Ranger walk takes a ramble on old A96
An abandoned coastal road on the Moray Firth is the unlikely location for a winter wildlife walk with Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger this weekend (Saturday 16th February).
Parts of the old A96 which served as the main route from Inverness to Aberdeen until 1969 are where John Orr, Inverness East & Nairn Ranger will meet members of the public to lead them on a guided walk.
John said: “The old road is now slowly succumbing to the forces of nature; the tarmac is cracking and greening over and the old sea wall is beginning to crumble into the Firth. The road is very secluded and quiet now and a great place to see wildlife from. Wintering ducks and wading birds come in very close to the shore here and there is a sheltered bay where seals and roosting birds can sometimes be spotted.”
The walk which takes place on Saturday 16th February from 11am to 1pm is 2.5km/1.5 miles long and is on tarmac all the way. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone attending should turn north off the A96 at Milton of Culloden and meet at the gate on the left just after the railway bridge. Grid Reference NH 475 707.
The Highland Council's Countryside Rangers constitute the largest local authority Countryside Ranger provision in Scotland with 25 full time and 3 seasonal Rangers spread throughout the Highland Council Area.
Councillor Drew Hendry, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “The role of our Countryside Rangers is to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and to conserve wildlife and habitats. This excellent guided walk fits the remit perfectly and is part of a wide range of events and activities provided for our local communities and visitors in the Highlands.”
The Countryside Rangers are also responsible for the promotion of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and are involved in the management of a large number of countryside sites throughout the Highland Council Area. All of Highland Council's Countryside Ranger posts are supported with grants from Scottish Natural Heritage.