Ranger Events In Caithness 2016

28th March 2016

Monday March 28, 2016
11.00am - 1.00pm
Easter Mask Making, Dunnet
Come along to the Seadrift Visitor Centre and have fun making and decorating your very own Easter mask using everyday objects. All materials provided, just bring your imagination. All children must be accompanied.
Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A.
Adults free, conc. £3.50,
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Wednesday April 06, 2016
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Willow Bees 1, Dunnet
Help create some willow structure bumblebee models and have the honour of seeing them take pride of place in the Seadrift Visitor Centre display for the coming season. The bumblebee models will be completed in two separate sessions. All materials provided, all children must be accompanied.
Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Wednesday April 13, 2016
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Willow Bees 2, Dunnet
This is the second session to finish off the willow bumblebee models by painting them in the colours of some of our native bumblebee species. Once completed they will be hung in the Seadrift Visitor Centre for all to admire and learn from. All children must be accompanied.
Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Saturday April 16, 2016
11.00am - 2.00pm
Dunnet Beach Clean
Please give some time to help clean Dunnet Beach ready for the coming summer season. Gloves, bags and a free hot drink provided. Please help if you can and stay as long as you are able. Wrap up warm.
Meet at Dunnet Beach car park by the Seadrift Centre.. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade B. Free event.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Monday April 18, 2016
10.30am - 1.00pm
Navigation for numpties! Latheron
Want to learn some basic navigation & map reading skills? Why not join in on a hill walk around the Latheron area where we hope to find some interesting archaeological remains including chambered cairns and standing stones rows. Walking boots and outdoor gear required. Bring compass if you have one. Rough walking in parts.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Wednesday April 27, 2016
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Kite Making at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet
Assemble and fly your very own kite made from everyday household items. All materials and instructions provided but numbers are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Kite flying will only take place if conditions are suitable. All children must be accompanied.
Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Sunday May 15, 2016
11.00am - 4.00pm
Wag Hill and the lost settlements
Surprisingly extensive views will reward those climbing this peedie Caithness hillag of 250m. The real spectacle however is descending into the upper reaches of the Dunbeath Strath beyond and exploring the abandoned settlements. Rough walking in parts, boots essential. Bring your lunch. This walk is part of the Peatland fortnight of events.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
Adults Free, conc. Free, family Free.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Sunday May 22, 2016
11.00am - 4.30pm
Berriedale Strath Guided Walk
Follow the river from Berriedale up the strath passed the ruins at Strath Cuil to the beautiful Millery Pool, returning via the Langwell walled garden through the and blue bell woodlands on the south side. Please wear walking boots/outdoor clothing and bring a packed lunch. This walk is part of the Peatland fortnight of events.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
Adults Free, conc. free, family Free.
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Wednesday May 25, 2016
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Bumblebee Presentation at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet
Enjoy a fascinating digital presentation all about the life cycle of the bumblebees we find in the far north. Learn how to identify the different species and discover why this area is so special and how you can help in their conservation.
Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Sunday May 29, 2016
10.15am - 6.00pm
Ship a Hoy to Orkney
Annual boat trip directly to the Orkney Island of Hoy from John O Groats. Choose either a leisurely walk to the Old Man of Hoy sea stack or enjoy a more strenuous walk through the Glens Of Kinnaird by Ward Hill passing Berriedale Wood on route to Rackwick. Suitable outdoor clothing and packed lunch required for both walks. Payment must be received by 22nd May to secure your place. Charges cover ferry ticket, bus ticket and Ranger event charge. Booking by 22nd May is essential.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
£45 per person, no concessions.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Wednesday June 01, 2016
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Seabirds and Stacks, Duncansby
Discovering the colonies of breeding puffins and their seabird neighbours surrounded by the spectacular stacks of Duncansby.
Booking essential. Meet at Duncansby Light House car park. Grid ref: ND 404733. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Wednesday June 01, 2016
11.00am - 1.00pm
Thurso Rock Pools
Kids bring your nets or use ours and have great fun catching and learning all about the fascinating creatures found in the Thurso shore rock pools. Wear wellies and warm clothing. All children must be accompanied.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults free, conc. £3.50,
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Wednesday June 01, 2016
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises Presentation at the Seadrift Visitor Centre, Dunnet
Learn how to watch for and identify these fascinating and beautiful sea mammals whilst enjoying a digital presentation at the Seadrift Visitor Centre. We will then drive to Dunnet Head and conduct a short Sea Watch to test your new skills (weather permitting).
Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Thursday June 02, 2016
10.00am - 5.00pm
Island of Stroma
Brave the crossing of the Pentland Firth and enjoy the perfect seclusion that Stroma offers its wildlife inhabitants. A great time of year to see the seals, seabirds and coastal flowers. Please bring your lunch and clothing for all weathers. This trip is weather dependent.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
£30.00 per person (includes boat fare). Adults £30.00, conc. £26.00,
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Friday June 03, 2016
7.30pm - 9.00pm
Clowns of the Ocean, Dunbeath
Enjoy an illustrated talk on 'An Introduction to Caithness Seabirds with some coffee/tea and home baking before taking a short walk to view a puffin colony in the Dunbeath area.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B. £7.50 to cover cost of coffee/baking. Adults £7.50, conc. £6.50, Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Saturday June 04, 2016
2.00pm - 4.00pm
Sea Watch, Lybster
Learn about the mammals below the waves in an illustrated talk indoors then outdoors to the viewpoint at Swinney Hill. Bring along your binoculars and use our telescopes at this hotspot to look for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Any sightings you make will be recorded to help in their conservation. Wrap up warm.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Sunday June 05, 2016
10.30am - 4.30pm
Marvellous Morven Mountain
Climb the highest of the Caithness mountains: Morven. Enjoy breath-taking views from this beautiful Corbett. Good level of fitness is required. Walk weather dependent. Walking boots/full outdoor gear essential. Bring packed lunch.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade D.
Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50,
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Wednesday June 08, 2016
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Seabirds and Stacks, Duncansby
Discovering the colonies of breeding puffins and their seabird neighbours surrounded by the spectacular stacks of Duncansby. See full ad on page ...
Booking essential. Meet at Duncansby Light House car park. Grid ref: ND 404733. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Saturday 11th June, 2016
9.30-4pm
Small Blue Butterfly and Moth Workshop
Come and find out more about the fascinating and wonderful world of moths and small blue butterfly with Tom Prescott of Butterfly Conservation. Moth workshop will take place 9.30-11am, Small blue butterfly workshop 11.30-1.30pm and then field trip 2-4pm. Come along for part or the whole day. Please bring packed lunch if you come for whole day.
Booking essential. Meet at Seadrift, Dunnet Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade B.
Free event.
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].
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Wednesday June 15, 2016
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Seabirds and Stacks, Duncansby
Discovering the colonies of breeding puffins and their seabird neighbours surrounded by the spectacular stacks of Duncansby. See full ad on page ...
Booking essential. Meet at Duncansby Light House car park. Grid ref: ND 404733. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Wednesday June 15, 2016
6.00pm - 9.00pm
Puffin Along to Sandside
Join the local Ranger on an evening guided walk starting from the large puffin colony at Drum Hollistan and heading east along this beautiful coastal stretch to Sandside Bay at Reay. Lots of fantastic wildlife to enjoy such as puffins galore, other sea birds, wildflowers and possibly dolphins if we are lucky. Suitable walking boots and clothing required. Please phone if you can help with vehicles to return drivers to the start point.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Sunday June 19, 2016
10.30am - 1.00pm
Photography workshop, Dunnet
Be dazzled by Ken Crossans own photography before putting his tricks of the trade in to action during an outdoor practical session in the Coronation Meadow at Dunnet Links where we hope to see Primula scotica alongside other fascinating plants. Please bring suitable outdoor gear and packed lunch.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Wednesday June 22, 2016
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Seabirds and Stacks, Duncansby
Discovering the colonies of breeding puffins and their seabird neighbours surrounded by the spectacular stacks of Duncansby. See full ad on page ...
Booking essential. Meet at Duncansby Light House car park. Grid ref: ND 404733. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Wednesday June 22, 2016
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Puffin Watch, Drumhollistan
Join the Ranger at the largest puffin colony in the area and witness the antics of these charming little seabirds. Use our telescope to get a great view and bring you binoculars and cameras. Some rough walking on route to watch site so walking boots required.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Monday June 27, 2016
11.00am - 4.00pm
Duncansby to Skirza
Experience some truly inspiring coastal scenery during this cliff top walk from Duncansby head to Skirza. Enjoy breath-taking views of sea stacks, caves and geos and amazing seabird colonies, including puffins. Please wear walking boots/outdoor clothing and bring a packed lunch.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
Adults £9.00, conc. £5.00, family £24.00.
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Wednesday June 29, 2016
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Seabirds and Stacks, Duncansby
Discovering the colonies of breeding puffins and their seabird neighbours surrounded by the spectacular stacks of Duncansby. See full ad on page ...
Booking essential. Meet at Duncansby Light House car park. Grid ref: ND 404733. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Monday July 04, 2016
3.00pm - 5.00pm
Holborn Head Whale Watch
Whales, dolphins and porpoises are all seen from Holborn Head in Thurso. Join the Ranger and use our telescopes to look for these fascinating sea mammals. Learn about the species we find here and discover how to identify them. Wrap up warm and bring your binoculars. Do not drive to the Lighthouse (private road).
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Tuesday July 05, 2016
11.00am - 12.30pm
Newts at Newtonhill
A pond life family event at Newtonhill Woodland including pond dipping and craft activities.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Wednesday July 06, 2016
11.00am - 12.30pm
Dragonflies at Dunnet
A pond life family event at Dunnet including pond dipping and a simple craft activity.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50, Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Sunday July 10, 2016
10.00am - 12.30pm
Crabs at Keiss
Discover life below the waves with meat eating predators & exciting rock pool life. Welly boots essential.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Tuesday July 12, 2016
11.00am - 12.00pm
Flower Fairies of Wick Riverside
Childrens event most suitable for under 8s. Come for a magical time up the Wick riverside with wand and flower potions.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Wednesday July 13, 2016
11.00am - 12.00pm
Flower Fairies of Dunnet Forest
Childrens event most suitable for under 8s. Come for a magical time in Dunnet forest with wand and flower potions.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Wednesday July 13, 2016
3.00pm - 5.00pm
Thurso River Ramble
Spend the afternoon leisurely wandering along the Thurso River looking for the different wildlife which call this waterway their home. We shall see if we can find signs of otters and take a look at the birds, insects and wildflowers found around this popular stretch of water.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Thursday July 14, 2016
11.00am - 1.00pm
Bushcraft Wild Cooking at the Seadrift Centre
Ever eaten seaweed crisps or nettle soup? Come along to the Seadrift Centre at Dunnet Bay and learn how to prepare and also sample some of these natural wild food delights which can be gathered locally. All materials provided but limited numbers so book early to avoid disappointment.
Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Tuesday July 19, 2016
11.00am - 12.00pm
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Wick
Join the caterpillar as he munches his way around Argyll Square. Inspired by the work of Eric Carles fantastic book, this hands on interactive story walk is suitable for children aged 3- 6yrs.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Wednesday July 20, 2016
11.00am - 12.00pm
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Dunnet
Join the caterpillar as he munches his way through Dunnet Forest. Inspired by the work of Eric Carles fantastic book, this hands on interactive story walk is suitable for children aged 3- 6yrs.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Tuesday July 26, 2016
11.00am - 12.00pm
Nursery Rhyme Trail, Thrumster
The under fives will enjoy the songs and activities on this interactive nursery rhyme trail around Thrumster woods. Watch out for the crocodile!
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Wednesday July 27, 2016
11.00am - 12.00pm
Nursery Rhyme Trail, Dunnet
The under fives will enjoy the songs and activities on this interactive nursery rhyme trail around Dunnet Forest. Watch out for the crocodile!
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Wednesday July 27, 2016
11.00am - 1.00pm
Thurso Rock Pools
Kids bring your nets or use ours and have great fun catching and learning all about the fascinating creatures found in the Thurso rock pools. Wear wellies and warm clothing. All children must be accompanied.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Wednesday July 27, 2016
3.00pm - 5.00pm
Bumblebee Presentation at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet
Enjoy a fascinating digital presentation all about the life cycle of the bumblebees we find in the far north. Learn how to identify the different species and discover why this area is so special and how you can help in their conservation.
Booking essential. Meet at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay. Grid ref: ND 219706. Grade A.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Thursday July 28, 2016
11.00am - 1.00pm
Bushcraft; volcanoes, Sannick
Did you know Caithness had volcanic vents? Learn about our geology and try out some fire lighting skills to create your own smouldering volcanoes by the lava rocks at Sannick. Unsuitable for under 6's due to fire danger.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Friday July 29, 2016
10.00am - 12.00pm
Duncansby Head to John O Groats Guided Walk
A great guided walk from the seabird city at Duncansby Head passing the wonderful Sannick Bay and also the best local shell beaches on route to John O Groats. Lots of wildlife to see and can you find a lucky Groatie Buckie shell?
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Monday August 01, 2016
11.00am - 12.00pm
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Bettyhill
Join the caterpillar as he munches his way around Bettyhill. Inspired by the work of Eric Carles fantastic book, this hands on interactive story walk is suitable for children aged 3- 6yrs. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Booking essential. Meet at Bettyhill war memorial car park. Grid ref: NC 705618. Grade B.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.50,
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Tuesday August 02, 2016
11.00am - 1.00pm
Wild art at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet
Join us for a morning of arts and crafts inspired by the great outdoors.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A.
Adults free with accompanied children, conc. £3.00,
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Thursday August 04, 2016
11.00am - 1.00pm
Bushcraft; ropes and building, Dunnet
Lets build stuff! Cords, knots, lashes and shelters on the beach.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or [email protected].

Tuesday August 16, 2016
1.00pm - 4.00pm
St Johns Point Guided Walk
Rugged coastal guided walk at St Johns Point in Caithness, with remains of a promontory fort, wild water and plenty of seals. Some rough ground to navigate so suitable walking gear required and reasonable level of fitness.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade C.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Friday August 26, 2016
8.00pm - 9.00pm
Batty about bats, Thrumster
Enjoy a slide show about our fabulous midge munchers before wandering round Thrumster woods. Please bring a torch & stout footwear. Event is weather dependent.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade A.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Marina on 07818 588256 or [email protected].

Friday September 09, 2016
8.00pm - 9.30pm
Castle of Mey Bat Walk
Use our bat detectors to look for and discover all about the bats which hunt around the castle when the sun goes down. Learn how to identify the local species and discover how you may help in their conservation. Wrap up warm and bring a torch. All children must be accompanied.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Friday September 16, 2016
8.00pm - 9.30pm
Castle of Mey Bat Walk
Use our bat detectors to look for and discover all about the bats which hunt around the castle when the sun goes down. Learn how to identify the local species and discover how you may help in their conservation. Wrap up warm and bring a torch. All children must be accompanied.
Booking essential. Meeting place given out on booking. Grade B.
Adults £4.50, conc. £3.50, family £15.00.
Contact Paul on 01847 821531 or [email protected].

Extra events may be added to our programme - watch out for additional posters and regularly check www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk

Walk Grades: A is easiest, D most challenging, including very rough ground and sometimes steep climbs.