See the video produced by the RSPB
Programme of walks
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RANGER WALKS DURING THE WALKING FESTIVAL ARE NOW FREE!
Saturday, 1st May - Dunnet Head to Castle of Mey, Caithness. A magnificent coastal walk from Brough village on Dunnet Head to the Castle of Mey. Stupendous views across the turbulent Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. Points of historical interest include a sites of Brough and St. John´s Castles and a Pictish house. Includes a visit to the Castle of Mey. Grade: Moderate. Cost: £12 to cover entrance to the Castle and return transport to Brough village. Places limited. Book early to avoid disappointment. Email: info@dunnethead.co.uk
Saturday, 1st May - Step it up Highland - Thurso Riverside Walk. Take a gentle stroll while wildlife watching by Thurso river. Start time: 10.30a.m. from Salvation Army Citadel, The Esplanade, Thurso. Distance: 4km. Time taken: 1.5 hours. Easy walking.
Sunday, 2nd May - Murkle to Castletown, Caithness. A coastal walk from the pretty village of Murkle to the flagstone village of Castletown with the Caithness Field Club. History, great views, birds. Time to visit the Castletown Heritage centre and Dunnet Forest. Grade: Moderate. Booking essential. Email: info@dunnethead.co.uk
Sunday, 2nd May - Step it up Highland - Victoria Walk. Start time: 10.30a.m. from Salvation Army Citadel, The Esplanade, Thurso. A tour of Thurso, bird life and sea views. Distance: 4km. Time taken: 1.5 hours. Easy walking.
Monday 3rd May - The planned fishing village of Helmsdale was a major development that came into being during the Highland Clearances. Participants will see and learn about the older parts of the village, ie early street plan and buildings, coaching inn and bridges, remains of the coopering and curing yards, harbours, as well as later developments, i.e the ice house and war memorial. The tragic murder plot at Helmsdale castle in the 16th century will also be told and participants will see rare images of the castle before it was demolished. Participants should note that otters were spotted in the Helmsdale river over the last week so keep your eyes open and cameras ready! Across the North Sea to Portmahomack and Cromarty, as well as up the River Helmsdale into the Strath of Kildonan. Equipment needed: Walking shoes or boots, waterproof jacket, packed, binoculars and sun cream. Length: 1.5 hours. Distance: 2 hours. Grade: Easy walking on pavements. Start time: 11a.m. Timespan Car Park, in Helmsdale. GR: NC 026 155 Enquiries tel 01431 821327 or e-mail: enquiries@timespan.org.uk
Note - last minute change of route - different to the one in the Active Caithness book and on the booking sheet.
Tuesday 4th May - RPSB Forsinard, Sutherland. A great walk at Forsinard nature reserve with the RSPB. Set in the vast wild peatlands of North Scotland, visitor centre, unique flagstone trail through shimmering bog pools. Start time: 2.20pm. Tel: 01641 571225 during office hours. Email: forsinard@rspb.org.uk.
Tuesday 4th May - The secrets of Glen Leireag, Assynt. Explore the lost township and discover the secrets of this magical woodland glen including freshwater pearl mussels, dippers and maybe golden eagles. 11am-3pm. Meet at Nedd bridge (Grid Ref: NC148 315) 3km east of Drumbeg. Moderate. No need to book. For more details phone 01571 844654. Ģ5 Adult Ģ3 child (concessions apply)
Tuesday 4th May - Ceannabienne hill by Durness. Guided walk over rough ground up to 383m. Approximately 4hrs. Meet at 10am @ Beach car park 4mls east of Durness Map ref NC443 653. Fine all round views, moorland wildlife and flowers. Bring lunch. Contact Donald Mitchell, Highland Council Countryside Ranger for North West Sutherland. Tel: 01971 511756. £5 adults, Children £3, senior citizens £3, Unwaged [with evidence] Free. Family ticket £12.
Wednesday 5th May - Halkirk, Caithness. A riverside walk at Halkirk. Visit the site and history of the Gerston Distillery and the 14th Century Braal Castle. The walk is mostly flat. Views of Thurso River, Morven and Dorrery. Time taken: 2.5 hours. Grade: Easy. Distance: about 4km. Start: Ross Institute, Bridge Street, Halkirk at 10.30a.m. Finish at 1p.m.
Wednesday 5th May - Rosal Clearance Village, Sutherland. A walk with the Forestry Commission to the Rosal Deserted Township (from the Viking hrassa vall - horse fields) is the remains of a once thriving Highland village, which was cleared of its inhabitants to make way for sheep. Great views of Ben Loyal over the Strath holding the River Naver. Start time: 10 a.m. Time taken: about 1.5 hours. Grade: Moderate. Distance: 3.5km. Booking essential. info@dunnethead.co.uk
Thursday 6th May - RSPB, Forsinain, Sutherland. Sitting on the edge of Caithness & Sutherland’s high quality bogs, the route takes in farm fields, bog pools, riverside and woodland allowing an insight into conservation management and exciting wildlife. It starts on The Flows National Nature Reserve, part of RSPB Forsinard Nature Reserve, continues through Forestry Commission Scotland’s Forsinain Forest and returns along the privately owned River Halladale salmon river. Tel: 01641 571225 during office hours. Email: forsinard@rspb.org.uk.
Thursday 6th May - Scourie – North shore. Guided walk along the coast over rough ground. 4hrs approx. Meet at 10am @ Scourie pier picnic area. Map ref NC155 448. Fine views south to Assynt and across to Handa island. Wildlife, seabirds, geology and moorland plants. Bring lunch. Contact Donald Mitchell, Highland Council Countryside Ranger for North West Sutherland. Tel: 01971 511756. £5 adults, Children £3, senior citizens £3, Unwaged [with evidence] Free. Family ticket £12.
Friday 7th May - Walk and wildlife cruise at John o Groats, Caithness. A walk on the wildside! Magnificent walk from Duncansby Stacks to John o Groats followed by a wildlife cruise in the afternoon. Grade: Easy. Distance: about 5km. Time taken: about an hour. Cost: £15 adults, £7 children. Booking essential. Email: info@dunnethead.co.uk.
Saturday 8th May - Portskerra, Sutherland. Portskerra / Melvich audio walks - self guided but map led audio walk along the coast from Portskerra. Route one leads towards Baligill and around the village of Portskerra and Melvich beach. Route two leads around Melvich beach, Bighouse Lodge, through the peat track and along the coast and back to the old Toll pillar of the drovers route between Caithness and Sutherland. Both have stories by local people of the area and their lives. Magnificent coastal views. Pick up equipment at Halladale Inn or West End Stores, Melvich, Sutherland.
Contact us: info@dunnethead.co.uk
If you prefer not to book on line, you can Download booking form (.pdf) or contact us to register your interest in the walks.
