spot the signs of those we don’t. Suitable for children Features a model of Angus. aged 6-12. Dunvegan t. 01470 521296 Booking essential. Meet at Lochalsh woodland park entrance. Grid ref: NG 802279. Grade B. Adults £4.00, CROFT MUSEUM conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 Museum showing how people lived in the 19th century. 820527 or [email protected]. Dunvegan t. 01470 521296 Friday July 17, 2015 10am - 5pm Wild West Coast (4) Ramasaig to Orbost Explore some of the less-walked parts of the west coast of Skye. See full ad on page 58. Booking essential. Meet at Orbost to arrange car share to start of walk. Grid ref: NG 257431. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 or [email protected].

62 S kye & L o c hals H Thursday July 23, 2015 August An Lùnastal 10am - 12pm Monstrous Mini-beasts, Sluggans Wood Tuesday August 04, 2015 Hiding under every fallen tree, leaf pile and in every 2pm - 5pm pond lurks a secret kingdom of mini monsters! Come Commotion by the Ocean, Ord along and discover the wondrous world of mini-beasts Come along for a day of marine mayhem, funded by the using traditional and digital means. Suitable for children Highland Seashore Project! Go on a rockpool ramble, aged 6-12. a seashore scavenger hunt, sculpt some sand shapes A n and create a bit of beach art. Weather depending we’ll Booking essential. Meet at Sluggans Wood entrance. t - Ei lean S g it heana Grid ref: NG 471448. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. have a BBQ too! Suitable for children aged 6-12. See £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 www.highlandbiodiversity.com/seashore.asp for more or [email protected]. information. Booking essential. Meet at Ord, shore parking area. Tuesday July 28, 2015 Grid ref: NG 616131. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. 10am - 3pm £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 National Whale and Dolphin Watch (1): or [email protected].

Rubha Hunish c h agus L o c h In support of the Seawatch Foundation’s National Whale Friday August 07, 2015 and Dolphin Watch Week, join the Ranger on a walk out 10am - 3pm to Rubha Hunish, the northernmost point of Skye and Wild West Coast (5) Eabost - Struan one of the best places on the island for watching marine Explore some of the less-walked parts of the west coast mammals. Learn about the different species we have in of Skye. See full ad on page 58. our waters, and how to record your sightings. This is also Booking essential. Meet at the parking place at Struan. Ai llse a great place to get close to nesting seabirds. Grid ref: NG 348382. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. Booking essential. Meet at Rubha Hunish car park at the £4.00, family £20.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 start of the Shulista Road. Grid ref: NG 422742. Grade or [email protected]. C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected]. Friday 07 August, 2015 10am - 4pm Thursday July 30, 2015 Falls of Glomach Guided Walk 1pm - 4pm Join us on the walk to this remote waterfall which is National Whale and Dolphin Watch (2): amongst the country’s highest and most spectacular. Neist Point There will be time to enjoy the wonderful views A walk out to Neist Point, a great location for land- and look out for wildlife including deer, eagles and based whale and dolphin watching. Here we’ll conduct wildflowers on the way. We repeat this walk regularly a second marine mammal survey as part of National from May to October. Please contact us for a copy of Whale and Dolphin Watch Week. Come along and learn our 2015 activities leaflet. about the different species of cetaceans we have in our Booking essential. Meet at Kintail Ranger Office, Morvich. waters, and how to record your sightings. This is also a Grid ref: NG 961210. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. great place to spot seabirds and basking sharks. £5.00, family £35.00. Contact Rule on 01599 511231 Booking essential. Meet at Neist Point car park. or [email protected]. Grid ref: NG 132478. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 Thursday August 13, 2015 or [email protected]. 7pm - 9pm Things that go Bump in the Night, Armadale Friday July 31, 2015 Come along for an evening of nocturnal nature 10am - 3pm exploration! Listen and look for bats, moths and owls. National Whale and Dolphin Watch (3): Learn some fun facts about the animals we discover Point of and have a go at our night-time noises quiz! Suitable for A walk to the Point of Sleat to conduct our final marine children aged 6-12. mammal survey as part of National Whale and Dolphin Booking essential. Meet at Clan Donald Centre car Watch Week. A lovely walk past white sand beaches park, Armadale. Grid ref: NG 639044. Grade A. to the lighthouse, with views across to Rum, and Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie beyond. on 01471 820527 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at the car park at end of A851, . Grid ref: NG 588007. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected].

63 Saturday August 15, 2015 Tuesday August 25, 2015 2pm - 4pm 2pm - 4.30pm Spar Cave Highland Herbal (3) Trotternish Hear about the legends and history of this Skye cave - in An autumn session exploring the variety of plants Gaelic, Slochd Altrumain - the Nursling Cave. The cave used as remedies by early medical practitioners in the featured in the work of Walter Scott who famously Highlands. Some of the plants, like valerian and lesser bypassed the locked gate then blocking off the cave celandine are still in use as medicines today whilst others entrance “by the assistance of a rope and some ancient like bogbean and white water lily have long fallen into acquaintance with orchard breaking”. That barrier is long disuse. gone now but we still need to ensure we visit at low Booking essential. Meet at Lochan nan Dùnan car park. tide! If time allows, we may visit the nearby promontory Grid ref: NG 467706. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, fort, Dun Grugaig as well. family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 or Booking essential. Meet at Elgol Village Hall to car share [email protected]. to start of walk. Grid ref: NG 519135. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on Friday August 28, 2015 01471 820526 or [email protected]. 10am - 3pm Wild West Coast (6) Gesto - Wednesday August 19, 2015 Explore some of the less-walked parts of the west coast 11am - 4pm of Skye. See full ad on page 58. Sea to Summit Booking essential. Meet at the layby close to the A short boat trip across Loch Scavaig passing the local junction between the A863 and the B8009 to Talisker. seal colony on the way, followed by a walk to the top of Grid ref: NG 415312. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. Sgurr na Strì. Despite standing only 494 m high, it boasts £4.00, family £20.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 arguably the best view on Skye, taking in Loch Coruisk or [email protected]. and the Black Cuillin Ridge. Booking essential. Meet at Misty Isle office, Elgol jetty. Grid ref: NG 516135. Grade C. Adults £8.00 September An t-Sultain plus boat fee, conc. £4.00 plus boat fee, family Wednesday September 02, 2015 £20.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or 2pm - 4pm [email protected]. Ainmean Nàdarra Gàidhlig: Gaelic Names for Nature 5. Mountain and Moorland Friday August 21, 2015 2pm - 4.30pm A series of events exploring the Gaelic names for Highland Harvest (2) Summer, Achmore elements of the natural environment. Mountain and moorland are two of the dominant habitats of the Thought there was no such thing as a free lunch? Think highland landscape. Just as the Inuit are reputed to have again! Join the Rangers on a series of foraging forays to 100 names for snow, there are a similar number of discover the variety of fare nature has to offer. Summer Gaelic names for hills and mountains. Come along and herbs will be ripe for picking and there should be some learn how to tell cnoc from cnap and creag from cruach! berries ready too as well as Britain’s answer to the groundnut, a member of the carrot family called pignut. Booking essential. Meet at the meeting room, The Highland Council Offices, Portree. Grid ref: Booking essential. Meet at Achmore Village Hall. Grid NG 481436. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, ref: NG 855335. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 or family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 or [email protected]. [email protected]. 64 S kye & L o c hals H Friday September 04, 2015 Monday September 28, 2015 10am - 3pm 11am - 4.30pm Skye’s Big Five (4) Whales of Waternish Wild Isles (4): Eilean Fladday A walk from to Waternish Point, a beautifully Walk out from Torran to Eilean Fladday, a tidal island off wild spot with panoramic sea views, and one of the the north-west of Raasay. At one time the children of best locations on Skye for spotting whales, dolphins and the island used to walk to school in Torran and back as basking sharks. The route showcases the best of the the tide allowed. Changed days indeed! We will explore

island’s varied flora and fauna, as well as encompassing the abandoned village, hear some of the tales of times A n several areas of archaeological interest and the site of past on Fladday and walk out past Loch Mòr towards t Skye’s bloodiest clan battle. Uamh nan Daoine (the People’s Cave). - Ei lean S g it heana Booking essential. Meet at Trumpan car park. Grid Booking essential. Meet at Raasay Ferry Terminal. ref: NG 224613. Grade B. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, Grid ref: NG 545363. Grade B. Adults £15.00, family £20.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or conc. £7.50. Contact John on 01471 820526 or [email protected]. [email protected].

Saturday September 12, 2015 Wednesday September 30, 2015

10am - 4pm 2pm - 4.30pm c h agus L o c h Highland Spiders Highland Harvest (3) Autumn, Led by the Highland Spider Group, come along to this Thought there was no such thing as a free lunch? Think workshop and learn about the different species of spider again! Join the Rangers on a series of foraging forays found in the Highlands, their ecology, life histories, and to discover the variety of fare nature has to offer. With how to identify them. winter coming, it is time to get out and see what nature Booking essential. Meet at the Highland Council has to offer in the way of food to feed us through the Ai llse Countryside Ranger office, Broadford. Grid ref: coldest part of the year. Wild fungi will be in season NG 638237. Grade B. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. together with nuts and berries. Lets see what we can Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or find and what we can do with it! [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Torrin Outdoor Centre. Grid ref: NG 573210. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. Friday September 25, 2015 £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 10am - 4pm or [email protected]. Wild West Coast (8) Talisker to Explore some of the less-walked parts of the west coast of Skye. See full ad on page 58. October An Dàmhair Booking essential. Meet at Eynort to arrange car share Saturday October 03, 2015 to start of walk. Grid ref: NG 378264. Grade C. Adults 11am - 3pm £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact John on Archaeology Festival 2015, Glenelg 01471 820526 or [email protected]. Explore the stunning archaeological features of this remote Highland glen, including two brochs, Dun Saturday September 26, 2015 Troddan and Dun Telve, a massive round-house and 11am - 2pm a fort, Dun Grugaig, overlooking the steep gorge of Salmon of Snizort the Abhainn a’ Ghlinne Bhig (Glen Beag River). Other Celebrate World Rivers Day with a walk along the artefacts to look out for include a chambered cairn, two River Snizort, the longest and best salmon & trout river cup-marked stones and a ruined whisky still - all signs of on Skye. As we make out way towards the falls, learn significant use of this area in times gone by. about the history and current conservation status of Booking essential. Meet at Glenelg Community Hall to wild salmon on Skye, and see if we can spot any ‘on the car share to start of excursion. Grid ref: NG 814194. run’. We will also visit the hydro scheme and salmon Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact John hatchery, which have played a key role in the successful on 01471 820526 or [email protected]. re-stocking of this river. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected].

65 66 S kye & L o c hals H Saturday October 10, 2015 November An t-Samhain 10am - 4pm Skye’s Big Five (5) Roaring Reds Saturday November 07, 2015 In the last of the series, join the Ranger on a circular 10am - 12pm route through the Red Hills, to listen and look for the Snug as a Bug, Portree resident red deer stags as they battle for dominance. It’s getting chilly outside and the wildlife in our gardens There is also the potential to see eagles hunting and needs a helping hand to survive the wintry weather. So salmon leaping. Expect wet ground. let’s get creative and make some homes and feeders for A n nature! Suitable for children aged 6-12. Booking essential. Meet at Strollamus. Grid ref: t - Ei lean S g it heana NG 602266. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, Booking essential. Meet at Highland Council Service family £20.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or Point, Tigh na Sgire, Portree. Grid ref: NG 482437. Grade [email protected]. A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected]. Wednesday October 14, 2015 2pm - 4pm Friday November 27, 2015 Ramble on the Ridge 1pm - 3.30pm

Designated a Special Area of Conservation owing to its Highland Harvest (4) Winter c h agus L o c h species rich grasslands and unique geological features, Thought there was no such thing as a free lunch? Think this walk along the Trotternish Ridge to Bioda Buidhe again! Join the Rangers on a series of foraging forays to offers panoramic views over the , the land- discover the variety of fare nature has to offer. In times slipped mass of Cleat and lochs below, and along the of famine, the seashore offers a source of food when all Ridge towards . other options fail. From seaweeds to shellfish there is Booking essential. Meet at the summit of the minor road lots to eat on the shore. Join us to explore what there is Ai llse between Staffin and Uig. Grid ref: NG 440679. Grade C. to eat on one of the low spring tides of the year. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on Booking essential. Meet at the small car park at 01471 820527 or [email protected]. , Braes. Grid ref: NG 524350. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on Tuesday October 20, 2015 01471 820526 or [email protected]. 10am - 5pm Clearance Coast Friday November 27, 2015 This circular walk to the abandoned villages of 1pm - 3.30pm and Suisnish, emptied during the , Highland Harvest (4) Winter brings into perspective the stark contrast between Thought there was no such thing as a free lunch? Think Skye’s beautiful scenery and one of its uglier periods in again! Join the Rangers on a series of foraging forays to history. discover the variety of fare nature has to offer. In times Booking essential. Meet at ruined church, of famine, the seashore offers a source of food when all B8083. Grid ref: NG 616207. Grade B. Adults £8.00, other options fail. From seaweeds to shellfish there is conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Ellie on lots to eat on the shore. Join us to explore what there is 01471 820527 or [email protected]. to eat on one of the low spring tides of the year. Booking essential. Meet at the small car park at Friday October 30, 2015 Gedintailor, Braes. Grid ref: NG 524350. Grade B. Adults 10am - 4pm £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact John on The Wild West Coast (9) Eynort to Glenbrittle 01471 820526 or [email protected]. Explore some of the less-walked parts of the west coast of Skye. See full ad on page 58. Booking essential. Meet at Glenbrittle to arrange car share to start of walk. Grid ref: NG 409206. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact John on 01471 820526 or [email protected].

67 Winter 2016 Geamhradh 2016 Thursday February 18, 2016 10am - 1pm Friday January 15, 2016 Wonderful Winter Wildfowl Wander 2pm - 4pm A walk around Portree Bay, which at this time of year A Voyage to the will be alive with visiting winter ducks, gulls and waders. Thomas Pennant was a Welsh naturalist and traveller A must for any keen birder, bring binoculars and wellies, who wrote illustrated books on British, Arctic and Indian and join the Rangers for coffee and cake at Aros to ecology, though he never actually travelled to the Arctic finish. or India! He did however visit Skye and the Dun Beag Booking essential. Meet at Aros Centre car park, Portree. Broch, during his second tour of Scotland in 1771. Grid ref: NG 477425. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Booking essential. Meet at Dun Beag car park, Struan. family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or Grid ref: NG 337385. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected].

Saturday January 23, 2016 10am - 12pm RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch, Armadale Lend a helping hand to the RSPB by taking part in the world’s biggest bird survey. Learn how to identify and record the birds we see, and make some feeders to help them survive the frosty weather. And to keep us warm, there will be hot chocolate and cake! Booking essential. Meet at Clan Donald centre car park, Armadale. Grid ref: NG 639044. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Ellie on 01471 820527 or [email protected].

68 WesTer ross ros an Iar Wester Ross Ros an Iar

TOP 5 MUST SEES Stac Pollaidh An iconic wee mountain – wild but accessible. Terrifi c and outlook. A mind-blowing box canyon that’s a designated National Nature Reserve. Redpoint Beautiful beaches with nature-spotting and prehistoric archaeology. Loch Pretty villages, wildlife and geology, amidst stunning mountain scenery. Bealach na Bà A historic pass, home to incredible views and mountain wildlife.

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

April An Giblean Wednesday April 22, 2015 10.30am - 3.30pm Tuesday April 14, 2015 Achnahaird to Garvie Bay, Achiltibuie 2pm - 3.30pm Prepare to step back in time on this stunning, geology- Easter Egg Hunt and Pond Dip, themed coastal walk, with a glimpse into fossil records of Come to National Nature Reserve for a fun the fi rst life to appear on earth. Walk through the fallout afternoon for all the family. Ever wondered what lurks of a meteorite strike preserved in the rock. It’s also a beneath the water? How many different beasties can we great walk for spotting seals, seabirds and otters, plus the fi nd? Hunt for Easter eggs on the way to the pond, with views are stunning. Bring sturdy footwear and lunch. prizes for everyone. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade D. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 [email protected]. or [email protected].

Thursday April 16, 2015 May An Cèitean 10am - 12noon Wednesday May 06, 2015 Bird’s Eye View, Ullapool 11.30am - 3.30pm Climb up Ullapool Hill for fantastic views of Loch Broom, Fairy Lochs, Gairloch the town and surrounding hills. Learn about the area and Take a wild ramble through the small hills south of its natural history along the way. Gairloch, with stunning views to the Torridon hills, and Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. a visit to the atmospheric crash site of a WWII plane. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Bring sturdy footwear and lunch. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. [email protected]. Grade C. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or [email protected].

69 Saturday May 09, 2015 Wednesday June 10, 2015 10am - 4.30pm 10am - 4pm Mountain Navigation Course, Ullapool The Coffin Route, Dundonnell to Inverbroom Gain the confidence to take to the mountains. A A wild day-long hike on a historic route. Once a coffin one-day course focusing on map-reading and use of a route to Clachan church, now part of the Cape Wrath compass. Beginning in the classroom, we’ll then head Trail. Bring sturdy footwear and lunch. out onto Ullapool Hill for an afternoon working on our Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. skills. Bring a compass, sturdy footwear, and OS Explorer Grade D. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Map 436. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. or [email protected]. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or Thursday June 18, 2015 [email protected]. 11am - 4pm A Mountain-top Stroll, Wednesday May 13, 2015 Starting from one of Britain’s highest roads allows us to 10am - 1pm take in a Corbett summit (Sgurr a’ Chaorachain, 792 m) Leacanasigh Woods and Shore, Lochcarron with magnificent views, for relatively little uphill walking. Enjoy this beautiful ramble around mixed woodland and We’ll look out for mountain birds, deer, and upland a secluded shore, exploring a variety of habitats. Look plants. Note that this walk still contains rugged and for otters, bird life, and caves that might have been used exposed terrain, despite the modest ascent, so come by early Scots. Bring sturdy footwear. prepared for a mountain day and bring lunch. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Grade D. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or [email protected]. or [email protected].

Friday May 22, 2015 Tuesday June 23, 2015 10am - 4pm 10.30am - 1pm An Groban Hill Walk, Gairloch Saunter Round Shieldaig Peninsula, Shieldaig At only 383 m, An Groban is not massive like its A stunning and easy coastal walk, looking for herons, neighbours, but what a view! A delightful riverside walk otters and sea-eagles. Come and discover something through historic Flowerdale Estate leads us to a pretty about the history of the area and learn about the uses waterfall and the start of our climb up the rocky hill. and folklore of the many plants along the trail. Suitable With careful route-finding it is easier than it looks, but it for all the family. is steep! Bring sturdy footwear and lunch. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Grade D. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or [email protected]. or [email protected]. July An t-Iuchar June An t-Ògmhios Wednesday July 08, 2015 Tuesday June 02, 2015 11am - 1pm 11am - 1pm Minibeast Hunt, Laide Ramble Through Rassal, Kishorn Bugs and beetles, millipedes and moths. Come along Come and discover the abundant flowers, wildlife and to discover who’s hiding in the undergrowth, trees and geology of the most northerly ash woods in Scotland. ponds of Laide Community Woodland near Aultbea. Look out for orchids and mountain avens flourishing on Fun for all the family. Bring wellies. the limestone slopes. Bring sturdy footwear and a sense Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. of exploration. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. or [email protected]. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or [email protected].

70 Friday July 10, 2015 Wednesday July 15, 2015 WesTer ross ros an Iar 10am - 4pm 2pm - 3pm The Mountain Trail, Kinlochewe Minibeast Mischief Visit the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve to Scavenge nature’s fl oor to fi nd materials to create your discover a piece of the ancient pine forest that once own minibeast ...Big or small? How many legs? How covered vast areas of the Highlands, before climbing many eyes? Afterwards, meet the real thing. Seek out above the trees to fi nd a totally different habitat, creepy crawlies and use magnifi ers to see them up close. resembling the arctic tundra. Learn about the natural Spindly spiders, curious centipedes, messy millipedes, history that makes this NNR so special. The trail is steep wriggly worms, and slimy snails await you. Wear outdoor and rocky. Bring appropriate clothing/boots and lunch. clothing and bring waterproofs. Children must be Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. accompanied by an adult. Grade D. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Adults go free with or [email protected]. accompanying children, conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Tuesday July 14, 2015 11.15am - 12noon Thursday July 16, 2015 Secret Cameras 9.30am - 1pm Relax over a cuppa at Inverewe Restaurant and watch High Over Inverewe footage of the birds and mammals on the estate Walk off the beaten track with the Ranger to explore captured on secret cameras. Our footage includes our Inverewe Estate. This ramble takes you over the hills to resident otters and pine martens. Our Ranger will give the highest point of the estate. There is a chance to see an informal talk about the Estate and the wildlife on view red deer, birds of prey, and a fantastic array of fl ora and and can answer any general questions you may have. A fauna. With stunning views over lochs and mountains, special morning coffee deal is available for all attendees this is a walk not to be missed for any nature lover/ whereby you can get a free tea or coffee from 11am. photographer. Bring water, sunscreen, waterproofs. This Meet within Inverewe Restaurant, Poolewe. Grid ref: walk goes over boggy, uneven terrain - sturdy outdoor NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on shoes essential. Not suitable for younger children. 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Tuesday July 14, 2015 conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 2.15pm - 3pm or [email protected]. Wildlife Watch Loch Ewe provides home to many resident and Friday July 17, 2015 migratory birds and mammals. Come along to the 2pm - 3pm wildlife hide where our ranger will provide binoculars Pond Dipping and a telescope to aid viewing – let’s see how many Grab a net and discover what lurks on and beneath we can spot. Aside from the many garden birds on our the surface of the ponds at Inverewe. Natty newts, feeders, otters, seals, eagles, oystercatchers, greenshanks, bathing beetles, skaters and boatmen are there to be redshanks, cormorants and herons are regularly viewed. found...... just be careful not to disturb the pond monster! What will you see? Will you beat the numbers viewed This activity is free for visitors to Inverewe Garden. by last weeks visitors? Normal garden admission charges apply. Entry is free to Meet at Inverewe Wildlife Hide, Poolewe. Grid ref: members of the National Trust for Scotland/National NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on Trust. Family tickets are available, please call for details. 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected].

71 Tuesday July 21, 2015 Thursday July 23, 2015 3pm - 4.30pm 9.30am - 1pm Rock Pool Rummage at Rhue, Ullapool Seal Search Discover, catch and learn about the fascinating creatures Join the Ranger for a wilderness walk to our captivating that live in the secret world of this rocky shore. Suitable seal colony. Common and grey seals are resident on our for all ages. Wear footwear with good grip. Estate and this walk takes you to an ideal vantage point Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. where you can see and photograph seals close up. This is Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. a strenuous walk over uneven terrain and boggy ground Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 so sturdy outdoor shoes are essential. Bring water, or [email protected]. sunscreen, waterproofs, binoculars and cameras. Not suitable for younger children. Tuesday July 21, 2015 Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, 11.15am - 12noon Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Secret Cameras conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 Relax over a cuppa at Inverewe Restaurant and watch or [email protected]. footage of the birds and mammals on the estate captured on secret cameras. Our footage includes our Friday July 24, 2015 resident otters and pine martens. Our Ranger will give 2pm - 3pm an informal talk about the Estate and the wildlife on view Tree-Mendous and can answer any general questions you may have. A Discover facts about our most interesting trees. Where special morning coffee deal is available for all attendees do they come from? How tall is our tallest tree? Learn whereby you can get a free tea or coffee from 11am. how to measure and age trees and have fun doing tree Meet within Inverewe Restaurant, Poolewe. Grid ref: based craft activities. Family fun for all ages. This activity NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on is free for visitors to Inverewe Garden. Normal garden 01445 781229 or [email protected]. admission charges apply. Entry is free to members of the National Trust for Scotland/National Trust. Family tickets Tuesday July 21, 2015 are available, please call for details. Children must be 2.15pm - 3pm accompanied by an adult. Wildlife Watch Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: Loch Ewe provides home to many resident and NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on migratory birds and mammals. Come along to the 01445 781229 or [email protected]. wildlife hide where our ranger will provide binoculars and a telescope to aid viewing – let’s see how many Tuesday July 28, 2015 we can spot. Aside from the many garden birds on our 9am - 4.30pm feeders, otters, seals, eagles, oystercatchers, greenshanks, Beinn na h-Eaglaise Mountain Walk, Torridon redshanks, cormorants and herons are regularly viewed. Climb a great but uncelebrated mountain. Rising 737 m What will you see? Will you beat the numbers viewed above , Beinn na h-Eaglaise has magnificent by last weeks visitors? views to the surrounding sandstone monoliths and Meet at Inverewe Wildlife Hide, Poolewe. Grid ref: beautiful coast. A big day in wild country - hillwalking NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on experience required. 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Reuben Wednesday July 22, 2015 on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or 10.30am - 12.30pm [email protected]. Teddy Bear Picnic Our popular Teddy Bear Picnic returns in 2015 with new activities for children and bears of all ages to enjoy. Join us for lots of fun and games before enjoying a picnic lunch (provided). There is a prize for the best dressed Teddy. All children must be suitably dressed for outdoors and be accompanied by an adult. All teddy bears must be accompanied by a child! Family tickets are available, please call for information. Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Adults £5.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected].

72 Tuesday July 28, 2015 Thursday July 30, 2015 WesTer ross ros an Iar 11.15am - 12noon 9.30am - 1pm Secret Cameras Kernsary Circular walk Relax over a cuppa at Inverewe Restaurant and watch Join the Ranger for this truly lovely walk around Loch footage of the birds and mammals on the estate Kernsary. This is one of the most beautiful walks on captured on secret cameras. Our footage includes our the Estate with stunning views over the loch and resident otters and pine martens. Our Ranger will give surrounding mountains. Learn about the fl ora and fauna, an informal talk about the Estate and the wildlife on view birds and mammals. Fabulous walk for photography and can answer any general questions you may have. A enthusiasts and nature lovers. This walk is mostly on a special morning coffee deal is available for all attendees mountain path and has some steep inclines and boggy/ whereby you can get a free tea or coffee from 11am. muddy patches. Please wear appropriate footwear. Bring Meet within Inverewe Restaurant, Poolewe. Grid ref: water, sunscreen and waterproofs. Not suitable for NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on younger children. 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Tuesday July 28, 2015 conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 2.15pm - 3pm or [email protected]. Wildlife Watch Loch Ewe provides home to many resident and Friday July 31, 2015 migratory birds and mammals. Come along to the 1pm - 3pm wildlife hide where our ranger will provide binoculars Sand Sculpture Contest, Gairloch and a telescope to aid viewing – let’s see how many The sand-sculpture contest is back! This year’s challenge we can spot. Aside from the many garden birds on our is to sculpt your favourite marine creature - anything feeders, otters, seals, eagles, oystercatchers, greenshanks, from a sea-snail to a minke whale. Fun for all the family. redshanks, cormorants and herons are regularly viewed. Prizes to be won. Bring buckets and spades and lots of What will you see? Will you beat the numbers viewed imagination. by last weeks visitors? Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Meet at Inverewe Wildlife Hide, Poolewe. Grid ref: Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 01445 781229 or [email protected]. or [email protected].

Wednesday July 29, 2015 Friday July 31, 2015 10am - 12noon 2pm - 3pm Survival Skills Victorian Games Could you survive in the woods? Come along and learn Can you imagine life without electricity? How did how to make a fi re, shelter and toasting sticks in the children play in Victorian times? We challenge you to outdoors - you may even get a tasty treat! Children live without your mobile and gadgets for 1 hour and must be dressed for outdoors and be accompanied by learn new outdoor games and skills - do you accept the an adult. challenge?! This activity is free for visitors to Inverewe Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Garden. Normal garden admission charges apply. Entry Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Adults go free with is free to members of the National Trust for Scotland/ accompanying children, conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor National Trust. Family tickets are available, please call for Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected]. details. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected].

73 August An Lùnastal Wednesday August 05, 2015 10.30am - 12.30pm Tuesday August 04, 2015 Teddy Bear Picnic 11.30am - 2.30pm Our popular Teddy Bear Picnic returns in 2015 with new The Coral Beaches, Applecross activities for children and bears of all ages to enjoy. Join A really beautiful walk to the white coral beaches of us for lots of fun and games before enjoying a picnic Ard Ban, where we can explore the shore and discover lunch (provided). There is a prize for the best dressed how the white sands are formed. Bring sturdy footwear Teddy. All children must be suitably dressed for outdoors and lunch. and be accompanied by an adult. All teddy bears must Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. be accompanied by a child! Family tickets are available, Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. please call for information. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, or [email protected]. Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Adults £5.00, conc. £5.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or Tuesday August 04, 2015 [email protected]. 11.15am - 12noon Secret Cameras Thursday August 06, 2015 Relax over a cuppa at Inverewe Restaurant and watch 9.30am - 1pm footage of the birds and mammals on the estate Roundhouse Ramble captured on secret cameras. Our footage includes our Poolewe has a fascinating history dating back to the resident otters and pine martens. Our Ranger will give bronze age when the earliest settlers began crofting. an informal talk about the Estate and the wildlife on view Inverewe Estate has over 40 points of archaeological and can answer any general questions you may have. A interest and this walk will encounter a few of them special morning coffee deal is available for all attendees including a visit to a roundhouse and Trig Point, a WWII whereby you can get a free tea or coffee from 11am. place of interest. Join the Ranger for thousands of Meet within Inverewe Restaurant, Poolewe. Grid ref: years of history in just a few hours! This is a strenuous NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on walk over uneven terrain and boggy ground so sturdy 01445 781229 or [email protected]. outdoor shoes are essential. Bring water, sunscreen, waterproofs. Tuesday August 04, 2015 Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, 2.15pm - 3pm Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Grade C. Adults £5.00, Wildlife Watch conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 Loch Ewe provides home to many resident and or [email protected]. migratory birds and mammals. Come along to the wildlife hide where our ranger will provide binoculars Friday August 07, 2015 and a telescope to aid viewing – let’s see how many 2pm - 3pm we can spot. Aside from the many garden birds on our Tree-Mendous feeders, otters, seals, eagles, oystercatchers, greenshanks, Discover facts about our most interesting trees. Where redshanks, cormorants and herons are regularly viewed. do they come from? How tall is our tallest tree? Learn What will you see? Will you beat the numbers viewed how to measure and age trees and have fun doing tree by last weeks visitors? based craft activities. Family fun for all ages. This activity Meet at Inverewe Wildlife Hide, Poolewe. Grid ref: is free for visitors to Inverewe Garden. Normal garden NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on admission charges apply. Entry is free to members of the 01445 781229 or [email protected]. National Trust for Scotland/National Trust. Family tickets are available, please call for details. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected].

74 Thursday August 13, 2015 WesTer ross ros an Iar 9.30am - 1pm High Over Inverewe Walk off the beaten track with the Ranger to explore Inverewe Estate. This ramble takes you over the hills to the highest point of the estate. There is a chance to see red deer, birds of prey, and a fantastic array of fl ora and fauna. With stunning views over lochs and mountains, this is a walk not to be missed for any nature lover/ photographer. Bring water, sunscreen, waterproofs. This walk goes over boggy, uneven terrain - sturdy outdoor shoes essential. Not suitable for younger children. Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 Tuesday August 11, 2015 or [email protected]. 11.15am - 12noon Secret Cameras Friday August 14, 2015 Relax over a cuppa at Inverewe Restaurant and watch 1.30pm - 3pm footage of the birds and mammals on the estate Rock Pool Rummage at Old Dornie, Achiltibuie captured on secret cameras. Our footage includes our Discover, catch and learn about the fascinating creatures resident otters and pine martens. Our Ranger will give that live in the secret world of this rocky shore. Suitable an informal talk about the Estate and the wildlife on view for all ages. Wear footwear with a good grip. and can answer any general questions you may have. A Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. special morning coffee deal is available for all attendees Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. whereby you can get a free tea or coffee from 11am. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 Meet within Inverewe Restaurant, Poolewe. Grid ref: or [email protected]. NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Friday August 14, 2015 2pm - 3pm Tuesday August 11, 2015 Victorian Games 2.15pm - 3pm Can you imagine life without electricity? How did Wildlife Watch children play in Victorian times? We challenge you to Loch Ewe provides home to many resident and live without your mobile and gadgets for 1 hour and migratory birds and mammals. Come along to the learn new outdoor games and skills - do you accept the wildlife hide where our ranger will provide binoculars challenge?! This activity is free for visitors to Inverewe and a telescope to aid viewing – let’s see how many Garden. Normal garden admission charges apply. Entry we can spot. Aside from the many garden birds on our is free to members of the National Trust for Scotland/ feeders, otters, seals, eagles, oystercatchers, greenshanks, National Trust. Family tickets are available, please call for redshanks, cormorants and herons are regularly viewed. details. Children must be accompanied by an adult. What will you see? Will you beat the numbers viewed Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: by last weeks visitors? NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on Meet at Inverewe Wildlife Hide, Poolewe. Grid ref: 01445 781229 or [email protected]. NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Tuesday August 18, 2015 10am - 4pm Wednesday August 12, 2015 The Mountain Trail, Kinlochewe 10am - 12noon Visit the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve to Survival Skills discover a piece of the ancient pine forest that once Could you survive in the woods? Come along and covered vast areas of the Highlands, before climbing learn how to make a fi re, shelter and toasting sticks in above the trees to fi nd a totally different habitat, the outdoors- you may even get a tasty treat! Children resembling the arctic tundra. Learn about the natural must be dressed for outdoors and be accompanied by history that makes this NNR so special. The trail is steep an adult. and rocky. Bring appropriate clothing/boots and lunch. Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Adults go free with Grade D. Adults £8.00, conc. £4.00, family £20.00. accompanying children, conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected]. [email protected].

75 Tuesday August 18, 2015 Thursday August 20, 2015 11.15am - 12noon 9.30am - 1pm Secret Cameras Seal Search Relax over a cuppa at Inverewe Restaurant and watch Join the Ranger for a wilderness walk to our captivating footage of the birds and mammals on the estate seal colony. Common and grey seals are resident on our captured on secret cameras. Our footage includes our Estate and this walk takes you to an ideal vantage point resident otters and pine martens. Our Ranger will give where you can see and photograph seals close up. This is an informal talk about the Estate and the wildlife on view a strenuous walk over uneven terrain and boggy ground and can answer any general questions you may have. A so sturdy outdoor shoes are essential. Bring water, special morning coffee deal is available for all attendees sunscreen, waterproofs, binoculars and cameras. Not whereby you can get a free tea or coffee from 11am. suitable for younger children. Meet within Inverewe Restaurant, Poolewe. Grid ref: Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Grade C. Adults £5.00, 01445 781229 or [email protected]. conc. £3.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Tuesday August 18, 2015 2.15pm - 3pm Friday August 21, 2015 Wildlife Watch 2pm - 3pm Loch Ewe provides home to many resident and Pond Dipping migratory birds and mammals. Come along to the Grab a net and discover what lurks on and beneath wildlife hide where our ranger will provide binoculars the surface of the ponds at Inverewe. Natty newts, and a telescope to aid viewing – let’s see how many bathing beetles, skaters and boatmen are there to be we can spot. Aside from the many garden birds on our found...... just be careful not to disturb the pond monster! feeders, otters, seals, eagles, oystercatchers, greenshanks, This activity is free for visitors to Inverewe Garden. redshanks, cormorants and herons are regularly viewed. Normal garden admission charges apply. Entry is free to What will you see? Will you beat the numbers viewed members of the National Trust for Scotland/National by last weeks visitors? Trust. Family tickets are available, please call for details. Meet at Inverewe Wildlife Hide, Poolewe. Grid ref: Children must be accompanied by an adult. NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Poolewe. Grid ref: 01445 781229 or [email protected]. NG 862818. Free event. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or [email protected]. Wednesday August 19, 2015 10.30am - 12.30pm Friday August 28, 2015 Teddy Bear Picnic 9am - 5pm Our popular Teddy Bear Picnic returns in 2015 with new Beinn Bhàn Mountain Walk, Applecross activities for children and bears of all ages to enjoy. Join A big walk from sea to summit to explore this majestic us for lots of fun and games before enjoying a picnic Corbett. Walking over the rocky skeleton of this lunch (provided). There is a prize for the best dressed glaciated landscape, we’ll take in giddy views of its Teddy. All children must be suitably dressed for outdoors corries, explore its impressive geology and look for and be accompanied by an adult. All teddy bears must flora and fauna, while hopefully enjoying views of the be accompanied by a child! Family tickets are available, surrounding islands and hills. Hillwalking experience please call for information. required. Booking essential. Meet at Inverewe Visitor Centre, Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Poolewe. Grid ref: NG 862818. Adults £5.00, conc. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Reuben £5.00. Contact Visitor Centre on 01445 781229 or on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or [email protected]. [email protected].

Thursday August 20, 2015 3pm - 4.30pm Seashore Safari, Gairloch Discover, catch and learn about the fascinating creatures that live in the secret world of this rocky shore. Suitable for all ages. Wear footwear with a good grip. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or [email protected].

76 September An t-Sultain Tuesday October 13, 2015 Wes t er R 11am - 2pm Tuesday September 08, 2015 A Trundle Through Torridon 9.30am - 4.30pm

Join in the Torridon Mountain and Sea Festival with oss R Sail Mhòr Mountain Walk, Dundonnell a gentle bike ride along the shores of Loch Torridon. One of the smallest Corbetts (767 m), but with Mainly using vehicle tracks, we’ll explore picturesque legendary views. On the way up we’ll pass beautiful bays, look for wildlife, and discover some of the area’s os an Iar waterfalls before reaching open hill ground where wild fascinating history. Bring lunch and an off-road bike if you goats and eagles live. have one. Free bike hire may be available courtesy of the Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Torridon Inn (please call 01445 791242). Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Reuben Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. [email protected]. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or [email protected]. Tuesday September 29, 2015 11am - 2pm Archaeological ‘Buffet’ at Loggie, near Ullapool November An t-Samhain Explore the remains of a bronze age fort, an iron age Thursday November 05, 2015 dun, a medieval fort, ruins of houses from the old village 11am - 12.30pm of Newton Loggie, a round house and a semi-broch, all Birds for Beginners, Ullapool in two short walks at Loggie! Plus enjoy fantastic views Wrap up warm for a walk along Ullapool’s shore and of Ullapool across Loch Broom. Bring sturdy footwear river mouth to look at the winter birdlife. Learn the and lunch. differences between the gulls, look for waders, and hunt Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. for dippers and wagtails by the river. Bring binoculars if Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. you have them. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. or [email protected]. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or October An Dàmhair [email protected]. Friday October 02, 2015 11am - 1pm Sands of Time, Gairloch Step into the past and discover how and where our ancestors lived, on a fascinating walk along the Sand Archaeological Trail. As well as revealing thousands of years of human activity, the moorland also harbours some fascinating geological and glacial features - this short walk has a lot to offer. Path can be boggy so wear appropriate footwear. Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Reuben on 01854 613904/07881 502230 or [email protected].

77 Ross & Cromarty East Ros agus Cromba an Ear

Top 5 Must Sees & 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.

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

April An Giblean May An Cèitean Saturday April 11, 2015 Saturday May 16, 2015 10am - 1pm 10am - 1pm The Dark Mysteries of Blackrock Gorge, Spring Birdsong and Flowers at Teandore Oakwood Stroll through Evanton Wood visiting the haunting chasm Visit the ancient oak wood and open air preaching site of Blackrock Gorge learning the history that goes with it. listening for summer migrants that breed here and learn Meet at Evanton village car park. Grid ref: NH 607661. about indicator plant species of ancient woods. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Meet beside the Urquhart New Cemetery on the Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or B9163 between Alcaig and Urquhart, North Black [email protected]. Isle. Parking roadside so please park carefully. Grid ref: NH 578578. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Wednesday April 15, 2015 family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or 11am - 2pm [email protected]. Contin Views and Loch Cran Take in the paths of Contin forest past View Rock up Thursday May 21, 2015 to Loch Cran looking out for Crossbills and other 10.30am - 1.30pm woodland birds. Loch Kinellan and the Black Loch Meet at FC Contin public car park just past the village Explore the lochs above Strathpeffer for grebes on right going north. Grid ref: NH 453568. Grade B. and wildfowl and to see a green hairstreak or two. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin Meet at Loch Kinellan car park. Grid ref: NH 473576. on 01349 868563 or [email protected]. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or Wednesday April 22, 2015 [email protected]. 10am - 12.30pm Leg Stretchers, Tain Hill and Pulpit Rock Stretch your legs on this walk up to the Pulpit Rock on Tain Hill listening for the birds and enjoying great views over the Dornoch Firth. Meet at Tain Hill Forest car park up from Quarry Road, Tain just off the A9. Grid ref: NH 752812. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or [email protected].

78 R oss & Cromar t y E asT R os agus Cromba an E ar

Thursday May 28, 2015 July An t-Iuchar 11am - 2pm Riverside Walk, River Sgitheach, Evanton Wednesday July 22, 2015 Wander along the river paths to Balconie Point visiting 1pm - 3pm the amazing bluebell woods at this time. Look out for Pond Dipping, Lily Loch, Muir of Ord dippers and wagtails as we go. Explore the lochan for skaters, whirligigs and dragonflies, Meet at Evanton village car park. Grid ref: NH 607661. along with the weird and wonderful beetles and bugs Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. that can live under or skim along the top of the water. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or Also explore amongst heather and rocks and have a [email protected]. close look at mosses and lichens. Meet at the Lily Loch entrance next to the Black Isle Showground. Grid ref: NH 536496. Grade A. Adults June An t-Ògmhios £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or [email protected]. Tuesday June 16, 2015 11am - 2pm Thursday July 23, 2015 Who’s Piping on the Averon River? Alness 2pm - 4pm The riverside of the Averon is alive with bird-song at this Tobar na Slàinte (Well of Health), Shandwick time when dippers, sandpipers and other birds feed on Visit the old healing well and look out for the local rare invertebrates of the river. Come along and have a look. butterflies beside the Seaboard Villages. Meet at Crawl Park across from the Alness Library. Grid Meet at the Balintore Harbour car park. Grid ref: ref: NH 655695. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, NH 862754. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 [email protected]. or [email protected]. Saturday June 20, 2015 Tuesday July 28, 2015 9.30am - 4pm 2pm - 4pm Glacial Secrets of , By Garve Rockpool Exploring, Rosemarkie Climb upwards and learn how glaciation has shaped Ever wondered how crabs grow bigger and starfish the Ben. Learn to see the signs of glaciation on our high feed on mussels? Well, come along and find out with mountains with the Ranger and the Highland Geological the Ranger. Society. Meet at Rosemarkie Beach car park. Grid ref: Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. NH 738577. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Grid ref: NH 410671. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 £7.50. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or or [email protected]. [email protected]. Wednesday July 29, 2015 Wednesday June 24, 2015 2pm - 4pm 11am - 2pm Rockpool Exploring, Portmahomack Leg Stretchers, Struie Hill, by Edderton Hermit crabs, starfish and other weird creatures are Another leg stretcher up a wee hill with great views. hiding waiting for you to find them in the rockpools. Meet at parking on the B9176 about 1 km south of the So come along and have a good look! Struie Viewpoint. Grid ref: NH 650850. Grade C. Adults Meet at Portmahomack Public car parks beside £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on the blue beach flag. Grid ref: NH 914842. Grade A. 01349 868563 or [email protected]. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or [email protected]. 79 August An Lùnastal Thursday August 06, 2015 10am - 1pm Saturday August 01, 2015 Fossils and Fings, Eathie Coast, Black Isle 10am - 4pm Walk down to the fishing bothies on the coast at Eathie Grab a Corbett - Beinn Liath Mhor a’ and learn about fossils and the geology of this part of Ghiubhais, Loch Glascarnoch the coast. You might even find your own ammonite! Climb up to the summit and enjoy the grand vista of Meet at public car park on Eathie Road past the the surrounding mountains from this Corbett (weather Rosemarkie transmitter just before Eathie Mains. Grid permitting). We’ll look at the landscape and how it was ref: NH 769635. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, formed and maybe hear and see a golden plover or two. family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. [email protected]. Grid ref: NH 276742. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or Tuesday August 11, 2015 [email protected]. 2pm - 4pm Rockpool Exploring, Rosemarkie Monday August 03, 2015 Search for spiny urchins, nippy crabs and slippery 1pm - 3pm blennies in the rockpools with the local Ranger and Pond Dipping, Alness Point Pond learn about the wildlife that lives there. Enjoy catching and learning about stickleback, dragonflies, Meet at Rosemarkie Beach car park. Grid ref: water scorpions and other aquatic creatures at the pond. NH 738577. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Meet at the Alness Point Business Park beside the A9. family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 Grid ref: NH 650681. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, or [email protected]. family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or [email protected]. Wednesday August 12, 2015 2pm - 4pm Tuesday August 04, 2015 Rockpool Exploring, Portmahomack 10am - 12noon Even if you have been before there are still plenty of Exploration North Kessock Seashore new things to find in the rockpools. So come along and Explore amongst the seaweed and rocks for slippery look for sticklebacks, blennies and other creatures. eels, sandhoppers and crabs before taking a trip up to Meet at Portmahomack Public car parks beside the Dolphin Centre to learn more about whales and the blue beach flag. Grid ref: NH 914842. Grade A. dolphins. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin Meet at North Kessock village car park. Grid ref: on 01349 868563 or [email protected]. NH 653479. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 Thursday August 20, 2015 or [email protected]. 11am - 2pm Macfarquhar’s Bed and South Sutor from Wednesday August 05, 2015 Cromarty 10am - 12noon Sea cliffs, caves and arches lurk hidden away along Exploration Cromarty Foreshore this part of the coast. Visit it with the Ranger and and When the tide is out there is a whole world uncovered seek out the flowers and animals that inhabit the area. so come along and look for King Rags, Luggies, Exposed path down to the shore. Brittlestars and other sea creatures. Meet at South Sutor Viewpoint car park. Grid ref: Meet at the Cromarty Links. Grid ref: NH 788675. NH 807671. Grade C. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or or [email protected]. [email protected].

80 R

Saturday August 22, 2015 Saturday October 10, 2015 oss & Cromar 10am - 5pm 10am - 2pm Unfrequented Summits of Ben Wyvis, Mica Mines of Scatwell, by Contin Glas Leathad Beag Look at the geology of the quarries and learn how mica Ever wondered about the hills to the east of Ben Wyvis? was important during WWII with Highland Geological Well why not come along and explore them and get Society and the Ranger. t y E asT R grand views into the eastern corries of the Ben. Look Meet at the Luichart Power Station, Lower Scatwell out for the mountain inhabitants including hare, dotterel past Loch Achilty. Grid ref: NH 393571. Grade B. Adults and golden plover and learn some geology on the way. £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. 01349 868563 or [email protected]. Grid ref: NH 545689. Grade D. Adults £15.00, conc. os agus Cromba an E ar £7.50. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or [email protected]. November An t-Samhain Saturday November 07, 2015 Tuesday September 22, 2015 10am - 12noon 7.30pm - 10pm Salmon of the Blackwater, by Garve Out and about with the Bats, Dingwall Explore the Blackwater on this short walk with a chance Have you seen bats flying around your house or when to see salmon leap the falls and learn how hydro-electric out walking the dogs at night? Do you want to learn schemes have affected them. more about them? Come along for a talk and walk in Dingwall. Meet at the Silverbridge car park on the Ullapool Road. Grid ref: NH 402638. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Meet at Dingwall Community Centre, Tulloch Street, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or Dingwall. Grid ref: NH 550589. Grade A. Adults £4.00, [email protected]. conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or [email protected]. Wednesday November 18, 2015 1pm - 4pm Saturday October 03, 2015 Winter Birds of the Cromarty Firth, Dingwall 10am - 1pm Knockfarral Iron Age Hill Forts, Strathpeffer See the many birds that have migrated from the arctic lands of Iceland, , the Russian tundra and Come along and walk up to the largest hillfort in Ross- Greenland. Why do they come here? Come along and shire and learn about the Iron Age, other hill forts and find out. duns in the area as well as the process of vitrification. Was it used on purpose as a technique to strengthen Meet at Ferry Point car park, Dingwall. Grid ref: the fort walls or did it happen by chance? Excellent NH 561583. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, views as well. family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or [email protected]. Meet at the Old Victorian Railway Station in Strathpeffer. Grid ref: NH 485583. Grade B. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, Thursday November 26, 2015 family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or 10am - 1pm [email protected]. Winter Birds of the Cromarty Firth, Nigg Pop into the RSPB bird hide for a look at the winter visitors before heading along to Nigg Ferry to search for long-tail, eider, divers and other ducks. Meet at the RSPB Bird Hide car park. Grid ref: NH 807730. Grade A. Adults £4.00, conc. £3.00, family £11.00. Contact Martin on 01349 868563 or [email protected].

81 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 fi nd 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 hand gel 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 fi nished, fi ll in the pit and cover it with leaf mould and soil. Carry away your paper in a re-sealable 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 Scottish Outdoor Access Code when out walking with your dog.

Scotland’s Great Trails in Highland

…discover something different…

Great Glen Way 79 mi www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk/greatglenway

Great Glen Canoe Trail 60 mi www.greatglencanoetrail.info

West Highland Way 96 mi www.westhighlandway.com

Dava Way (Moray Way) 24 mi www.davaway.org.uk

Speyside Way 65 mi www.speysideway.org

www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk www.scotlandsgreattrails.org.uk

82 Seasonal Notes for the Scottish Countryside Notaichean Ràitheil airson Dùthaich na h-Alba Midges Between May and October midges can be an unwelcome guest on outdoor events. Check out www.midgeforecast.co.uk for details and always be prepared with repellents and adequate clothing. Ticks These small spider-like creatures live in long grass, the undergrowth and heather. They feed on mammals and have a painless bite, dropping off after a few days. It is important to recognise and remove ticks because some carry bacteria in their gut which cause infections like Lyme Disease. Hunting, lambing and nesting seasons The north of Scotland has rich and diverse wildlife, and an associated program to manage and protect it. Please follow any diversions or instructions you see when outdoors during one of these periods and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Nesting season February to August Lambing season March to May Grouse shooting August to December Deer stalking July - February Pheasant shooting October to February Fishing Contact permit issuer for information Wildfowl Shooting 1st September – 31 January Tidal areas 1 September – 20 February

RANGERS FOR HIRE

 Hire a Ranger for a private walk, event or activity  Enjoy a seasonal walk with a theme e.g. wildflowers, fungi  Take the family for an educational treat  A special birthday present for those who have everything  Say thank you to someone or a small group  An interactive adventure for the kids  Head off the beaten track and discover something different

We cover most areas in the Scottish Highlands. Book early to avoid disappointment!

For quotes and booking call 01463 255289 (office hours only)

Check out www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk for ideas on what you can do [email protected] Highland Council, Development and Infrastructure

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