Week of Caithness coast events and walks
Summer is here so why not get out doors with the Highland Council Countryside Rangers and join a guided walk or event along the Caithness coast next week? A host of walks and events kick off on Monday 5th July with a family rock pool rummage at Keiss beach at 11am. This event explores life below the waves and encourages youngsters to discover sea life such as meat eating predators and air breathing fish. This is a booked event and will cost children £2.
Anyone interested in seabirds, can take a walk round Duncansby Head on Tuesday 6th at 2pm with the Ranger. The walk starts from the Duncansby Head light house car park and walks up to the stacks while viewing the nesting seabirds. Cost £3 per adult.
The following evening, Wednesday 7th, an evening walk will take in some beautiful coastal scenery with sea stacks, caves and a natural arch. This walk along the Wick coast will also visit the ‘Old Man of Wick’ and view a spectacular seabird colony. Please meet at the old herring mart, Wick harbour at 7pm. Cost £3 per adult.
For a longer walk, Duncansby to Skirza provides the answer on Sunday 11th. This is a wonderful walk taking in sea stacks, caves, plenty seabirds, seals and much more. Meeting place is Duncansby Head light house car park at 10am. This is a linear route and drivers will be returned to the start of the walk. Please bring packed lunch and walking boots. Cost £5 per adult.
Marina Swanson, East Caithness Ranger said: “We are very lucky to have a wonderful coastline right on our doorstep but many people are not aware of what is on offer, especially at this time of year when there is so much activity and wildlife to see. The natural arches are particularly breathtaking although most of the cliff top walks have dramatic scenery.”
The cliff top walks are not suitable for young children and so the rangers have organised a series of ‘Meet the Gruffalo’ events to cater for our younger audiences. Performances are running at 11am on Tuesday 6th at Dunnet Forest, Monday 12th at Wick River and Monday 19th at Dunbeath. These events are most suitable for under 8 year olds and will cost £2 per child, under 4’s free. Please book a place in advance.
For all guided walks, it is important that people come prepared for Caithness weather and dress appropriately with suitable footwear. Please be aware that charges apply this year. For further information on the above events, please contact Marina Swanson 01955607758 or e-mail marina.swanson@highland.gov.uk.