Highland youngsters invited to go into the woods for a big surprise

Two Gruffalo Guided Walks are being organised in Highland woods by The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers in association with Forestry Commission Scotland Rangers and Abriachan Forest Trust. 

These ever popular special events are aimed at families with children aged 8 years and under and are based on the magical award winning children’s book “The Gruffalo” written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

The Gruffalo story is based on a mouse taking a walk through deep dark woods…and the Rangers are inviting families to follow in the footsteps of the intrepid mouse to go exploring in the woods to see they can find any creatures living there and have a rare opportunity of meeting The Gruffalo himself.

Would-be Gruffalo hunters are invited to join Highland Council and Forestry Commission Scotland Rangers on Saturday 26th July at Shenval in Glen Urquhart from 2pm to 3.30pm; and at the same time on Wednesday 30th July at Abriachan Forest, near Inverness.

Stuart Findlay, Forestry Commission Scotland Ranger said: “I’ve been working in these woods for years and I am always surprised by what I find.  Maybe there has been a Gruffalo here all along and I just haven’t met it yet, I hear they are very shy creatures.”

Corinne Hambly, Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger said: “I’m really looking forward to this event.  I love it when you can find a bit of magic in the outdoors and some of the creatures who live around Shenval are real characters.”

The track at Shenval is a typical forestry track and is suitable for pushchairs with big wheels. At Abriachan Forest, the paths are easy forest paths and are suitable for pushchairs. Both walks will be around 1km and should be manageable for young children. There will be lots of distractions and activities along the way.

Abriachan event organiser, Katy Martin with Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers said: “This is a fun afternoon out for families with younger children and the Gruffalo is such a magical story which appeals to all ages!”

Suzann Barr of The Abriachan Forest Trust said: “As well as being a great place to visit Abriachan Forest is home to many different animals and plants, with surprises around every corner – I’ve not seen the Gruffalo yet, but you never know.”
The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers are a partnership between The Highland Council and Scottish Natural Heritage with the aim of promoting public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and conserving wildlife.

For more information about the Gruffalo Walks please call The Highland Council Countryside Rangers on 01463 710786.