175 Countryside Rangers walks and events on offer this summer

27th June 2013

The Highland Council Countryside Rangers are running 175 guided walks and events across the Highlands during the Scottish and English school summer holidays.

The bumper programme is not just for school pupils, however. There is something for everyone no matter their age, level of fitness, or interests. The events are aimed at encouraging people from all walks of life to get out and about to explore the great outdoors and rich wildlife of the Highlands.

Some highlights over the summer include:
* Gruffalo and In the Night Garden events.
* Whale and dolphin spotting.
* Activity days including rockpooling, painting and kite-making.
* Long distance walks.
* Skills days including bushcraft, navigation and wild food foraging.
* Mountain conservation.

What better way to enjoy the 2013 Year of Natural Scotland than coming along?

A season ticket is available to help people get the best value possible. Family tickets (5 people, max 2 adults) are �40 and single tickets are �20. The card is valid for hundreds of Ranger events, all over Highland, until March 2014.

Councillor Thomas Prag, Chairman of The Highland Council�s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: �You get a much stronger experience of the Highlands by joining one of our Ranger events. They have a huge amount of knowledge, are passionate about the Highlands, and are experts at knowing where to go to find wildlife.�

�There is an amazing range of things on offer for all kinds of tastes � literally if you go wild food foraging!�

�The walks and events offer many things to many people. If you have the kids around over the holidays it�s a cheap and healthy way to entertain them. Local people will be surprised at how much they can discover about the area they live in with an expert, and visitors can explore the region with a skilled guide.

�With so many events on offer there really is something for everyone to enjoy.�

The events are listed in the Ranger Guided Walks and Events booklet. They are available free of charge. Please see online at [url=http://www.highland.gov.uk/countrysiderangerevents.htm/countrysiderangerevents.htm[/url] for an online version, or get in touch by emailing ranger[AT]highland.gov.uk, or by telephoning 01463 702825.

Season Tickets are available from your local ranger. You can also apply online at the above webpage, or can order one on 01463 702825 (credit card payments), or by sending your address and a cheque (made payable to The Highland Council) to Countryside and Long Distance Routes, Planning and Development, Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX.