Skye and Lochalsh countryside events

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Top 5 things to do in 2012 in Skye and Lochalsh

Top Five Must Sees

  • Staffin Museum Geological and fossil specimens from Skye's prehistory, including dinosaur footprints.
  • Rubha Hunish Excellent for watching feeding whales and nesting seabirds.
  • Calum's Road, Raasay One man's ten year mision to build a road to his croft.
  • Glenelg Brochs The three Iron Age forts of Dun Telve, Dun Troddan and Dun Grugaig.
  • Loch Coruisk Magical loch in the Black Cuillin. Accessible by boat and on foot.

March

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April

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May

  • 02 May 2012  Coastal Birds, Ardnish
    • The Broadford Bay area is a popular stopping off point for a wide range of birds on migration to and from their northern breeding grounds. These birds, brent goose, bar-tailed godwit, whimbrel and great northern diver - to name but a few - mingle with the abundant local breeders to make this spring visit well worth the effort for the birdwatcher. Meet at the Broadford Tourist Information Centre to share transport to the site.
    2pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - NG 643235, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 12 May 2012  Mountain Path Volunteer Day, Coire a' Ghreadaidh
    • Hopefully the Corry of Torment will not live up to its name – we have scheduled this one for before the start of the midge season just in case! Meet at the layby opposite the Glenbrittle Youth Hostel. Booking essential.
    10am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 409225, Grade A [Free]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 19 May 2012  Heather Loves Peat – Exclusive! Mointeach nan Lochainn Dubha
    • A chance to learn about peat, see peat cutting in action and have a go yourself. This will be followed by a wander round one of Skye’s protected places, the Mointeach nan Lochainn Dubha Special Area of Conservation, to experience the extraordinary wildlife of a very special Skye bog. Wellies essential. Meet at the Airidh na Saorach layby on the A851.
    2pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - NG 683203, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 23 May 2012  Peatland and Pavement, Camas Malag
    • Camas Malag (B): The limestone pavement of the Strath Special Area of Conservation shelters an amazing diversity of plant species, many of which are now rare in this area due to the loss of native woodland. The surrounding peatlands are very different in terms of the range of species found. Comparing the two gives us an interesting insight into the botanical history of this area. Meet at the parking area at Camas Malag.
    2pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - NG 582192, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 31 May 2012  Under Our Own Steam: Marble Line, Broadford
    • Marble Line (A): Join Skye and Lochalsh Disabled Ramblers for an outing along the Marble Line, a converted quarry railway, to the former marble quarry works at Kilchrist. Weather permitting, we will have a picnic somewhere along the way. Meet at the parking area at the start of the Marble Line path, 1km from Broadford along the Broadford - Elgol road.
    11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 635227, Grade A [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


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June

  • 08 June 2012  Turn of the Tide, Ord
    • Celebrate World Oceans Day by joining Skye and Lochalsh Environment Forum and The Highland Council Rangers for a low-tide foray around the delightful beach at Ord on Skye. Marine biodiversity abounds and a good low tide means that we should see a range of species normally only visible to snorkelers. Barbecue on the beach afterwards if the weather allows. Bring some food for the barbecue! Booking essential.
    2pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - NG 616132, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 12 June 2012  Northern Flights
    • Rubha Hunish is the most northerly point on mainland Skye and undoubtedly the best place on the island to get close to nesting seabirds. The descent to the peninsula involves an easy scramble so perhaps not for the very faint-hearted! Meet at the car park at the start of the Shulista road. Booking essential.
    11am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 422742, Grade D [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 20 June 2012  Wild West Coast: Milovaig - Neist Point
    • A stunning walk along the cliffs between Milovaig and Waterstein, ending up at Neist Point, the west-most point on mainland Skye. This is a great place to see sea eagles – amongst other things. Meet at Milovaig Pier to arrange car shuttle back from end of walk.
    10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 153505, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 28 June 2012  Wild Coastal Trail (2) - Elgol
    • Elgol (B): Walk out to Prince Charlie's Cave, his last hiding place in Scotland before sailing back to France, taking in the wildlife and scenery on the way. Lunch on the beach at Port an Lùig Mhòir if the weather is fine. Tea and coffee at the Community Hall afterwards. Meet at the pier car park in Elgol.
    10am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NG 516135, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


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July

  • 04 July 2012  Marvellous Mountains (2) - Glamaig
    • Starting out from Druim nan Cleochd, we will ascend first to Bealach na Sgairde. From there it is a straight slog up to the summit of Sgurr Mhairi, the higher of the two tops on Glamaig. We will then traverse the ridge to An Coileach (673m) and descend to where we have left the cars via Leathad Sobhraig – looking out for primroses along the way! Meet at the Eas a Bhradain car park. Booking essential.
    10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 534267, Grade D [Adults £10, concessions £5]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 06 July 2012  Time and Tide, Ullinish - Oronsay
    • A general interest outing focusing on the birdlife and botany of the area. We have chosen a spring tide to give us plenty of time to explore this tiny tidal island with its spectacular cliffs and seashore stacks. Meet/park at the end of the Ullinish - Oronsay road.
    1.30pm - 4.30pm, Grid Ref - NG 322374, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 10 July 2012  Brothers' Point, Culnacnoc
    • Brathairean is Gaelic for Brothers or perhaps even Brethren. Whether Brother’s Point is the site of a drowning (and there have been many on this piece of coast over the years) or of a medieval monastery (or both) this is a fascinating piece of coastline and well worth the visit. Meet at the layby just north of the hotel in Culnacnoc.
    11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 515626, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 12 July 2012  Summer Junior Ranger 2012: What's that Bird? Kyleakin
    • A chance to brush up your knowledge of all things flying and feathery. From geese to gulls and from woodpeckers to warblers you can find them all on a walk round this seashore village. See how many you can spot! Meet at Kyleakin Community Centre car park. Booking essential.
    1pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 747265, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 16 July 2012  Arctic and Alpine, Storr
    • The high ground of the Trotternish peninsula is very special botanically. It features a wide range of plants more typical of Arctic and Alpine regions. One plant found here, Iceland Purslane, can only be found in one other place in Britain. Join us to discover the special wildlife and scenery of this northern part of Skye. Meet at the Old Man of Storr car park. Booking essential.
    10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 508528, Grade D [Adults £10, concessions £5]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 19 July 2012  Summer Junior Ranger 2012: Explore the Shore, Ashaig
    • Join us to explore the waters of the deep - after the tide has gone well out! Crabs and tiny fish share the ground with wriggly worms, spiny sea urchins and starfish. Truly a fantastic experience - not to be missed! Meet at Maolrubha's Well/Tobar Ashaig. Booking essential.
    1pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 688242, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 04 July 2012  Marvellous Mountains (2) - Glamaig
    • Starting out from Druim nan Cleochd, we will ascend first to Bealach na Sgairde. From there it is a straight slog up to the summit of Sgurr Mhairi, the higher of the two tops on Glamaig. We will then traverse the ridge to An Coileach (673m) and descend to where we have left the cars via Leathad Sobhraig – looking out for primroses along the way! Meet at the Eas a Bhradain car park. Booking essential.
    10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 534267, Grade D [Adults £10, concessions £5]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 06 July 2012  Time and Tide, Ullinish - Oronsay
    • A general interest outing focusing on the birdlife and botany of the area. We have chosen a spring tide to give us plenty of time to explore this tiny tidal island with its spectacular cliffs and seashore stacks. Meet/park at the end of the Ullinish - Oronsay road.
    1.30pm - 4.30pm, Grid Ref - NG 322374, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 10 July 2012  Brothers' Point, Culnacnoc
    • Brathairean is Gaelic for Brothers or perhaps even Brethren. Whether Brother’s Point is the site of a drowning (and there have been many on this piece of coast over the years) or of a medieval monastery (or both) this is a fascinating piece of coastline and well worth the visit. Meet at the layby just north of the hotel in Culnacnoc.
    11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 515626, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 12 July 2012  Summer Junior Ranger 2012: What's that Bird? Kyleakin
    • A chance to brush up your knowledge of all things flying and feathery. From geese to gulls and from woodpeckers to warblers you can find them all on a walk round this seashore village. See how many you can spot! Meet at Kyleakin Community Centre car park. Booking essential.
    1pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 747265, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 16 July 2012  Arctic and Alpine, Storr
    • The high ground of the Trotternish peninsula is very special botanically. It features a wide range of plants more typical of Arctic and Alpine regions. One plant found here, Iceland Purslane, can only be found in one other place in Britain. Join us to discover the special wildlife and scenery of this northern part of Skye. Meet at the Old Man of Storr car park. Booking essential.
    10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 508528, Grade D [Adults £10, concessions £5]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 19 July 2012  Summer Junior Ranger 2012: Explore the Shore, Ashaig
    • Join us to explore the waters of the deep - after the tide has gone well out! Crabs and tiny fish share the ground with wriggly worms, spiny sea urchins and starfish. Truly a fantastic experience - not to be missed! Meet at Maolrubha's Well/Tobar Ashaig. Booking essential.
    1pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 688242, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


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August

  • 02 August 2012  Summer Junior Ranger 2012: Art in the Woods
    • Use your imagination and help us to create natural artworks to remember using only natural materials, designed to decay back into the soil -eventually. Meet at Tigh na Sgire, The Highland Council Offices in Portree. Booking essential.
    1pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 481436, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 07 August 2012  The American Connection, Sligachan Peatlands
    • The geological evidence of Scotland’s one-time connection to what is now America is common knowledge. Less obvious is pipewort, a plant found at this site and also on the east coast of North America which hints at this connection. Join us to explore the Sligachan Peatlands, a Special Area of Conservation, to discover the habitat of one of Skye’s rare plants. 3km. Bring your wellies. Meet at the Sligachan Hotel car park.
    2pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - NG 485298, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 09 August 2012  Tramping the Tombolo, An Aird, Braes
    • The Isle of Raasay sits directly opposite An Aird while Glamaig dominates the scene to the south. An easy walk with lots of interest – natural arches on the coast, an Iron Age fort at its tip, varied bird-life and - just what is a tombolo? Meet at the car parking area near the start of the Aird path in Balmeanach.
    11am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NG 524351, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 14 August 2012  Wild Coastal Trail (4): Glenelg
    • Glenelg is one of the Highlands’ hidden gems. Walk the Glenelg - Ardintoul circuit through a cross section of Highland habitats taking in the wildlife and scenery. We will start the walk on the coastal path from with a good chance of sighting otters and seals. Tea and coffee at the Community Hall café afterwards. Meet at the Glenelg Community Hall.
    10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 814194, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 17 August 2012  Wild Coastal Trail (5): Scaladale
    • There is lots to take in on this fairly strenuous walk – from 164 million year old marine turtles, found at Cladadh a’ Ghlinne in 2008 to a Viking farmhouse in Glen Scaladale itself. With a backdrop of the Black Cuillin on the way out, one of Skye’s best! Meet at Elgol Community Hall car park to arrange shuttle to start of walk. Booking essential.
    10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 519135, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 21 August 2011  Marvellous Mountains (4): Sgurr Mhic Bharraich
    • At 779m, Sgurr Mhic Bharraich qualifies only as a Corbett, a hill between 762m and 914m. However, since we will be starting out at sea level, we will climb as many metres as you would to climb many a Munro! The start of the walk is along the Gleann Undalain path, the rest is over open hill ground. Meet at car park beside Glen Shiel camp site.
    10am - 4.30pm, Grid Ref - NG 938186, Grade D [Adults £10, concessions £5]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 25 August 2012  Bat and Moth, Armadale Castle Gardens
    • Sleat Community Trust and The Highland Council Rangers have joined forces for this European Bat Night event. Experts will be on hand to identify the moths and bats of the area and there will be short illustrated talks on both subjects. Meet at Armadale Castle entrance.
    8pm - 10pm, Grid Ref - NG 639044, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


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September

  • 04 September 2012  Cliff and Cave, Glasnakille
    • At the foot of the cliffs at Glasnakille is one of Skye’s geological treasures, Spar Cave, a limestone cave accessible on foot only at low tide. A little way along the coast is the fascinating remains of a cliff-top fort, Dun Grugaig. A visit to both is essential when you are in these parts! Meet at Elgol Community Hall to share transport to sites. Booking essential.
    1.30pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - NG 519135, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 12 September 2012  Slip Slidin’ Away, Quiraing
    • Hidden away below cliffs and behind a formidable series of pillars is a secret place – somewhere to hide cattle from raiders perhaps. The name is said to come from the Norse kvi and rand meaning “round fold” - in Gaelic, An Cuith-raing. Join us to explore the landslip scenery of this part of north Skye. Meet at the "Bealach" car park on the Staffin - Uig road. Booking essential.
    11am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 439678, Grade D [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 18 September 2012  Jurassic Walk, Ardnish
    • 195 million years ago, this area was part of a shallow tropical sea known as the ‘Hebrides Basin’. Fossils from this period include massive ammonites and beds of oyster-like Gryphaea. Join us to explore some of the best-known and most extensively studied Lower Jurassic rock sequences in the Hebrides. Meet at the Broadford Tourist Information Centre to share transport to the start of the walk.
    2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 643235, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 22 September 2012  Mountain Path Vounteer Day: Bealach a' Mhaim
    • This section of the old drove road between Glenbrittle and Sligachan is overdue some routine maintenance. The last maintenance is recorded as having been done as far back as 2002! Meet at the Forestry Commission Fairy Pools car park. Booking essential.
    10am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 423258, Grade A [Free]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 25 September 2012  Marvellous Mountains (5): Sgurr na Banachdich
    • The “Crag of the Inoculation” is reckoned to be the easiest of the Skye Cuillin. However, as one website says on their description of the walk “still an extremely rugged and rocky walk with much steep, rough ground”. It is a mountain after all… As usual, “weather permitting”. Meet at the layby opposite the Glenbrittle Youth Hostel. Booking essential.
    10am - 5pm, Grid Ref - NG 409225, Grade D [Adults £10, concessions £5]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


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November

  • 17 November 2012  Mountain Path Volunteer Day: Old Man of Storr
    • There will have been big changes along the path to the Old Man of Storr by now, with woodland felling scheduled between 2011 and 2012. The path should not have been affected though so just the usual maintenance work required on this important Skye path. Meet at the Old Man of Storr car park. Booking essential.
    10am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 508528, Grade A [Free]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 28 November 2012  Coastal Birds, Ardnish
    • The Broadford Bay area is a popular stopping off point for a wide range of birds on migration to and from their northern breeding grounds. These birds - brent goose, bar-tailed godwit, whimbrel and great northern diver, to name but a few - mingle with the abundant local breeders to make this autumn visit well worth the effort for the birdwatcher. Meet at the Broadford Tourist Information Centre to share transport to the site.
    2pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - NG 643235, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


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2013

  • 19 January 2013  Mountain Path Volunteer Day: Coire Làgan
    • The Coire Làgan path has a slope of around 1:6 for the first 2km. As a result it is subject to more than average erosion and needs constant attention to keep the cross-drains and water bars working well. Meet at the car park at the end of the public road at Glenbrittle. Booking essential.
    10am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 409206, Grade A [Free]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 31 January 2013  Ardtreck Adventure
    • A shortish walk in Minginish, taking in the wildlife and scenery on the way and stopping off at Dun Ardtreck, an Iron Age fort excavated in 1964 by Dr. Euan MacKie. Excavation finds at the fort suggest that it may have been attacked and burnt to the ground by marauding Romans in the 1st Century AD. Meet at Portnalong Pier.
    11am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NG 342359, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 26 February 2013  Quartzite Quest, Ord
    • Tackle Scòrach Breac, the highest hill in Sleat, and its neighbour, Sgiath-bheinn an Uird. The geology of this part of Skye is unusual. The summit of Scòrach Bhreac is formed of quartzite - 98% pure silica - which was mined locally, long before the semiconductor industry took off! Booking essential. 6km. Meet at Ord road end to car share to start of walk.
    10am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 673103, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 16 March 2013  Mountain Path Volunteer Day: Loch Langaig - Quiraing
    • We plan to work on the stretch of path from Loch Langaig again, perhaps even undertaking some minor construction work this time – if the routine maintenance is not enough to be going on with. Meet at the layby close to the start of the path. Booking essential.
    10am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NG 463709, Grade A [Free]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


  • 28 March 2013  A Ramble on Raasay
    • A circular walk on the Isle of Raasay, ending up on Dun Caan, the highest point on the island. Our route will take us through a landscape rich in history, from Pictish symbol stones to the 1st World War iron mine. Meet at Sconser Pier at 10am for the 10.25 ferry. Return on the 3.30pm ferry.
    10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NG 525323, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
    Contact - John Phillips/Jenny Grant 01471 820526/01471 820527


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Photo information

Photo 1: © John Allan
Photo 2: © Highland Council Rangers
Photo 3: © Nicholas Mutton
Photo 4: © Anne Burgess
Photo 5: © Highland Council Rangers

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