Sutherland countryside events

Assynt

Top Five Must Sees

Stoer Point With 60m sandstone sea-stack ‘Old Man of Stoer’.
Falls of Kirkaig Formed from volcanic intrusion into the bedrock.
Little Assynt Path Network One of few all-abilities access paths in North.
Bone Caves See where ancient animal bones were discovered.
Glencanisp Scenic glen managed by a community foundation.

May

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June

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July

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August

August 01 2012 Rockpool Adventure, Achmelvich
- We have some of the best rockpools in the British Isles. Join us as we meet some of the weird wildlife living here. Meet at Achmelvich car park.
12pm - 1.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 058248, Grade B [Children £2, accompanying adults free ]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 02 2012 Clachtoll Sand Sculpture Competition
- Why not enter the biggest event at Clachtoll each year, or just come to see some amazing sand sculptures? Fun for all the family. Bring bucket and spade and lots of ideas. Great prizes. Judging at 1.30pm. Charity Barbeque. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park.
12pm - 2pm, Grid Ref - NC 040273, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 05 2012 Whale and Dolphin Watch
- 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 Day. Meet at Stoer Village Hall, followed by Stoer Lighthouse.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NC 041297, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 08 2012 Gruffalo's Child
- The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark woods but does anyone listen… Follow the Gruffalo’s Child and find out. May get muddy. For families with children 4-10 years old. Meet Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past the school.
11am - 1pm, Grid Ref - NC 093213, Grade A [Children £2, accompanying adults ree ]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 09 2012 Stac Pollaidh Hill Walk
- The amazing jagged peak of Stac Pollaidh mountain reveals many secrets of the last Ice Age. With stunning views and across to Suilven and Canisp. Meet at Stac Pollaidh car park.
11am - 5pm, Grid Ref - NC 108095, Grade D [Adults £10, concessions £5]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 14 2012 Seals at Oldany
- Experience the delights of a common seal colony up close, with maybe a chance of seeing otters. Bring quiet, noiseless clothes. Meet Drumbeg View Point car park.
11am - 1pm, Grid Ref - NC 120330, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 15 2012 Bone Caves - Really Wild!
- A fascinating 4km walk back in time to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet at the Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph.
11am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NC 254179, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 16 2012 The Valley of the Trolls!
- Explore the limestone valley of the Traligill - full of secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and hidden entrances to the underworld and watch out for those trolls! Meet at Inchnadamph car park.
11am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NC 251216, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 21 2012 Clachtoll Coastal Walk
- Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village to the Iron Age broch. Hear the story of skeletons, ancient saunas and "catastrophic collapse". Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park.
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NC 040273, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 23 2012 Culkein to Old Man of Stoer
- High cliff top walk to the Point of Stoer. Encounter the nesting seabirds and look out for great skuas, peregrines, seals and dolphins. We will get close views of the Old Man of Stoer. Meet at Stoer Hall to share cars.
10am - 5pm , Grid Ref - NC 041297, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 28 2012 Bat Evening, Lochinver
- Join us to watch one of nature's amazing spectacles, as up to 100 Pipistrelle bats leave their roost. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre for a slide show first. Bring midge protection.
7.30pm - 9.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 094225, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
August 30 2012 Drumbeg Peat Road Walk
- A journey to the centre of the ancient universe, rich in wildlife and forgotten history. Hear the eerie cries of golden plover and listen to stories of murder and mayhem. Meet at Drumbeg Viewpoint.
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NC 120330, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654

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September

September 04 2012 Achmelvich Coastal Walk
- Remote silver sands and turquoise water; cliff tops home to otters and rampant with wildflowers. Meet at Achmelvich car park.
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NC 058248, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
September 06 2012 Fungi in the Culag Woods
- Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the different characters and learn their secrets in one of the best woods in Sutherland. Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past the school.
11am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NC 093213, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
September 11 2012 Clachtoll Coastal Walk
- Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village to the Iron Age broch. Hear the story of skeletons, ancient saunas and "catastrophic collapse". Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park.
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NC 040273, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
September 13 2012 The Valley of the Trolls!
- Explore the limestone valley of the Traligill - full of secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and hidden entrances to the underworld and watch out for those trolls! Meet at Inchnadamph car park.
11am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NC 251216, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
September 18 2012 Bone Caves - Really Wild!
- A fascinating 4km walk back in time to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet at the Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph.
11am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NC 254179, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
September 20 2012 Fungi in the Culag Woods
- Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the different characters and learn their secrets in one of the best woods in Sutherland. Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past the school.
11am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NC 093213, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
September 25 2012 The Secrets of Glen Leiraig
- Explore the lost township of Glen Leireag and discover the secrets of this magical woodland glen. Seek out moorland wildlife and golden eagles. Meet at Nedd Bridge, 3km east of Drumbeg.
11am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NC 148315, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654
September 27 2012 Bone Caves - Really Wild!
- A fascinating 4km walk back in time to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet at the Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph.
11am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NC 254179, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Andy Summers 01571 844654

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Mid and East Sutherland

Top Five Must Sees

Loch Fleet NNR with all-year interest and one flowered wintergreen.
Spinningdale Woods Amongst best pinewoods in area with numerous birds.
Baile an Or Mid 19th century gold prospecting setllement.
Croick Church Poignant reminder of victims of the Scottish Clearances.
Achness Falls Great place to see salmon. Spectacular after rainfall.

April

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May

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June

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July

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August

01 August 2012 Bushcraft Apprentice
- The second part of our three part series looking at various aspects of bushcraft. Attendance at all three will lead to a bushcraft apprentice certificate and complimentary fire bow kit. Lesson 2 - Fire/Wild Food and Cooking. Meet at Dunrobin Castle car park.
10.30am - 12.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 850010, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Ian Paterson 01549 402638
02 August 2012 Deadly 6 - Dragonflies
- Number five of our deadly 6 series looks at the beautiful but dangerous dragonflies. Meet at the Rosehall Trails log cabin, Rosehall.
10.30am - 12.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 480018, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Ian Paterson 01549 402638
07 August 2012 Fossil Hunt
- Join us as we search the shore for fossils amongst rocks of the Jurassic period - yes, the time of the dinosaurs! Wellies essential. Meet at Helmsdale Harbour car park.
10.30am - 12.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 030152, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Ian Paterson 01549 402638
07 August 2012 Gold Panning
- Visit the site of Sutherland's gold rush and try your hand at gold panning. Wellies essential. Meet at Helmsdale Harbour car park.
1.30pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - ND 030152, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2, plus £4 charge for equipment hire.]
Contact - Ian Paterson 01549 402638
08 August 2012 Bushcraft Apprentice
- The third and final part of our three part series looking at various aspects of bushcraft. Attendance at all three will lead to a bushcraft apprentice certificate and complimentary fire bow kit. Lesson 3 - Cords and Knots. Meet at Dunrobin Castle car park.
10.30am - 12.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 850010, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Ian Paterson 01549 402638
10 August 2012 Deadly 6 - Pine Martens
- Perhaps we have kept the best until last! A night time foray into Achany Glen in search of this, once, very rare predator. Numbers limited and meeting point given upon booking.
9pm - 11pm , Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Ian Paterson 01549 402638

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October

06 October 2012 The Rut
- We’ll visit a local estate to get a close look at the fascinating spectacle of the red deer rut. Numbers limited and meeting point given upon booking.
10.30am - 12.30pm , Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Ian Paterson 01549 402638
06 October 2012 Bird Box Building
- This is the best time of year for building and erecting bird boxes. Meet at the Ferrycroft Centre, Lairg. Bring a screwdriver if you have one.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 579062, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Ian Paterson 01549 402638

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North Sutherland

Top Five Must Sees

Skerray Vibrant crofting community and scenic harbour.
Strathy Point Best whale/dolphin watching site on the north coast.
Torrisdale Bay Amazing wildflowers, archaeology and a stunning beach.
Melvich Bay Beautiful sandy bay/dunes with small fishing communities.
Castle Varrich Ancient seat of Chief of Clan Mackay.

April

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May

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June

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July

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August

01 August 2012 Portskerra Rockpools
- Have great fun catching and learning about the amazing creatures found in the rock pools at Portskerra (by Melvich). Some nets provided but feel free to bring your own. Meet at Portskerra old harbour slipway (not the pier). Children must be accompanied.
3pm, Grid Ref - NC 878664, Grade B [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
07 August 2012 Borgie Survival
- Could you survive as hunter gatherer at Borgie? Have fun learning ways of surviving as we set up camp at Borgie Forest. Learn ways of shelter building and other skills needed to live thousands of years ago. Meet at Borgie Forest log cabins. All kids must be accompanied. Booking recommended.
11am, Grid Ref - NC 663577, Grade B [Family £5]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884
21 August 2012 Strathy Point Sea Watch
- Join the ranger at this cetacean 'hot spot' and use our telescope to look for whales, dolphins and porpoise. Learn about the species found here and how to help in their conservation. Children must be accompanied. Bring your binoculars and wrap up warm. Meet at Totegan car park (Strathy Point).
2pm, Grid Ref - NC 827687, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884

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September

08 September 2012 Borgie Bats and Boxes
- Come along to the log cabins in Borgie Forest and build a bat roosting box to take home. Then head out with the ranger and use our bat detectors to help find the bats out feeding. Learn about their life cycle and how to help conserve them. Meet at the log cabins in Borgie Forest.
7.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 663577, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Paul Castle 01847 821531 or 01641 521884

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North West Sutherland

Top Five Must Sees

Faraid Head See seabirds, moss campion and the Scottish Primrose.
Handa Island Noted for birdlife, including puffins, skuas and guillemots.
Scourie Beach Bathing beach, despite 60 degree north latitude.
Oldshoremore Beach Very beautiful and quiet beach.
Talmine Bay Secluded bay with many seabirds and hosts of wildflowers.

April

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May

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June

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July

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August

01 August 2012 Kyle of Durness
- Leisurely coastal walk, beautiful scenery, birds, flowers, beaches. Meet at Durness Golf Club car park.
10.30am - 1.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 388687, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Donald Mitchell 01971 511756
06 August 2012 Faraid Head Dunes and Beach, by Durness
- Interesting walk amongst the dunes; flowers, bones, birds, views and sand! End with a walk back along this beautiful beach. Meet at 2pm at Balnakeil Beach car park.
2pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - NC 392687, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Donald Mitchell 01971 511756
09 August 2012 Scourie Bay - North Shore
- 3hr [approx] coastal walk [no paths] with fine views, wild flowers, bit of geology, seabirds. Meet at Scourie Pier car park area.
10.30am - 1.30pm, Grid Ref - NC 155448, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Donald Mitchell 01971 511756
16 August 2012 Scourie Sea Cliffs
- Undulating 2hr coastal walk with excellent views, caves, seabirds, otter signs. Meet at Free Church car park at south end of village.
10.30am - 1pm , Grid Ref - NC 152434, Grade C [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Donald Mitchell 01971 511756
23 August 2012 Scourie Dikes & Garnets
- 3hr coastal walk, fine views, seabirds, some geology, wild flowers, signs of otters. Meet at Scourie Beach bird hide.
10.30am - 1pm, Grid Ref - NC 152446, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Donald Mitchell 01971 511756
29 August 2012 Talmine Treasures
- Very beautiful coastal walk to Port Vasco, masses of wild flowers, sea birds, great views. Meet at Talmine Pier car park (but please do not block access).
10.30am - 1pm, Grid Ref - NC 588632, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Donald Mitchell 01971 511756

Photo information

Assynt
Photo 1: © Jim Barton
Photo 2: © David Glass
Photo 3: © Donald Bain
Photo 4: © Anne Burgess
Photo 5: © John Allan

North Sutherland
Photo 1: © Tim Harrison
Photo 2: © Rog Frost
Photo 3: © Sylvia Duckworth
Photo 4: © Chris Downer
Photo 5: © HER Highland

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