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Little Assynt Estate
Purchased by the Trust on behalf of the community in 2000, the Estate is 1200 hectares of beautiful wild Assynt landscape. There have been a number of projects undertaken on the Estate such as the WOOD project and All Abilities Path. The Estate boasts black throated divers, otters and the occasional eagle and the Trust undertake regular monitoring for Scottish Natural Heritage. This has enabled members to acquire new skills and knowledge in the local flora and fauna of Assynt.
Path wins tourism award
The Working Together for Tourism award his was one of several accolades under the Highlands Tourism Awards 2006 event to recognise the potential of the industry in this part of Scotland. The award was given in recognition of all the hard work and the community contribution in establishing this unique tourism resource.
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Activities on the Estate
The Lothian Conservation Volunteers spent a week in Assynt undertaking a number of activities, including creating a new link path between the All abilities path and the waymarked path to Loch an t-Sabhail. Thanks for your hard work!
As part of Highland Archaeology Fortnight in October 2006, there were two guided walks taking place on the Estate - to Loch Beannach and Torr Mor. These provided a great opportunity to learn about the cultural and historic importance of the area. You can read more about this in our booklet which you can purchase from the Trust.
At the moment, Assynt Paths, a locally based path building group is upgrading our link path on the Little Assynt Estate, helping the Trust improve its network of paths and providing better access. Work is expected to be completed in late Spring 2007.
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All Abilities Path
This new and exciting 1.5 km path was completed in 2005. It is a made path that enables visitors of all ability to enjoy the Assynt landscape as it winds it way past two beautiful lochs to reach a viewpoint of the surrounding Assynt landscape.
The path has two jetties, compost loos and a specially adapted boat for disabled anglers.
Many visitors to our path have expressed their delight at being able to access the wild land and appreciate Assynt's fine surroundings. |
 Jamie Andrew tries out all abilities fishing facilities at new path
 Wheelchair user on new all abilities path
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The Official Opening may 6th 2006
To help celebrate the opening of the all abilities path, the Trust provided a engaging evening of illustrated talks at the local village hall in Lochinver.
Malcolm Bangor Jones, an independent historian who has written a number of publications reflecting his great interest in the northern Highlands including ‘Assynt Clearances' and Historic Assynt’ set the scene for the evening. He began by setting the area in its historic context.
Malcolm’s theme was picked up by Robin Noble, one of the Trust’s access officers. Having known Assynt for 45 years, it has been the source of inspiration for his lifelong study of the Highland landscape. His talk focused on the history of northern native woodland and importance of the historic trees which we have scattered in the landscape. These ‘monuments’ give us an insight into the land management practices which were followed until the Clearances of the early 1800s.
Dr Kenny Taylor author and broadcaster concluded the evening with a beautifully illustrated talk on enjoying the nature of the north west highlands. His talk was a celebration of the natural wonder of this area and highlighting the importance of relishing not only in the landscape we have but taking time to consider the smaller things of beauty. He showed some fascinating close ups of plants and recommended we all get a magnifying glass to keep handy when we are out in the wilds!
A beautifully sunny, warm and midge free Saturday welcomed the official opening of the new All Abilities path at Leitir Easaidh on May 6th. Around 120 people turned up, most of which were ferried by a fleet of buses from Lochinver, to witness an inspired speech by Anne Mackay the Trust’s Chairperson. Anna acknowledged all the hard work and support provided by the funders, volunteers and board members and encouraged us all - whatever our age and ability - to get out into the wonderful landscape of Assynt and enjoy everything it has to offer.
The Trust were delighted that Jamie Andrew, quadruple amputee who has triumphed over his disability by achieving challenging events like the London Marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, officially opened the path.
Representatives for many different national and local organisations were able to attend including the Highland Disabled Ramblers, Scottish Lame Ducks, and Paths for All Partnership as well as the local day centres in Ullapool and Lochinver. We were also delighted that several politicians were able to attend including John Thurso MP and Green MSP Eleanor Scott to name just two.
Contact us: Email:info At culagwoods.org.uk Tel:01571 844368 Address: CCWT, 1 Old Coach House, Lochinver, Sutherland, Scotland, IV27 4LE |
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