Global Network of National Geoparks

Events & Activities in the Northwest Highlands Geopark, September 2008

Source :http://www.globalgeopark.org Source: Northwest Highlands Geopark Published :August 25, 2008


Thurs 4 Sept, 10 am - 12.30 pm

Scourie - Caves, Cliffs &Otter Signs

A coastal walk (led by NW Sutherland Ranger) with geological interest, fine views, plants, birds, bogs and signs of otters. Meet at Scourie Free Church car park, sturdy boots and outdoor clothing, not suitable for dogs.

NW Sutherland Ranger 01971 511756

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Thurs 11 Sept, 10 am - 12.30 pm

Scourie - Dykes & Garnets

A coastal walk (led by NW Sutherland Ranger) with geological interest, fine views, plants, birds, bogs and signs of otters. Meet at Scourie Beach bird hide, sturdy boots and outdoor clothing, not suitable for dogs, family event but children must be accompanied.

NW Sutherland Ranger 01971 511756

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Thurs 11 Sept

Stac Fada Meteorite Strike

Fascinating illustrated talk by Scott Thackrey, (PhD student, Aberdeen University) about the largest known meteorite strike in the British Isles, recently reported to have happened in the North West Highlands Geopark 1.2 billion years ago. (Take the walk tomorrow to visit the site)

Lochinver Village Hall, 7.30 pm (free event)

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Friday 12 Sept, 11 am - 1 pm

Stac Fada Meteorite Strike Site

Coastal walk (led by Assynt Ranger, and accompanied by Aberdeen University student Scott Thackrey) Examine the ejecta blanket created by the force of this meteorite as it outcrops just north of Stoer beach. It is thought the meteorite hit this part of Stoer 1.2 billion years ago and measured up to 1km across and would have formed an impact crater up to 10km in diameter. The site is only 500m north of Stoer beach but to get to the outcrop we will have to scramble over some rough boulders, so sturdy boots. Sorry, no dogs. Meet at Stoer Cemetery, sturdy boots and outdoor clothing.

Assynt Ranger 01571 844654

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Stone Age Stories and Rock ‘n Stroll Family Events

to celebrate Scottish Geology Festival 2008 at SNH NNR Knockan Crag. For both days, good outdoor footwear, warm clothes and waterproofs may be needed.

Contact SNH 01854 613418 for more details.

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Saturday 13 Sept, 2 - 3.30 pm

Storytelling with Bob Pegg (for children of all ages)

Stone Age Stories - have you ever wondered how people entertained themselves before the days of television, radio, computers, Xboxes, Gameboys, CDs and DVDs? Come with Bob Pegg into a world inspired by the prehistory of the Geopark. Enjoy the kinds of songs and stories that the earliest people might have heard, as well as music made from the simplest materials - stones, bones, shells, wood and clay. Meet at Knockan Crag car park.

Sunday 14 Sept, 2 - 3.30 pm

Storytelling with Bob Pegg (for children of all ages)

Rock ‘n Stroll - a gentle walk round the lower reaches of Knockan Crag with storyteller Bob Pegg reflecting on the legends and wildlife of the West Coast - and including the haunting sound of the Native American eagle flute. Meet Knockan Crag car park.

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Throughout September

Knockan Crag Guided Walks

Local geologist Donald Fisher will be on site to answer questions and guide walks around Knockan Crag, suitable for all ages. Sturdy boots, and outdoor clothing. Contact SNH 01854 613418 for dates/times

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Sun 14 Sept, 11 am - 2 pm

Durness - Beaches, Dunes and Tropical Lagoons

A guided walk (led by NW Sutherland Ranger and accompanied by Iain Greig, Limestone Geologist) over coastal terrain through the Durness Limestone sequence, looking at the sedimentary rocks that help us paint a picture of the Durness area ~480 million years ago. Meet at Balnakeil beach car park, sturdy boots and outdoor clothing, not suitable for dogs.

NW Sutherland Ranger 01971 511756

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Tues 16 Sept, 11 am - 4 pm

Achnahaird to Garvie Bay

A stunning coastal walk (led by Assynt and Wester Ross Rangers) over magnificent wild landscape to see the site of a meteorite and ancient microbes within the oldest sedimentary rocks in Europe. 1200 millions years of landscape history. Meet at Achnahaird-Achiltibuie junction 11 am, sturdy boots, outdoor clothing and packed lunch.

Wester Ross Ranger 01854 613904

Assynt Ranger 01571 844654

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Wednesday 17 Sept

The History of Scotland’s Longest Cave and its

Bear Bones

The story of the formation, discovery and exploration of Scotland’s longest known cave system including the most complete bear skeleton recovered in Scotland. Presented by Ivan Young of the Grampian Speleological Group and part author of ‘Caves of Assynt’.

Lochinver Village Hall, 7.30 pm (free event)

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Thursday 18 Sept, 10 am - 1 pm

The Bone Caves, Inchnadamph

Fascinating walk (led by Assynt Rangers and accompanied by Ivan Young of the GSG and a member of the Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation) to the caves where bones of reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered, also the geology, hydrology and cave formations of the area. Meet at Bone Caves car park, sturdy boots and outdoor clothing. Assynt Ranger 01571 844654