Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey countryside events

| Inverness and Nairn | Badenoch and Strathspey |

Inverness and Nairn

Top Five Must Sees

Merkinch Nature Reserve Great place to see dolphins on the Moray Firth.
Culloden Avenue Enjoyable sculpture trail to follow along beautiful wooded avenue.
Ardersier Common Beautiful coastal and sheltered grassland walks with lots of wildlife.
Falls of Foyers Spectacular gorge and waterfall. Home to many red squirrels.
Beauly Priory Ancient building and lovely quiet picnic spot.

March

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April

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May

12 May 2012 Explore Glen Affric
- Come along and explore Glen Affric. A walk of up to 10km through this special part of the world. Bring lunch. Booking essential. More details given out on booking.
10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Corinne McCallum 01463 710786
26 May 2012 The Living World Beneath your Feet! Abriachan
- We walk on it, dig it up and need it to grow our food, but have you ever looked at soil closely? Join us on this fun look at the world beneath our feet at Abriachan. In partnership with Abriachan Forest Trust. Places are limited so booking is essential.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786

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June

10 June 2012 Shenachie Stroll - Moorland Walk
- Following the track up Ton na Slaite hill (426m) and down to the River Findhorn and ruined remains of Shenachie. A remote and breathtakingly beautiful walk. Places are limited so booking is essential.
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - John Orr 01463 710786

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July

03 July 2012 Kiltarlity Minibeast Hunt
- Come along and see what creepy crawlies you can find. Meet at the Play Park in Kiltarlity, near Inverness.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 512419, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Corinne McCallum 01463 710786
06 July 2012 Adventure In The Night Garden, Cannich
- If you know your Pontipines from your Haa Hoos, this is the event for you. Families with very young children will enjoy activities with all the Night Garden characters. Suitable for off road pushchairs. Meet at Cannich Village Hall.
Start any time between 2pm and 2.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 343315, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Corinne McCallum 01463 710786
10 July 2012 Den building at Farr, near Inverness
- Try your hand at building a shelter and learn the principles of staying warm and dry outdoors. Please phone to book a place and find out more information.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786
13 July 2012 Meet the Gruffalo at Ness Islands, Inverness
- Oh help oh no - it's the Gruffalo! Come along and see if you can find him. Aimed at families with younger children. Meet at the Ness Islands entry at Bught Drive, Inverness.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 661436, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786
15 July 2012 Dragon Walk, Nairn
- Do dragons really exist? There’s only one way to find out! Be brave and come and join in with the Dragon Walk. Suitable for children aged 4-10 years. Booking essential. Phone for more details and exact location.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - John Orr 01463 710786
17 July 2012 Live 'N' Deadly - DSI: Deadly Scene Investigation, Drumnadrochit
- There's been a wildlife crime at The Cover! Someone's been eaten but whodunnit? Can you deduce who ate who at the Deadly Scene Investigation. Based on CBBC's Live 'N' Deadly wildlife and adventure show. Meet at the Kilmore car park at The Cover, Drumnadrochit.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NH 515295, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Corinne McCallum 01463 710786
18 July 2012 Fastest, Furthest, Fittest at Beauly
- It's the Nature Olympics! Come along and find out who gets gold in the animal kingdom. Meet at the shinty pitch in Beauly.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 524463, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Corinne McCallum 01463 710786
19 July 2012 Here Be Dragons at Abriachan
- Do dragons really exist? There’s only one way to find out! Be brave and come and join in with the Dragon Walk. Suitable for children aged 4-10 years. Booking essential. Phone for more details and exact location.
1pm - 2pm and 3pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786
20 July 2012 Where the Wild Things Are, Inverness
- Who is the wildest of the Wild Things? An adventure for young children based on the beautiful book by Maurice Sendack. Meet at the Bught Park entrance to the Ness Islands.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 661435, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Corinne McCallum 01463 710786
24 July 2012 Meet the Gruffalo at Farr, near Inverness
- Oh help, oh no - it's the Gruffalo! Come along and see if you can find him. Aimed at families with younger children. Meet at School Wood, Farr, south of Inverness.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 685337, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786
25 July 2012 Adventure in the Night Garden, Ardersier Common
- Oh no! The Pontipine Children are lost. Join them on an adventure through the Night Garden meeting friends along the way. Suitable for off-road push chairs. Start from Ardersier Common car park between Ardersier and Fort George.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NH 776564, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - John Orr 01463 710786
27 July 2012 Culloden Tea & History Tour
- A guided tour of the old Culloden Estate, meeting some interesting characters along the way and finishing with tea at Culloden House. Booking essential. Phone for more details and exact location.
2pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £10, concessions £5]
Contact - John Orr 01463 710786

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August

01 August 2012 The Beach Olympics, Nairn
- It's an Olympic year so come and try your hand at some beach-based Olympics events like Shell Scramble, Beaky Bills Race and the Tidal Test. Fun environmental activities for all the family. Meet at the Beach Warden's Hut, Nairn Central Beach, Nairn.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 879572, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - John Orr 01463 710786
08 August 2012 The Beach Olympics, Nairn
- It's an Olympic year so come and try your hand at some beach-based Olympics events like Shell Scramble, Beaky Bills Race and the Tidal Test. Fun environmental activities for all the family. Meet at the Beach Warden's Hut, Nairn Central Beach, Nairn.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 879572, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - John Orr 01463 710786
09 August 2012 Woodland Olympics, Farr
- It's the Nature Olympics! Come along and find out who gets gold in the animal kingdom. Meet at the School Wood car park in Farr, south of Inverness.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NH 685337, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786
13 August 2012 Woodland Olympics, Abriachan
- It's the Nature Olympics! Come along and find out who gets gold in the animal kingdom. Meet at the Abriachan Forest car park in Abriachan, near Inverness.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NH 541354, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786
29 August 2012 Focus on Bats and Moths - a workshop at Banavie
- This workshop will provide you with the skills to spot and identify bats and moths that use the area around the Caledonian Canal. Please phone to book a place and to find out where to meet.
8.30pm - 10pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Free]
Contact - Stephen Wiseman 01463 725561
31 August 2012 Bat and Moth Night at Farr, near Inverness
- Come along and find out a bit more about creatures of the night - bats and moths! Meet at School Wood car park, Farr, near Inverness.
8pm - 10pm, Grid Ref - NH 685337, Grade A [Free]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786

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September

01 September 2012 Bushcraft at Abriachan
- Try your hand at making a shelter, building a fire or foraging for food with experts on hand to guide you. Exact location given out on booking.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786
05 September 2012 Focus on Bats and Moths - a workshop at Fort Augustus
- This workshop will provide you with the skills to spot and identify bats and moths that use the area around the Caledonian Canal. Please phone to book a place and to find out where to meet.
8.30pm - 10pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Free]
Contact - Stephen Wiseman 01463 725561
08 September 2012 Fungal Foray at Farr, near Inverness
- Fungi are all around us and we need them for all sorts of reasons. Come along and find out more about them. We'll be cooking up some of the edible ones we find. Exact location given out on booking.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Katy Martin 01463 710786
12 September 2012 Focus on Bats and Moths - a workshop at Inverness
- This workshop will provide you with the skills to spot and identify bats and moths that use the area around the Caledonian Canal. Please phone to book a place and to find out where to meet.
8.30pm - 10pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Free]
Contact - Stephen Wiseman 01463 725561
15 September 2012 Explore Glen Strathfarrar
- Come along and get to know beautiful Glen Strathfarrar, an incredibly beautiful part of the world. Booking essential. Bring lunch. Meeting place given out on booking.
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Corinne McCallum 01463 710786

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October

17 October 2012 Linger at Lochindorb
- Join the ranger for a walk along the shore of this remote and beautiful loch with its ancient castle and unusual wildlife. Exact location given out on booking.
11am - 1pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - John Orr 01463 710786

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November

17 November 2012 Explore the River Beauly
- Come along and get to know the River Beauly and its wildlife. A walk of roughly 5km. Bring lunch. Booking essential
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - Given out on Booking, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Corinne McCallum 01463 710786

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Badenoch and Strathspey

Top Five Must Sees

Ellan Wood Carrbridge. Excellent wood ant colonies.
Uath Lochans Beautiful pools and dragonflies in summer.
Roches moutonnées Glacially scraped rocks, creating dramatic scenery.
Loch Imrich A hidden woodland gem in the heart of Newtownmore.
Feshie Woods Picturesque pine woods on the banks of the River Feshie.

April

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May

06 May 2012 Pond Dipping
- Do you know what beasties lurk under the water at Milton Loch? Discover dragons, damsels and other weird, wonderful beasties with your local ranger. We'll be using pond nets to find whatever flips & flops in the pond. Bring wellies, waterproofs and a sense of adventure! Meet at Milton Loch Community Woodland car park, Boat of Garten
3pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NH 942195, Grade A & wheelchair accessible [Children £3]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
07 May 2012 Woodland Wander at Boat of Garten
- Come for a wander around the countryside around Boat of Garten with your local countryside ranger and discover the wildlife on your doorstep. Meet at the Boat of Garten post office.
3pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NH 942190, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
20 or 26 May 2012 Celebrating Nature Event, Aviemore
- Join us for our nature celebration, where there will be activities for all the family. More details available from the ranger nearer the time.
10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - See details in local press , Grade A [Free]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
27 May 2012 The Birds of Badenoch: Kingussie to Newtonmore
- Strathspey is a very important area for birds, from the wetlands of Insh Marshes to the high tops. We will take a walk from Kingussie to Newtonmore to look for birds in a range of habitats right on our doorstep. Joint event with RSPB. Meet at the War Memorial opposite Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.
7am - 11am, Grid Ref - NH 757006, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706

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June

16 June 2012 Kingussie Karnival
- A day of fun and games for all the family, including a hill race up Creag Beag for those feeling fit enough. Join the ranger and RSPB staff in their marquee to build shelters for insects and all manner of minibeasts. Come along to Ardvonie Park in Kingussie.
11am - 5pm, Grid Ref - NH 755006, Grade A [Free]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706
29 June 2012 Orchids Galore, Newtonmore
- A gentle stroll around a section of the Wildcat Trail in search of orchids and a wealth of other wildflowers, as well as some of the lore associated with them. Meet at the railway station car park, Newtonmore.
6pm - 9.30pm, Grid Ref - NN 715984, Grade A [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706

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July

11 July 2012 Dragon Walk, Grantown on Spey
- Do dragons really exist? There’s only one way to find out! Be brave and come and join the Dragon Trail in Anagach Woods, Grantown-on-Spey. Suitable for children aged 4-10 years. Booking essential. Phone for more details and exact location.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
29 July 2012 Top Dogs Day Out, Glenmore
- It’s back for the seventh year -agility course, displays, quizzes and all sorts of doggy craziness! Register your dog on the day (first come first served basis), or simply come and watch the fun. Joint event with the Forestry Commission Scotland. Meet at the Hay Field, Glenmore, near Aviemore.
12pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NH 980093, Grade A [£5 per dog registration fee.]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
31 July 2012 Survival Skills (1) - Shelter, Kincraig
- Join the ranger in a stunning location on the first of an exciting series of events looking at the key skills of survival. Today will focus on shelter building and how to stay snug in the woods. Limited spaces so booking is essential. Location given on booking.
9am - 1.30pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3, family £12]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706

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August

07 August 2012 Survival Skills (2) - Water, Kincraig
- Join the ranger in a stunning location on the second of an exciting series of events looking at the key skills of survival. Today will focus on water collecting, its importance and filtering. Limited spaces so booking is essential. Location given on booking.
9am - 1.30pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3, family £12]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706
08 August 2012 Where the Wild Things Are, Inschriach near Kingussie
- Who is the wildest of the Wild Things? An adventure for young children based on the beautiful book by Maurice Sendack. Meet at the main car park for Inschriach NNR, on minor road south from Feshiebridge.
1.30pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NH 853012, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706
10 August 2012 Winnie the Pooh, Carrbridge
- Fun and games with Winnie The Pooh and friends in Ellan Wood, Carrbridge. Meet at the main car park in Carrbridge and follow the arrows.
Start between 2.30pm & 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NH 904228, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
14 August 2012 Survival Skills (3) - Fire, Kincraig
- Join the ranger in a stunning location on the third of an exciting series of courses looking at the key skills of survival. Today will focus on fire - collecting material, safe procedures and techniques used in making a fire to keep us warm. Limited spaces so booking is essential. Location given on booking.
9am - 1.30pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3, family £12]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706
21 August 2012 Survival Skills (4) - Foraging, Kincraig
- Join the ranger in a stunning location on the fourth and final day of an exciting series of courses looking at the key skills of survival. Today will focus on food. Collecting food, preparing food and cooking food will all be covered. This will include preparing meat. Limited spaces so booking is essential. Location given on booking.
9am - 1.30pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3, family £12]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706

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September

01 September 2012 Wonderful Weird Wood Ants! Carrbridge
- How many wood ants can you find in Ellan Wood, Carrbridge? Bet you can't find them all!
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NH 908227, Grade A [Children £3]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
09 September 2012 A Mysterious Mushroom Meander, Inschriach NNR
- Life without fungi would not be easy for us and a bit pongy! Come along and find out more about these amazing organisms. We will even cook up some of the edible ones. Exact location given out on booking.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Duncan MacDonald 01479 873706
21 September 2012 Out with the Otters at Dawn, Strathspey
- Creep about in the early hours looking for these beautiful elusive creatures... no guarantee we’ll see any but it’ll be fun trying! Meeting place to be given on booking.
7am - 9am, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
28 September 2012 Out with the Otters at Dawn, Strathspey
- Creep about in the early hours looking for these beautiful elusive creatures... no guarantee we’ll see any but it’ll be fun trying! Meeting place to be given on booking.
7am - 9am, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914

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October

10 October 2012 Monarchs of the Glen, Laggan
- The red deer rut is one of Scotland's finest wildlife spectacles, with the glens echoing to the roaring of stags. We will look for other wildlife too. Exact location given out on booking.
4.30pm - 7pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706
12 October 2012 Monarchs of the Glen, Laggan
- The red deer rut is one of Scotland's finest wildlife spectacles, with the glens echoing to the roaring of stags. We will look for other wildlife too. Exact location given out on booking.
4.30pm - 7pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706

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December

December Christmas Arts & Crafts Winter Lights Switch-on, Grantown
- Try your hand at making your own natural Christmas decorations as the town is lit up with festive lights. Look for details in the local press nearer the time.
6.30pm - 8pm, Grid Ref - NJ 034280, Grade A [£3 per person]
Contact - Saranne Bish 01479 873914
21 December 2012 Winter Solstice, Kincraig
- Our ancestors celebrated the passing of the sun, so come along and relive the past at an ancient ring cairn with stunning views. Hot drinks will be provided. Exact location given out on booking.
2.30pm - 4.30pm, Grid Ref - Given out on booking, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Duncan Macdonald 01479 873706

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Photo information

Inverness & Nairn
Photo 1: © Chris Wimbush
Photo 2 and 3: © Highland Council Rangers
Photo 4: © Anne Burgess
Photo 5: © Chris Downer

Badenoch & Strathspey
Photo 1: © Mick Garratt
Photo 2: © Ronnie Leask
Photo 3: © Sarah Charlesworth
Photo 4: © Gordon Hatton
Photo 5: © Richard Webb

With the exception of Highland Council Ranger Service photos, all other images are licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons License.