Highland Council ranger events for January
From the Moray Firth to Laggan - Highland Council’s Rangers are inviting people to get their “first foot forward” on a choice of three guided walks in January.
The aims of the walks are to encourage people to get more exercise and to enjoy the great outdoors.
On Sunday 11th January, from 10am to 12noon Ranger John Orr will lead a Winter Wildlife walk on the old A96 road which was the main Inverness – Aberdeen road until 1969.
John Orr said: “This road is now slowly succumbing to the forces of nature; the tarmac is cracking and greening over and the old seawall 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 is 2.5km/1.5 miles long and is on tarmac all the way. 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. For more information call John on 01463 710786. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For an uphill challenge with rewarding scenic views join Duncan Macdonald on an ascent of the fine view point of Dun da Lamh on Wednesday 14th January from 10:30am to 2:30pm. This ancient Iron-age fort commands superb views over the upper Spey and Monadhliath.
Duncan Macdonald, Highland Council Countryside Ranger said: “Dun da Lamh is a fine example of the craftsmanship of our ancestors, as they protected themselves from unknown enemies. To top it off the views are stunning and we have a chance of seeing other inhabitants of the woods and crags.”
The walk is around 6km/3.5 miles long, on forest tracks and paths following an uphill route to the top which is steep in places. Meet at the public car park just beyond Laggan Village shop. Grid Reference NN614 943. Please telephone Duncan on 01540 673907 for further information.
For a bracing New Year winter wander, Su Cooper will be leading a walk at Belladrum on Friday 16th January from 10am to 1pm. The walk will be in the woodlands at Belladrum Estate near Kiltarlity, walking up to the viewpoint at Phoineas Hill.
Su Cooper said: “This is a lovely walk for people looking to get off to an energetic start in 2009. Belladrum Estate has a fascinating history, with nice winding woodland paths and on a fine day the view from the top of Phoineas Hill is terrific.”
The walk is around 6.5km/4 miles long, on forest tracks following a gentle uphill route to the top. Please telephone Su on 01463 710786 to book a place and for the meeting place.
The Highland Council Rangers are grant aided by Scottish Natural Heritage. The role of Countryside Rangers is to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and to conserve wildlife and habitats