Culag Community Woodland Trust produces a regular News Update to keep you informed of what is happening.
You will find news in brief about a range of topics, from ongoing projects and future plans, to nature notes and fun quizzes.
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News & Events
For a copy of a previous News update, click the appropriate button below:
Every year the Trust holds its Annual General Meeting, which is an opportunity to review progress over the previous 12 months and look ahead to the next. It is also a time for neighbours and friends to come together for a chat and to have a say in the work of the Trust.
CLICK HERE for a copy of the Chair’s 2012 report
CLICK HERE for a copy of the 2012 financial statements
There are often special events happening at Culag Wood and at our Little Assynt Estate. An Easter egg hunt is a regular feature as are events with the Highland Ranger Service.
Thursday July 26 - Cul Mor Mountain Walk
Climb to the top of this magnificent mountain with super views and some rare and interesting plants. (849m). An alternative route will be made if the weather is poor. Meet at the small lay-by north of Knockan. Time: 10am - 6pm Grid ref: NC 189094. Grade D. Adults £10, concessions £5
Tuesday July 31 - Survival Skills at Culag Wood
Can you start a fire from some old sticks? Can you build a shelter? This is a beginner's guide to the art of "Survival". Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past the school. Time: 11am - 1pm Grid ref: NC 093213. Grade A. Adults £3, concessions £2
Climb to the top of this magnificent mountain with super views and some rare and interesting plants. (849m). An alternative route will be made if the weather is poor. Meet at the small lay-
August - An Lùnastal
Wednesday August 01 - Rockpool Adventure, Achmelvich
We have some of the best rockpools in the British Isles. Join us as we meet some of the weird wildlife living here. Meet at Achmelvich car park. Time: 12pm - 1.30pm Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade B. Children £2, accompanying adults free
Thursday August 02 - Clachtoll Sand Sculpture Competition
Why not enter the biggest event at Clachtoll each year, or just come to see some amazing sand sculptures? Fun for all the family. Bring bucket and spade and lots of ideas. Great prizes. Judging at 1pm. Charity barbeque. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Time: 12pm - 2pm Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade A. Adults £3, concessions £2
Sunday August 05 - Whale and Dolphin Watch
A slide show at Stoer Hall followed by a visit to the cliffs to watch for passing cetaceans. This event is part of the National Whale and Dolphin Watching Week. Meet at Stoer Village Hall, followed by Stoer Lighthouse. Time: 2pm - 4pm Grid ref: NC 041297. Grade A. Adults £3, concessions £2
Wednesday August 08 - Gruffalo's Child
The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark woods but does anyone listen… Follow the Gruffalo’s Child and find out. May get muddy. For families with children 4-10 years old. Meet Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past the school. Time: 11am - 1pm Grid ref: NC 093213. Grade A. Children £2, accompanying adults free
Thursday August 09 - Stac Pollaidh Hill walk
The amazing jagged peak of Stac Pollaidh mountain reveals many secrets of the last Ice Age. With stunning views and across to Suilven and Canisp. Meet at Stac Pollaidh car park. Time: 11am - 5pm Grid ref: NC 108095. Grade D. Adults £10, concessions £5
Tuesday August 14 - Seals at Oldany
Experience the delights of a common seal colony up close, with maybe a chance of seeing otters. Bring quiet, noiseless clothes. Meet Drumbeg View Point car park. Time: 11am - 3pm Grid ref: NC 120330. Grade C. Adults £3, concessions £2
Wednesday August 15 - Bone Caves - Really Wild!
A fascinating 4km walk back in time to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet at the Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph. Time: 11am - 2pm Grid ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £3, concessions £2
Thursday August 16 - The Valley of the Trolls!
Explore the limestone valley of the Traligill - full of secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and hidden entrances to the underworld and watch out for those trolls! Meet at Inchnadamph car park. Time: 11am - 4pm Grid ref: NC 251216. Grade C. Adults £5, concessions £3
Tuesday August 21 - Clachtoll Coastal Walk
Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village to the Iron Age broch. Hear the story of skeletons, ancient saunas and "catastrophic collapse". Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Time: 11am - 3pm Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Adults £3, concessions £2
Thursday August 23 - Culkein to Old Man of Stoer
High cliff top walk to the Point of Stoer. Encounter the nesting seabirds and look out for great skuas, peregrines, seals and dolphins. We will get close views of the Old Man of Stoer. Meet at Stoer Hall to share cars. Time: 10am - 5pm Grid ref: NC 041297. Grade C. Adults £5, concessions £3
Tuesday August 28 - Bat Evening, Lochinver
Part of European Bat Week. Join us to watch one of Nature's amazing spectacles, as up to 100 Pipistrelle bats leave their roost. Meet at the Assynt Visitor Centre for a slide show first. Bring midge protection. Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm Grid ref: NC 094225. Grade A. Adults £3, concessions £2
Thursday August 30 - Drumbeg Peat Road Walk
A journey to the centre of the ancient universe, rich in wildlife and forgotten history. Hear the eerie cries of golden plover and listen to stories of murder and mayhem. Meet at Drumbeg Viewpoint. Time: 11am - 3pm Grid ref: NC 120330. Grade C. Adults £5, concessions £3
Why not enter the biggest event at Clachtoll each year, or just come to see some amazing sand sculptures? Fun for all the family. Bring bucket and spade and lots of ideas. Great prizes. Judging at 1pm. Charity barbeque. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Time: 12pm -
September - An t-Sultain
Tuesday September 04 - Achmelvich Coastal Walk
Remote silver sands and turquoise water; cliff tops home to otters and rampant with wildflowers. Meet at Achmelvich car park. Time: 11am - 3pm Grid ref: NC 058248. Grade C. Adults £3, concessions £2
Thursday September 06 - Fungi in the Culag Woods
Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the different characters and learn their secrets in one of the best woods in Sutherland. Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past the school. Time: 11am - 2pm Grid ref: NC 093213. Grade A. Adults £3, concessions £2
Tuesday September 11 - Clachtoll Coastal Walk
Join us on this beautiful coastal walk through a crofting village to the Iron Age broch. Hear the story of skeletons, ancient saunas and "catastrophic collapse". Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Time: 11am - 3pm Grid ref: NC 040273. Grade B. Adults £3, concessions £2
Thursday September 13 - The Valley of the Trolls!
Explore the limestone valley of the Traligill - full of secret caves, dramatic waterfalls and hidden entrances to the underworld and watch out for those trolls! Meet at Inchnadamph car park. Time: 11am - 4pm Grid ref: NC 251216. Grade C. Adults £5, concessions £3
Tuesday September 18 - Bone Caves - Really Wild !
A fascinating 4km walk back in time to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet at the Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph. Time: 11am - 2pm Grid ref: NC 254179. Grade C. Adults £3, concessions £2
Thursday September 20 - Fungi in the Culag Woods
Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the different characters and learn their secrets in one of the best woods in Sutherland. Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past the school. Time: 11am - 2pm Grid ref: NC 093213. Grade A. Adults £3, concessions £2
Tuesday September 25 - The Secrets of Glen Leiraig
Explore the lost township of Glen Leireag and discover the secrets of this magical woodland glen. Seek out moorland wildlife and golden eagles. Meet at Nedd Bridge, 3km east of Drumbeg. Time: 11am - 3pm Grid ref: NC 148315. Grade C. Adults £5, concessions £3
Thursday September 27 - Bone Caves - Really Wild!
A fascinating 4km walk back in time to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet at the Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph. Time: 11am - 2pm Grid ref: NC 254179. Grade C Adults £3, concessions £2
A fascinating 4km walk back in time to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet at the Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph. Time: 11am -
Explore the marvellous world of fungi. Meet the different characters and learn their secrets in one of the best woods in Sutherland. Meet at Woodside car park, Culag Woods, past the school. Time: 11am -
A fascinating 4km walk back in time to the caves where the bones of Ice Age reindeer, humans and even polar bears were discovered. Meet at the Bone Caves car park, 4km south of Inchnadamph. Time: 11am -
All the walks are led by one of the Rangers. It is important though that you think of your own safety and that of any children for whom you are responsible. Remember too that these are country walks in the Highland weather so please dress accordingly. Bring sturdy shoes, or boots, a picnic and a sense of fun. The Rangers reserve the right to cancel any of these events.
Walk Grades: A is easiest, D most challenging, including very rough ground and sometimes steep climbs.
Sorry watching wildlife is not usually compatible with dogs.
Costs as per walk. There are also Family rates.
Costs as per walk. There are also Family rates.
For further information, contact:
Highland Council Countryside Rangers,
Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver IV27 4LX
Telephone: 01571 844654
Email: andy.summers@highland.gov.uk
Or visit the Assynt Tourism Group website www.assynt.info
Please remember Know the Code before you go:
“Enjoy, Respect and Protect” www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
Highland Council Countryside Rangers,
Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver IV27 4LX
Telephone: 01571 844654
Email: andy.summers@highland.gov.uk
Or visit the Assynt Tourism Group website www.assynt.info
Please remember Know the Code before you go:
“Enjoy, Respect and Protect” www.outdooraccess-
Guided Walks in Assynt 2012
Cuairtean le Treoraiche Asainte
Cuairtean le Treoraiche Asainte
Highland Council Countryside Rangers
