The International Year of Biodiversity
Area – Assynt
Contact – Andy Summers
Email – andy.summers@highland.gov.uk
Tel – 01571 844654
MAY
Tuesday 4th May,
11am-3pm
The secrets of Glen Leireag, Assynt
Explore the lost township and discover the secrets of this magical woodland glen including freshwater pearl mussels, dippers and maybe golden eagles. Meet at Nedd bridge 3km east of Drumbeg.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC148 315
Grade B, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 6th May,
11am-3pm
Achmelvich Coastal walk, Assynt
Delightful walk to the old meal mill at Altanabradhan through croftland and machair bursting with wildflowers. Watch out for dolphins too. Meet Achmelvich beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC058 248
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 11th May,
11am-2pm
Clachtoll Coastal walk, Assynt
Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village. We hope to see many coastal birds as well as redshanks, curlews and peewits settling down to their breeding grounds. Meet Clachtoll beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC040 273
Grade B, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Thursday 13th May,
11am-4pm
The Old Man of Stoer, Assynt
Cliff top walk to the point of Stoer. Learn about the seabirds and hopefully watch the great skuas, peregrines and maybe even dolphins. We will get close views of the Old Man of Stoer. Meet Stoer lighthouse,
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC005 328
Grade C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 18th May,
11-3pm
Achmelvich Coastal walk, Assynt
This is Biodiversity week so join us on this delightful walk through croftland and machair bursting with wildflowers and watch out for dolphins too. Meet Achmelvich beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC058 248
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 20th May,
11am-3pm
The Limestone valley of the Traligill, Assynt
This is Biodiversity week so why not join us as we explore the ancient limestone scenery in search of flowers: globe flowers, mountain avens, orchids and many more. Meet at Inchnadamph car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC251 216
Grade C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 25th May,
11am-2pm
The Bone Caves, Assynt
A fascinating walk to the caves where bones of reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered- one of the gems in the North West Highlands Geopark.
Meet Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC254 179
Grade C, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Thursday 27th May,
11am-3pm
Where the meteorite crashed in Assynt
Join us as we visit Europe’s largest ever meteorite strike. Learn about the ancient landscape it struck over one billion years ago, that makes up part of the North West Highlands Geopark. Amazing views and stunning wildlife.
Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park,
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC040 273
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
JUNE
Tuesday 1st June,
11am-3pm
Achmelvich Coastal walk, Assynt
Delightful walk to the old meal mill at Altanabradhan through croftland and machair bursting with wildflowers. Watch out for dolphins too. Meet Achmelvich beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC058 248
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 3rd June,
10am-5pm
Quinag, Assynt
Explore this fantastic Assynt mountain (808m). Look for Mountain Azalea, Mountain Hares and Ptarmigan. If the weather is not good we will do a shorter low level walk.
Meet at the car park 3km north of Skiag Bridge.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC232 740
Grade D, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 8th June,
11am-3pm
Wildflowers at Achmelvich, Assynt
Stunning coastal walk looking for fragrant orchids, carnivorous plants, adders tongue fern and many more. Meet Achmelvich beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC058 248
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 10th June,
11am-2pm
Clachtoll Coastal walk, Assynt
Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village past an Iron-age fort. Hear the story of skeletons, ancient saunas and the "murder hole". Meet Clachtoll beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC040 273
Grade B, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Tuesday 15th June,
9pm-11pm
Bats and Moth Evening at Lochinver, Assynt
Slide show at the Visitor Centre followed by a walk to look for bats and visit some moth traps. Meet at the Assynt Visitor centre, Lochinver.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC094 225
Grade A, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Thursday 17th June,
11am-5pm
Bone Caves to the Traligill Basin, Assynt
A fascinating walk linking two cave systems within the limestone area of Inchnadamph. Look out for eagles, golden plover and ring ouzel. Meet at Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC254 179
Grade C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 22nd June,
11am-3pm
Drumbeg Peat Road, Assynt
Journey to the interior of Assynt rich in wildlife and history and dangerous stories. Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC120 330
Grade C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 24th June,
11am-2pm
The Bone Caves, Assynt
A fascinating walk to the caves where bones of reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered.
Meet Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC254 179
Grade C, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Tuesday 29th June,
10am-5pm
Loch Glencoul, Assynt
Explore the unknown south shore Loch Glencoul: place of otters, golden eagles and magnificent waterfalls.
Meet B869 road end near Newton.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC232 314
Grade D, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
JULY
Thursday 1st July,
11am-3pm
River Inver to Glencanisp, Assynt
A varied walk along riverside woodland via the old Clearance Village of Dubh Clais returning along the loch shore. We will be looking out for Black-throated divers.
Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC094 225
Grade B, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 6th July,
11am-3pm
Where the meteorite crashed in Assynt
Join us as we visit Europe’s largest ever meteorite strike. Learn about the ancient landscape it struck over one billion years ago. Amazing views and stunning wildlife.
Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park,
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC040 273
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Wed 7th July,
11am-3pm
The secrets of Glen Leireag, Assynt
Explore the lost township and discover the secrets of this magical woodland glen including freshwater pearl mussels, dippers and maybe golden eagles. Meet at Nedd bridge 3km east of Drumbeg.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC148 315
Grade B, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 8th July,
10am-5pm
Glas Bheinn, Assynt
A walk to the top of one of Assynt's less-visited mountains Glas Bheinn – the Green Mountain (776m), with some wonderful views. If the weather is not good we will do a shorter low level walk. Meet Inchnadamph car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC251 216
Grade D, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 13th July,
3pm-4pm
Rockpools at Achmelvich, Assynt
There is more to rockpooling than a load of old crabs stuffed in a bucket. You just need to look at things a little differently. Meet at Achmelvich beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 84465
NC058 248
Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
August
Tuesday 3rd August,
11am-2pm
Clachtoll Coastal walk, Assynt
Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village past an Iron-age fort. Hear the story of skeletons, ancient saunas and the "murder hole". Meet Clachtoll beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC040 273
Grade B, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Wed 4th August,
11am-2pm
Dragonflies up close, Lochinver, Assynt
Meet these colourful killing machines up close and find out about their underwater and airborne existence.
Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC094 225
Grade B, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Thursday 5th August,
11am-3pm
Drumbeg Peat Road, Assynt
Journey to the interior of Assynt rich in wildlife and history and dangerous stories. Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC120 330
Grade C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 10th August,
2pm-3pm
Rockpools at Clachtoll, Assynt
There is more to rockpooling than a load of old crabs stuffed in a bucket. You just need to look at things a little differently. Meet at Clachtoll beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 84465
NC040 273
Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Wed 11th August,
6pm-9pm
Whale and Dolphin watching at Stoer lighthouse
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 Week. If the weather is bad this event maybe re-scheduled.
Meet at Stoer Hall.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 84465
NC041 297
Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Thursday 12th August,
9am-6pm
Elphin to Lochinver, Assynt
Long distance walk (19km) through fabulous country on rough path. We will get post bus to start of the walk at Elphin. Meet at the Lochinver post Office.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC094 227
Grade D, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 17th August,
11am-3pm
The Limestone valley of the Traligill, Assynt
A fascinating walk through ancient limestone scenery, past secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and dry river beds. Meet at Inchnadamph car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC251 216
Grade C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 19th August,
11am-3pm
Achmelvich Coastal walk, Assynt
Delightful walk to the old meal mill at Altanabradhan along the cliff top, through croftland and machair.
Watch out for dolphins too. Meet Achmelvich beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC058 248
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 24th August,
7.30pm-9.30pm
Bat evening, Lochinver
Slide show at the Visitor Centre followed by a visit to the local pipistrelle roost to watch up to 100 bats leave their roost. Bring midge protection.
Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre,
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC094 225
Cost £3 Adult £2 child
Thursday 26th August,
11am-2pm
Otters at Culkein
We will start with a short slide show about otters followed by a walk at Culkein and along the cliff top to look for signs of these common animals around our shores. Meet at Stoer Hall, 7 miles north of Lochinver,
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC041 297
Grade B, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 31st August,
11am-2pm
Clachtoll Coastal walk, Assynt
Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village past an Iron-age fort. Hear the story of skeletons, ancient saunas and the "murder hole". Meet Clachtoll beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC040 273
Grade B, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
September
Thursday 2nd September,
11am-3pm
The Limestone valley of the Traligill, Assynt
A fascinating walk through ancient limestone scenery, past secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and dry river beds. Meet at Inchnadamph car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC251 216
Grade C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 7th September
11am-2pm
The Bone Caves, Assynt
A fascinating walk to the caves where bones of reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered.
Meet Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC254 179
Grade C, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Thursday 9th September,
11am-3pm
Achmelvich Coastal walk, Assynt
Delightful walk to the old meal mill at Altanabradhan along the cliff top, through croftland and machair. Watch out for dolphins too. Meet Achmelvich beach car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC058 248
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 14th September
11am-3pm
Drumbeg Peat Road, Assynt
Journey to the interior of Assynt rich in wildlife and history and dangerous stories. Meet at Drumbeg View Point car park.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC120 330
Grade B, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 16th September,
11am-2pm
Fungi at 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 Culag Wood car park, 500m south of Lochinver Primary.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC093 213
Grade A, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
Tuesday 21st September
11am-3pm
River Inver to Glencanisp, Assynt
A varied walk along riverside woodland via the old Clearance Village of Dubh Clais returning along the loch shore.
Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC094 225
Grade B, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 23rd September,
11am-3pm
Where the meteorite crashed in Assynt
Join us as we visit Europe’s largest ever meteorite strike. Learn about the ancient landscape it struck over one billion years ago, that makes up part of the North West Highlands Geopark. Amazing views and stunning wildlife.
Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park,
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC040 273
Grade B/C, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Tuesday 28th September
11am-3pm
The secrets of Glen Leireag, Assynt
Explore the lost township and discover the secrets of this magical woodland glen including freshwater pearl mussels, dippers and maybe golden eagles. Meet at Nedd bridge 3km east of Drumbeg.
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC148 315
Grade B, Cost £5 Adult/£3 child
Thursday 30th September,
11am-2pm
Bird Ringing demonstration at Clachtoll, Assynt
Learn about the ongoing research project for Twite with the Highland Ringing group..
Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park,
No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654
NC040 273
Grade A, Cost £3 Adult/£2 child
All the walks are led by one of the Rangers. It is important though that you think of your own safety and that of any children for whom you are responsible. Remember too that these are country walks in the Highland weather so please dress accordingly. Bring sturdy shoes, or boots, a picnic and a sense of fun. The Rangers reserve the right to cancel any of these events.
Walk Grades: A is easiest, D most challenging, including very rough ground and sometimes steep climbs.
Sorry these walks are not suitable for dogs.
Costs as per walk but concessions apply
For further information, contact: Highland Council Countryside Rangers, Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver IV27 4LX
Telephone: 01571 844654
Email: andy.summers@highland.gov.uk
Or visit the Assynt Tourism Group website www.assynt.info