Forts, Caves and Crannogs Waiting To Be Explored During Highland Archaeology Fortnight
Anyone looking for something exciting to do in the school holidays can join The Highland Council’s Easter Ross Ranger for three days of adventure as he leads expeditions to an Iron Age Fort, Caves which may have been in use for the last 6,000 years and a bicycle ride to see Crannogs and other archaeological sites of interest during Highland Archaeology Fortnight.
Iron Age Hill Forts will be the topic of the guided walk on Thursday 12 October. Ranger Martin Hind will lead a 4.5 mile walk from Strathpeffer up to Knockfarrel. Anyone coming along will learn about Iron Age Forts, including the one at Knockfarrel and also discover more about the surrounding area, including the Cromarty Firth. The walk is from 10am to 2pm so anyone who would like to come along should bring a packed lunch and meet up at Blackmuir Wood car park in Strathpeffer, grid reference NH479573.
On Friday 13 October the outing will be to explore the caves at Rosemarkie which may have been in use for the last 6,000 years. As you wander along to the caves and through time, learn about the past history of the people who used them and find out how Stone Age people lived and survived. Meet up with the Ranger at the Rosemarkie Beach Car Park at 10am for three hour of adventure and bring a torch.
Pedal power is needed to take part in the third event on Saturday 14 October which is called “Fish Traps and Crannogs”. From 10am to 1pm Ranger Martin Hind will be leading a cycle through time along the Beauly Firth. Learn about the different archaeological sites of the Beauly Firth and how they were used, including crannogs and fish traps on this guided cycle ride. Meet at North Kessock Community Hall car park and ensure your bike is fit for the journey and that you bring a helmet to wear.
The Highland Council’s Countryside 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.
Ranger Martin Hind is looking forward to these events. He said “We have really enjoyed planning these excursions which will be ideal for young people and adults looking for something exciting to do in the school holidays. Anyone wishing to come along should make sure that they bring along warm weather-proof clothing to allow them to spend the day outdoors and wear suitable footwear.”
There will be a further 153 other activities running during Highland Archaeology Week which is, co-ordinated by The Highland Council’s Archaeology Unit within the Planning and Development Service. The fortnight celebrates the archaeology, history and culture of the Highlands and has a packed programme of guided walks, talks, children’s and special events for people of all ages to enjoy.