Events 2010

WALKS IN THE GEOPARK

All the walks are led by one of the The Highland Countryside Rangers or the Geopark Geo-Ranger. It is important though that you think of your own safety and that of any children for whom you are responsible. Remember too that these are country walks in the Highland weather so please dress accordingly. Bring sturdy shoes, or boots, a picnic and a sense of fun. The Rangers reserve the right to cancel any of these events.

Walk Grades: A is easiest, D most challenging, including very rough ground and sometimes steep climbs.Sorry these walks are not suitable for dogs. Costs vary per walk but concessions available.

APRIL

Tues 27th April

"Loch A’Mhuilinn National Nature Reserve" near Scourie, Eddrachilles

10am – 1pm

Ancient oak woodland with birch and hazel, loch side and moorland - by the coast. A rich mix of habitat. Walking on rough ground and by track. Meet at reserve car park 3 miles south of Scourie, NC 171 401, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

MAY

Tuesday 4th May,

"The Secrets of Glen Leireag," Assynt

11am-3pm

Explore the lost township and discover the secrets of this magical woodland glen including freshwater pearl mussels, dippers and maybe golden eagles. Meet at Nedd bridge 3km east of Drumbeg. NC148 315. Grade B. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Ceannabienne Hill [383m]" Durness

10am-2pm

Hill walk over rough ground. Fine views in all directions, moorland flowers and birds. Meet at Ceannabienne beach car park 4miles east of Durness, NC444 654, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 6th May

"Achmelvich Coastal Walk," Assynt

11am-3pm

Delightful walk to the old meal mill at Altanabradhan through croftland and machair bursting with wildflowers. Watch out for dolphins too. Meet Achmelvich beach car park. NC058 248, Grade B/C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Scourie Bay Coastal Walk," Eddrachilles.

10am -1pm

North shore. Superb views, wild flowers, geology, seabirds. Meet at Pier car park, NC155448, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 11th May

"Clachtoll Coastal walk," Assynt

11am-2pm

Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village. We hope to see many coastal birds as well as redshanks, curlews and peewits settling down to their breeding grounds. Meet Clachtoll beach car park. NC040 273, Grade B. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

"Ben Arnaboll [230m]," North Coast

10am-3pm

Hill walk with fine views over Loch Hope and Loch Eriboll. Geology of the Moine, moorland wildlife and a bit of recent history. Meet at gate by roadside [A838] west of Hope bridge., NC467 597, Grade D. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 13th May

"The Old Man of Stoer," Assynt

11am-4pm

Cliff top walk to the point of Stoer. Learn about the seabirds and hopefully watch the great skuas, peregrines and maybe even dolphins. We will get close views of the Old Man of Stoer. Meet Stoer lighthouse, NC005 328, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Dykes & Garnets," Scourie Coast, Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Geological dykes and garnets, views, signs of otters, seabirds. Meet at Scourie Beach Bird Hide, NC152446, Grade C., Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 18th May

"Achmelvich Coastal walk," Assynt

11am-3pm

This is Biodiversity week so join us on this delightful walk through croftland and machair bursting with wildflowers and watch out for dolphins too. Meet Achmelvich beach car park, NC058 248, Grade B/C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 20th May

"The Limestone valley of the Traligill," Assynt

11am-3pm

This is Biodiversity week so why not join us as we explore the ancient limestone scenery in search of flowers: globe flowers, mountain avens, orchids and many more. Meet at Inchnadamph car park, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Tuesday 25th May

"The Bone Caves," Assynt

11am-2pm

A fascinating walk to the caves where bones of reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered- one of the gems in the North West Highlands Geopark. Meet Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph, NC254 179, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

"Ben Hutig [408m]", North Coast

10am-3pm

Stunning views, chance of golden eagle, ravens, mountain hare, moorland plants, returning along the top of Ben Hutig. Meet at The Craggan Hotel in Melness, NC588632, Grade D. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 27th May

"Where the Meteorite Crashed in Assynt"

11am-3pm

Join us as we visit Europe’s largest ever meteorite strike. Learn about the ancient landscape it struck over one billion years ago, that makes up part of the North West Highlands Geopark. Amazing views and stunning wildlife. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park, NC040 273, Grade B/C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Friday 28th May

"Dykes & Garnets," Scourie Coast, Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Geological dykes and garnets, views, signs of otters, seabirds. Meet at Scourie Beach Bird Hide, NC152446, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

JUNE

Tuesday 1st June

Achmelvich Coastal walk, Assynt

11am-3pm

"Talmine Treasures," North Coast

10am-1pm

Masses of beautiful plants including lesser butterfly orchids. Interesting geology and sea life on route to Port Vasgo. Meet at Talmine Pier; please do not block pier access. NC588632, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Thursday 3rd June

"Quinag," Assynt

10am-5pm

Explore this fantastic Assynt mountain (808m). Look for Mountain Azalea, Mountain Hares and Ptarmigan. If the weather is not good we will do a shorter low level walk. Meet at the car park 3km north of Skiag Bridge, NC232 740, Grade D. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Scourie Cliffs," Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Fine scenery, sea caves & cliffs, wild flowers, seabirds. Not suitable for young children. Meet at Free church car park, NC152434, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Monday 7th June

"Do the Puffin walk – Faraid head," Durness

2-4pm

2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, NC392687, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 8th June

Wildflowers at Achmelvich, Assynt

11am-3pm

Stunning coastal walk looking for fragrant orchids, carnivorous plants, adders tongue fern and many more. Meet Achmelvich beach car park, NC058 248, Grade B/C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Watch Hill" North Coast

10am-2pm

Superb views over the Kyle of Tongue and beyond from Cnoc an Fhreiceadeain (307m). Vehicle needed for return. Meet at A836 car park above Coldbackie Beach near Tongue, NC612691, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 10th June

"Clachtoll Coastal walk," Assynt

11am-2pm

Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village past an Iron-age fort. Hear the story of skeletons, ancient saunas and the "murder hole". Meet Clachtoll beach car park, NC040 273, Grade B. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

"Scourie Bay Coastal Walk," Eddrachilles.

10am -1pm

North shore. Superb views, wild flowers, geology, seabirds. Meet at Pier car park, NC155448, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Monday 14th June

"Do the Puffin Walk – Faraid Head," Durness

2-4pm

2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, NC392687, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 15th June

"Bats and Moth Evening at Lochinver," Assynt

9pm-11pm

Slide show at the Visitor Centre followed by a walk to look for bats and visit some moth traps. Meet at the Assynt Visitor centre, Lochinver, NC094 225, Grade A. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

"Kyle of Durness"

10am-2pm

Circular coastal walk with amazing wild flowers, beautiful scenery, beaches, otter signs. Meet at Durness golf course car park, NC392688, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 17th June

"Bone Caves to the Traligill Basin," Assynt

11am-5pm

A fascinating walk linking two cave systems within the limestone area of Inchnadamph. Look out for eagles, golden plover and ring ouzel. Meet at Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph, NC254 179, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Dykes & Garnets," Scourie Coast, Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Geological dykes and garnets, views, signs of otters, seabirds. Meet at Scourie Beach Bird Hide, NC152446, Grade C., Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Monday 21st June,

"Do the Puffin Walk – Faraid Head," Durness

2-4pm

2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, NC392687, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 22nd June,

"Drumbeg Peat Road," Assynt

11am-3pm

Journey to the interior of Assynt rich in wildlife and history and dangerous stories. Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park, NC120 330, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Talmine Treasures," North Coast

10am-1pm

Thursday 24th June,

"The Bone Caves," Assynt

11am-2pm

A fascinating walk to the caves where bones of reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph, NC254 179, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

"Scourie Cliffs," Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Fine scenery, sea caves & cliffs, wild flowers, seabirds. Not suitable for young children. Meet at Free church car park, NC152434, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Monday 28th June,

"Do the Puffin Walk – Faraid Head," Durness

2-4pm

2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, NC392687, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 29th June,

"Loch Glencoul," Assynt

10am-5pm

Explore the unknown south shore Loch Glencoul: place of otters, golden eagles and magnificent waterfalls. Meet B869 road end near Newton, NC232 314, Grade D. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Rhiconich," Eddrachilles

10am-3pm

Hill walk by loch, river and moorland. Beautiful scenery, moorland wildlife and amazing geology in the foothills of Foinaven. Meet at Rhiconich hotel car park, NC255524, Grade D. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

JULY

Thursday 1st July,

"River Inver to Glencanisp," Assynt

11am-3pm

A varied walk along riverside woodland via the old Clearance Village of Dubh Clais returning along the loch shore. We will be looking out for Black-throated divers.Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver, NC094 225, Grade B. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Scourie Bay Coastal Walk," Eddrachilles.

10am -1pm

North shore. Superb views, wild flowers, geology, seabirds. Meet at Pier car park, NC155448, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 6th July,

"Where the Meteorite Crashed in Assynt"

11am-3pm

Join us as we visit Europe’s largest ever meteorite strike. Learn about the ancient landscape it struck over one billion years ago. Amazing views and stunning wildlife. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park, NC040 273, Grade B/C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Wednesday 7th July

"The Secrets of Glen Leireag," Assynt

11am-3pm

Thursday 8th July

"Glas Bheinn," Assynt

10am-5pm

A walk to the top of one of Assynt's less-visited mountains Glas Bheinn – the Green Mountain (776m), with some wonderful views. If the weather is not good we will do a shorter low level walk. Meet Inchnadamph car park, NC251 216, Grade D. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Monday 12th July

"Do the Puffin Walk – Faraid Head," Durness

2-4pm

2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, NC392687, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 13th July

"Rockpools at Achmelvich," Assynt

3pm-4pm

There is more to rockpooling than a load of old crabs stuffed in a bucket. You just need to look at things a little differently. Meet at Achmelvich beach car park, NC058 248. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

"Talmine Treasures," North Coast

10am-1pm

Thursday 15th July

"Dykes & Garnets," Scourie Coast, Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Geological dykes and garnets, views, signs of otters, seabirds. Meet at Scourie Beach Bird Hide, NC152446, Grade C., Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Monday 19th July

"Do the Puffin Walk – Faraid Head," Durness

2-4pm

2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, NC392687, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 20th July

"Watch Hill" North Coast

10am-2pm

Thursday 22nd July

"Scourie Cliffs," Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Fine scenery, sea caves & cliffs, wild flowers, seabirds. Not suitable for young children. Meet at Free church car park, NC152434, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Monday 26th July

"Do the Puffin Walk – Faraid Head," Durness

2-4pm

2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, NC392687, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 27th July

"Oldshoremore" by Kinlochbervie, Eddrachilles.

10am-12:30pm

Walk across the machair - masses of wild flowers, fine views, return along the beach. Meet at beach car park, NC203584, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Thursday 29th July

"Scourie Bay Coastal Walk," Eddrachilles.

10am -1pm

North shore. Superb views, wild flowers, geology, seabirds. Meet at Pier car park, NC155448, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

AUGUST

Monday 2nd August,

"Do the Puffin Walk – Faraid Head," Durness

2-4pm

2hr walk to view a small colony of Puffins; across a beautiful beach, returning through the dunes. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, NC392687, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 3rd August,

"Clachtoll Coastal Walk," Assynt

11am-2pm

Wednesday 4th August,

"Dragonflies up Close," Lochinver, Assynt

11am-2pm

Meet these colourful killing machines up close and find out about their underwater and airborne existence. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver. NC094 225, Grade B. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Thursday 5th August,

"Drumbeg Peat Road," Assynt

11am-3pm

Journey to the interior of Assynt rich in wildlife and history and dangerous stories. Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park, NC120 330, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Dykes & Garnets," Scourie Coast, Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Geological dykes and garnets, views, signs of otters, seabirds. Meet at Scourie Beach Bird Hide, NC152446, Grade C., Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 10th August,

"Rockpools at Clachtoll," Assynt

2pm-3pm

There is more to rockpooling than a load of old crabs stuffed in a bucket. You just need to look at things a little differently. Meet at Clachtoll beach car park, NC040 273. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Wednesday 11th August,

"Whale and Dolphin watching at Stoer Lighthouse",

6pm-9pm

A slide show at Stoer hall followed by a visit to the cliffs to watch for passing cetaceans. This event is part of the National Whale and Dolphin Watching Week. If the weather is bad this event maybe re-scheduled. Meet at Stoer Hall, NC041 297. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Thursday 12th August,

"Elphin to Lochinver," Assynt

9am-6pm

Long distance walk (19km) through fabulous country on rough path. We will get post bus to start of the walk at Elphin. Meet at the Lochinver post Office, NC094 227, Grade D. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Scourie Cliffs," Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Fine scenery, sea caves & cliffs, wild flowers, seabirds. Not suitable for young children. Meet at Free church car park, NC152434, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 17th August,

"The Limestone valley of the Traligill," Assynt

11am-3pm

A fascinating walk through ancient limestone scenery, past secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and dry river beds. Meet at Inchnadamph car park, NC251 216, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Kylestrome & Glendubh," (By Kylesku), Eddrachilles

10am-3pm

Hill and coastal walk with spectacular views, chance of seeing ravens, red deer, seals, divers, moorland flowers. Walking on rough tracks and heath. Meet at Reay Forest estate car park [Kylestrome, NC218346, Grade D. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 19th August,

"Achmelvich Coastal walk," Assynt

11am-3pm

Delightful walk to the old meal mill at Altanabradhan along the cliff top, through croftland and machair. Watch out for dolphins too. Meet Achmelvich beach car park, NC058 248, Grade B/C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Scourie Bay Coastal Walk," Eddrachilles

10am -1pm

North shore. Superb views, wild flowers, geology, seabirds. Meet at Pier car park, NC155448, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 24th August,

"Bat evening," Lochinver

7.30pm-9.30pm

Slide show at the Visitor Centre followed by a visit to the local pipistrelle roost to watch up to 100 bats leave their roost. Bring midge protection. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, NC094 225. Cost £3 Adult £2 child.

"Wheelhouse, By Laid," Loch Eriboll, North Coast

10am-1pm

. Hill walk to ancient 2,000yr old dry stone dwelling. Rough remote moorland walk – fine views. Meet at old roadside quarry 7 miles east of Durness on A838, NC423464, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult £2 child.

Thursday 26th August,

"Otters at Culkein"

11am-2pm

We will start with a short slide show about otters followed by a walk at Culkein and along the cliff top to look for signs of these common animals around our shores. Meet at Stoer Hall, 7 miles north of Lochinver, NC041 297, Grade B. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

"Dykes & Garnets," Scourie Coast, Eddrachilles

10am-12:30pm

Geological dykes and garnets, views, signs of otters, seabirds. Meet at Scourie Beach Bird Hide, NC152446, Grade C., Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 31st August,

"Clachtoll Coastal walk," Assynt

11am-2pm

September

Thursday 2nd September,

"The Limestone valley of the Traligill," Assynt

11am-3pm

A fascinating walk through ancient limestone scenery, past secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and dry river beds. Meet at Inchnadamph car park, NC251 216, Grade C. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Tuesday 7th September

"The Bone Caves," Assynt

11am-2pm

A fascinating walk to the caves where bones of reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph, NC254 179, Grade C. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

"Rhiconich," Eddrachilles

10am-3pm

Thursday 9th September,

"Achmelvich Coastal walk," Assynt

11am-3pm

Tuesday 14th September

"Drumbeg Peat Road," Assynt

11am-3pm

Journey to the interior of Assynt rich in wildlife and history and dangerous stories. Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park, NC120 330, Grade B. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 16th September,

"Fungi at Culag woods," Assynt

11am-2pm

Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the different characters and learn their secrets in one of the best woods in Sutherland. Meet Culag Wood car park, 500m south of Lochinver Primary, NC093 213, Grade A. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

Tuesday 21st September

"River Inver to Glencanisp," Assynt

11am-3pm

A varied walk along riverside woodland via the old Clearance Village of Dubh Clais returning along the loch shore. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver, NC094 225, Grade B. Cost £5 Adult/£3 child.

Thursday 23rd September,

"Where the Meteorite Crashed in Assynt"

11am-3pm

Tuesday 28th September

"The Secrets of Glen Leireag," Assynt

11am-3pm

Thursday 30th September,

"Bird Ringing demonstration at Clachtoll," Assynt

11am-2pm

Learn about the ongoing research project for Twite with the Highland Ringing group. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park, NC040 273, Grade A. Cost £3 Adult/£2 child.

For further details contact:

Assynt Ranger 01571 844654,

NW Sutherland Ranger 01971 511756,

Wester Ross Ranger 01854 613904,

Geopark Geo-Ranger 01571 844 000

MUSIC

There is a strong musical tradition in the Geopark. Look out for posters in local shops, post offices, community centres and adverts in the local paper advertising ceilidhs, concerts and dances in village halls throughout the year. In addition to local talent, many bands tour in the area as do theatre groups and comedy acts. Achiltibuie is home a Piping School – get in touch for lessons!