2015 Ranger Walks, Events and Activities in the Scottish Highlands

Front (L to R) Jack Mackay, Forestry Commission; Rangers Eilidh-Ann Phillips (Lochaber) and John Phillips (Skye & Lochalsh); George Duff, the Council’s Countryside Manager. Back (L to R) Jock MacGillivary (Highland long distance routes Ranger); Katy Martin (Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey); Andy Summers (Caithness & Sutherland);

Every year, Countryside Rangers throughout the Highlands of Scotland create and deliver hundreds of events, walks, and activities for the locals, tourists and groups of people. From walks, talks, workshops, scrambles, hill walks, day walks, pond dipping, sand castle building and much more, there is something for everyone to spend a day or a couple of hours with any of the Rangers and discover so much more.

For the first time, the events booklet includes activities from rangers, out with the Highland Council Countryside Team. With over 450 events, including events from Forestry Commission, RSPB, National Trust for Scotland, alongside those of the Highland Council Countryside Rangers, you will be surprised at the breadth of ways that you can enjoy the stunning countryside in Highlands.

No matter what your interest is, be it fungi, companionship, learning, spending time with family and friends, you will undoubtedly get more from your activities if you join one for the events on offer all over the Highlands - from Skye to Caithness and down to Strathspey or Ardnamuchan.

Last year a special loyalty card was launched for use at Highland Council Countryside Events, which has encouraged more people to take part in events throughout the year. A new change to the card for 2015 is that it can now be used into the next season, making it even better value.

Councillor Thomas Prag Chair of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee said: “Spending time, relaxing or learning in the countryside is a great way to get into the outdoors and here in the Highlands we have some stunning sites and are lucky to be able to watch wildlife in their natural habitats. Our team of Rangers make any expedition more engaging thanks to their enthusiasm, knowledge and advice on how to get the most out of any activity. With the Loyalty card you can get even more value for your money so I’d encourage anyone interested to pick one up on from their local Highland Council Ranger on their first event of the season.”

He added: “This year’s book lists more events for all interests, ages and abilities than ever before and shows our commitment to work with our colleagues in other organisations that deliver a similar service. Working in partnership benefits everyone, from locals and visitors who take part, to all the participating organisations. With so many events to choose from, I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to get outdoors to explore and learn more about their local environments and the creatures that share it with them.”

An example of some of the many events people can take part in include a reptile survey in Kinloch, a geology themed coastal walk at Achiltibuie, a mountain navigation course in Ullapool, taking part in foraging forays, a chance for children to try their hands at survival skills, whale and dolphin watching, exploring hidden gems of beaches, walking lesser known mountain trails and boat trips to explore small islands, Black Grouse Lek watching in the Cairngorms, a visit to a puffin colony in Caithness, coastal clifftop walks to spot seabirds, a nocturnal search for bats, the chance to learn navigation skills and star gazing into the night skies.

 Anyone can email ranger@highland.gov.uk and get an electronic copy sent to them at the beginning of each season, with a loyalty card attached.