Caithness countryside events

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East Caithness

Top Five Must Sees

Dunbeath Strath Lovely walk with wide variety of wildlife, woodland and archaeology.
Sinclair's Bay Beautiful stretch of sandy beach and dune system.
South Wick Coast Dramatic coastal scenery with geos, stacks and natural arch.
Sarclet Haven/Corbigoe Cliffs Old herring fishing station and natural brig at Corbigoe.
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Spectacular ruins, interpretation panels and breathtaking views.

April

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May

06 May 2012 Eagle's Rock
- A hill walk to the crash site of the Duke of Kent's plane in 1942, almost 60 years ago, at Eagle's Rock. Enjoy the wildlife along the way. Please wear walking boots/waterproof clothing. Bring packed lunch. Meet end of Borgue track.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 125270, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
20 May 2012 Duncansby to Skirza
- Beautiful cliff top walk from Stacks of Duncansby to Skirza. Amazing seabird colonies & dramatic coastal scenery. Walking boots/waterproofs essential. Bring lunch. Meet at Duncansby Lighthouse car park. Booking recommended.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 405735, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
21 May 2012 Puffin Skies & Pies
- Enjoy an illustrated slide show on 'Caithness Seabirds' with some coffee/tea & home baking before taking a short walk to view a puffin colony. Booking essential. Meet at the Laidhay Croft Museum car park.
7.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 169292, Grade A [Adults £6, concessions £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256

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June

02 June 2012 Flower Power
- Come and learn about plants and their uses on a walk from the old castle of Wick to the Sarclet. Wear proper walking gear and bring lunch. Meet at car park for Old Castle Of Wick. Approx. 10km. Drivers will be brought back to the start.
10.30am, Grid Ref - ND 374492, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
03 June 2012 Thrumster through Time
- Enjoy a leisurely walk through time at Thrumster Estate by discovering buildings from the past. Take in the beautiful surroundings and wildlife. Enjoy a cup of tea at the end of the walk at Thrumster House. Meet at the Thrumster Railway Station building. Suitable for family groups.
2pm, Grid Ref - ND 338452, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
10 June 2012 Bumblebee Buzz!
- Join the ranger and Bob Dawson from Bumblebee Conservation Trust on a walk up the Wick River. Learn how to identify our bumblebee friends & discover interesting facts about these amazing creatures. Wear stout footwear. Meet at the Wick River car park, boating shed end.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - ND 362510, Grade A [Free]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
17 June 2012 Lybster to Forse
- A cliff top walk with castles, herring stations & wildlife. Bring packed lunch & walking boots. Meet at Lybster Harbour. Booking recommended.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 244349, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
27 June 2012 Wick Coast Treasures
- A breathtaking walk out to the Brough with natural sea arches, caves & geos. Abundant bird life, possibly puffins. Please wear boots as this is a cliff top walk. Unsuitable for young children. Meet at the Castle of Old Wick car park.
7pm - 9pm, Grid Ref - ND 369490, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256

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July

02 July 2012 Meet the Gruffalo
- Children's event most suitable for under 8's. Join the story & meet the fabulous creatures who live in Thrumster Woods. Meet at Thrumster House car park.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 332452, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
06 July 2012 What a nest!
- Come and help build the world's biggest nest. Meet at Newtonhill Woodland car park.
2pm, Grid Ref - ND 341496, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
09 July 2012 In the Night Garden
- Pre-school aged children's event. Igglepiggle has lost his blanket! Can you help him find it? Join us for an adventure around the Night Garden. Meet at boating shed, Wick River.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 362511, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
15 July 2012 Ring that Bell
- Ever wondered what that Bell Tower in Latheron is all about? Come and find out on a walk from Latheron to Achavanich stone circle. Wear proper walking gear and bring lunch. Meet at Latheron Hall. Approx. 10km. Drivers brought back to start.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 199335, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
16 July 2012 Peppa Pig Puzzle
- Children's event most suitable for under 8's. Gather clues to solve the puzzle of Peppa Pig! Bring small bucket/bag to collect pieces of the puzzle. Meet at the new Newtonhill Community Woodland. Booking required.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 345497, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256
22 July 2012 Dunbeath Dwellers
- An afternoon of seashore activities for the whole family at Dunbeath salmon bothy and shore. Fiddle music, story telling, rockpools, crafts, marine display, scavenger hunt and face painting. Meet at the salmon bothy, Dunbeath shore. Booking recommended.
2pm, Grid Ref - ND 158295, Grade A [Free]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256
23 July 2012 Peek in the Pond
- A 'Pond Life' family event at the New Newtonhill Woodland. Including pond dipping, a nature walk & make your own dragonfly! Meet at the Newtonhill Woodland car park.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 345497, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256

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August

12 August 2012 Rise and Shine!
- Let's see the world come to life on this early walk from Latheronwheel Harbour to the Guidebest stone circle. Bring breakfast and wear proper outdoor clothing. Meet at Latheronwheel Harbour.
5.30am, Grid Ref - ND 191321, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2, family £5]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
31 August 2012 Batty about Bats!
- Enjoy roasted mashmallows and hot chocolate over a short talk about our fabulous midge munchers. Use the bat detectors to find them in the nearby woods and harbour. Please bring torch/stout footwear. Event is weather dependant to best to phone beforehand. Meet at Latheronwheel Harbour car park.
8.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 191321, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2, family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256

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September

02 September 2012 Fossil Foray
- A fossil hunt at Achanarras Quarry. Don't worry if you don't find one, we'll be making/decorating your very own plaster of Paris fossil! Booking required. Meet at Achanarras Quarry car park.
11am - 1pm, Grid Ref - ND 143535, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2, family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256
03 September 2012 Burials, Brochs & Bogs!
- Discover a landscape spanning thousands of years by walking the Yarrows Trail, looking out for wildlife along the way. Walking boots/gear essential. Bring lunch. Meet at South Yarrows car park.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 306434, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2, family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
16 September 2012 Beachwatch
- Take part in the national survey and beach clean-up in your local area. Meet at North Baths, Wick.
To be announced (on tide), Grid Ref - ND 369510, Grade B [Free]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256

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October

14th October 2012 Forgotten Village of Badryrie
- Circular hill walk taking in the Achavanich Standing Stones & the ruins of Badryrie. Meet at Loch Stemster road end car park. Bring lunch/walking boots.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 186422, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256
28 October 2012 Ghost Town Ramble
- Before Halloween (and thus hopefully still safe!), come and walk past two ghost towns and an ancient broch. Bring lunch and wear proper walking gear. Meet at the Ord of Caithness car park. Drivers will be brought back to start. Approx. 9km.
10.30am, Grid Ref - ND 057180, Grade D [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123

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November

04 November 2012 Stars and sounds
- Come for a short walk up Dunbeath Strath and sit down to gaze at the stars and listen to the sounds around you. Bring warm clothing, a sleeping bag to crawl into and a flask with hot drink to keep warm. A torch might come in handy as well. Meet at Dunbeath Mill car park.
3.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 159299, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
24 November 2012 Corbigoe Pups
- A cliff top walk out to Ires Geo to view the beautiful coastal scenery & hopefully some grey seal pups. Please wear walking boots/warm clothing. Bring snack. Meet at Sarclet Haven car park.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 340434, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Marina Swanson 01955 607758 or 07818 588256

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North Caithness

Top Five Must Sees

Duncansby Head Iconic sea stacks and great views of the Orkney Islands.
St John's Pool, Dunnet Wonderful free public bird-watching facility in Caithness.
Dunnet Bay Long sandy bay, dunes, surf and free wildlife exhibition.
Holborn Head Dramatic sea cliffs, including ruins of a promontory fort.
Achvarasdal Wood Naturalised Caithness woodland with public footpaths.

April

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May

13 May 2012 Around the Head
- Let's walk around Dunnet Head and see the cliffs come alive with incoming seabirds. Meet at Dunnet at the Britannica Hall. Wear proper outdoor gear and bring lunch. Approx 15 km.
10.30am, Grid Ref - ND 222712, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
19 May 2012 The Giant's Leap
- Follow in the footsteps of the giant of Ben Dorrery, and find the footprint he left at Brawblin Forest. Wear proper walking gear. Bring lunch. Meet at Dorrery (end of road). Approx. 8km.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 074551, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
22 May 2012 Dunes, Beach and Forest Walk
- Join the ranger and discover why the dunes at Dunnet are special. Also enjoy discovering the beach and Dunnet Forest looking at the varied wildlife as we go. Meet at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay.
2pm, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
22 May 2012 Holborn Head Seawatch
- Use the ranger's telescope and bring your binoculars to help search for and learn about our local whales, dolphins and porpoise from this Thurso headland. Meet at bottom of track to Scrabster Lighthouse (do not drive to lighthouse).
6pm, Grid Ref - ND 106707, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
25 May 2012 Cetacean Stranding Presentation
- Come to the Seadrift Centre in Dunnet Bay and enjoy a digital presentation by the Scottish Agricultural College about cetacean (whales, dolphins, porpoise) stranding. Learn about how and why they are recovered and studied to help in the conservation of these magnificent marine mammals.
7pm, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
27 May 2012 Ship Ahoy
- Your only chance to sail from the mainland directly to the Orkney Island of Hoy on the Pentland Venture ferry. Walk out to the famous 'Old Man Of Hoy' sea stack or explore Rackwick Bay. Walking gear and packed lunch needed. Great views of sea birds and possibly whales or dolphins on ferry trip. Payment required one week before sailing. Booking essential.
10.15am - 6pm, Grid Ref - ND 379735, Grade C [£40pp approximately for ferry and buses]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884

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June

09 June 2012 Bumblebee Safari
- Help catch and identify some of our local bumblebee species with help from Bob Dawson of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, and also the local ranger. We should hopefully see plenty of bees on the flowers found around Dunnet Bay. Meet at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay.
3pm, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
16 June 2012 Shore Survival
- Enjoy learning how to survive using technology from thousands of years ago, including shelter building, food gathering and fire starting. Would you survive in our shore camp? Meet at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay. All kids must be supervised. Booking recommended.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade B [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
21 June 2012 Midsummer Night's Gleam (with a twist)
- Following from last year's success we'll go and watch the puffins again. Oh, and see if you can find Elvis! Meet at Caithness/Sutherland border sign on A836. Wear proper outdoor clothing.
8pm, Grid Ref - NC 921645, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2, family £5]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
29 June 2012 Puffin Watch
- Join the local ranger and walk out to see the largest puffin colony in the area. Hopefully we will witness hundreds of puffins and you can learn about their life cycle and habits. Telescope provided but bring your binoculars and cameras. Some rough walking required. Meet at the Sutherland/Caithness boundary sign on the A836 north road. Booking recommended.
6pm, Grid Ref - NC 921645, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
30 June 2012 Midsummer Night's Cream
- The fairies have lost their cream, just when they need it to celebrate midsummer! Come and help them find it back in the forest of Achvarasdal. A late night adventure for the kids. Meet at the car park at Achvarasdal Woodland.
8pm, Grid Ref - ND 982649, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123

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July

03 July 2012 Meet the Gruffalo
- Children's event most suitable for under 8's. Join the story & meet the fabulous creatures who live in Dunnet Woods. Due to high numbers last year, this event must be booked in advance. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 221698, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256
05 July 2012 Basking Shark Model
- Help the local ranger start to build a large scale model of a basking shark using papier mache and also help paint it, ready to hang it in the wildlife display at the Seadrift Centre. All materials provided but numbers limited so booking recommended. All kids must be supervised. Meet at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
08 July 2012 Dunnet's Dragons & Damsels
- Come to Dunnet Forest with the ranger and Highland Dragonfly expert Jonathan Willet to discover all about the fascinating dragonflies and damselflies of this area, one of the best sites in Caithness for dragonfly watching. Please bring packed lunch and stout footwear/outdoor clothing. Meet at Seadrift Centre, Dunnet. Booking required.
10.30am - 4pm, Grid Ref - ND 219705, Grade A [Free]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256
10 July 2012 In the Night Garden
- Pre-school aged children's event. Igglepiggle has lost his blanket! Can you help him find it? Join us for an adventure around the Night Garden. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park. Booking recommended.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 221698, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256
12 July 2012 Basking Shark Model
- Help the ranger finish the large scale basking shark model started previously and hopefully see it get hung up in the Seadrift Centre wildlife display. Material provided but limited numbers. Booking recommended. Meet at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
17 July 2012 Peppa Pig Puzzle
- Children's event most suitable for under 8's. Gather clues to solve the puzzle of Peppa Pig! Bring small bucket/bag to collect pieces of the puzzle. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park. Booking required.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 221698, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256
19 July 2012 Find Your Way
- Come along to Duncansby Head and join the rangers to learn about the very basics of using a map and compass. Learn how to use bearings and keep yourself right in the great outdoors. Materials provided but feel free to bring your own as well. Meet at Duncansby Head Lighthouse car park.
2pm, Grid Ref - ND 405734, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
27 July 2012 Dwarick Head
- Guided walk out over Dwarick Head at Dunnet Bay passing the beautiful Peedie Sands and on to Chapel Geo. Lots of plants, birds and great views over the bay and beyond. Meet at Dwarick Pier, West Dunnet.
2pm, Grid Ref - ND 207713, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884

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August

01 August 2012 Meet the Grudgalo
- No it's not a spelling mistake! The Grudgalo is a creature that grunts and growls and is very badly tempered indeed. If you want to know why, come and find out at Dunnet Forest. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park. Oh, and bring something that makes you happy...
2pm, Grid Ref - ND 221698, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
02 August 2012 There Be Dragons
- Do dragons exist in Dunnet Forest? Are you brave enough to search for the clues to find out where they may be nesting? Join us as we look for evidence. Expect the odd scare or two. Children must be accompanied. Not suitable for very young kids. Meet at Seadrift Centre car park. Booking essential.
1pm, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade B [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
06 August 2012 Thurso Rock Pools
- See what amazing creatures can be found in the rockpools at Thurso Bay. Use our nets or bring your own to catch and identify the species to be found. Great fun for all the family. Meet at parking area by Thurso River mouth (east side) by CLB. Children must be accompanied.
3pm, Grid Ref - ND 122688, Grade B [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
09 August 2012 Shore Survival
- Enjoy learning how to survive using technology from thousands of years ago, including shelter building, food gathering and fire starting. Would you survive in our shore camp? Meet at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay. All kids must be supervised. Booking recommended.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade B [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
11 August 2012 Stars of Dunnet Sands
- Fun for all the family. Help the rangers build as many different sand sculptures of starfish as we can on Dunnet Beach. Use your imagination to come up with the designs and decorations. We hope to get a fantastic photo of the beach covered in beautiful starfish at the end. Kids must be accompanied. Meet at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade B [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
23 August 2012 Holborn Head Seawatch
- Use the ranger's telescope and bring your binoculars to help search for and learn about our local whales, dolphins and porpoise from this Thurso headland. Meet at bottom of track to Scrabster Lighthouse (do not drive to lighthouse).
2pm, Grid Ref - ND 106707, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
24 August 2012 North Coast Splashes
- Enjoy a digital presentation all about the whales, dolphins and porpoises to be seen in our local waters. Learn tips on best locations and best techniques to help you spot them for yourselves. Meet at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay.
6.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 219706, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884

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September

07 September 2012 Castlehill Bat Walk
- Use our bat detectors to help search for and learn about the local bats around Castlehill. Event is very weather dependent so ring to check if unsure. Wrap up warm and bring a torch. Children must be accompanied. Meet at beach car park at south end of Dunnet Bay.
8.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 202682, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
09 September 2012 Achvarasdal Bat Walk
- Join the ranger in Achvarasdal Woods (Reay) looking for the local bat population using bat detectors. Learn about their life cycle and help in their conservation. Bring a torch and wrap up well. Children must be accompanied. Meet at Achvarasdal Woods entrance (not by the gate house).
8.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 982649, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
14 September 2012 Tadadadadadadadaaa BATMAAAN!
- Come and see our little superheroes with their supersenses take on the villain midges. Meet at Achvarasdal Woodland and bring a torch (and plenty of garlic).
8.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 982649, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2, family £5]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123

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October

07 October 2012 Oh deer!
- Lovely walk at Shurrery, with a good chance of spotting or hearing rutting deer (no guarantees!). Meet at the last lay-by on the road from Loch Calder to Broubster (just before T junction near Shurrery). Bring lunch and wear proper outdoor clothing. Approx. 16km
10.30am, Grid Ref - ND 044584, Grade D [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
19 October 2012 Eerie Noises in the Forest
- With Halloween coming up, come and listen to the creepiest sounds of nature you have ever heard. A fun event for brave kids. Meet at Achvarasdal Woodland car park.
4pm, Grid Ref - ND 982649, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123

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December

02 December 2012 Natural Decorations
- A walk around Dunnet Forest to collect materials for making beautiful Christmas decorations & sun catchers. Booking required. Meet at Seadrift Centre, Dunnet.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 219705, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Marina Swanson 07818 588256
16 December 2012 Pre-festive walk
- Let's go on a nice walk from Broubster to Achvarasdal before the feasting starts. Meet at the Broubster Forest car park. Bring lunch and wear proper walking gear. Drivers will be brought back to start. Approx. 12km.
10.30am, Grid Ref - ND 025614, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123
22 December 2012 An Inconvenient Christmas
- Santa has lost his reindeer. Come and help him track it down. A fun event about animal signs and tracks and what they tell us. Meet at Dunnet Forest car park.
11am, Grid Ref - ND 221698, Grade A [Family £5]
Contact - Dieter Tuerlinckx 01955 607758 or 07500 784123