Outdoor events around Shenval B&B, Loch Ness, Glen Affric.

2008 HIGHLIGHTS...

The 5th Glen Affric Walking Festival will be held on Friday 30th May to Monday 2nd June 2008. Close to Shenval B&B, on a theme of "Ancient landscapes" the 4-day event will offer a total of 15 walks, 7 of which totally new.

For the physically fit or very fit and led by professional mountain guides, 8 hill walks are featured, 2 of which combined into a 2-day trek taking in all but 3 of the Munros on the north side of Glen Affric.
4 of the 7 low level walks will be taking visitors on little-known paths and will focus on local life past and present. Pierre will share some of his local knowledge on a walk from Shenval to Tomich, stopping at a prehistoric site on the way and going through Corrimony RSPB Reserve before the viewpoint highlight of the day is reached above the Tomich hill lochs.
Some aspects of wildlife conservation will also be highlighted by leaders from Forestry Commission Scotland, RSPB and Highland Council Countryside Rangers. Participants are invited to take part in two evening venison barbecues and bat walks just as darkness falls in Glen Affric.
Booking essential. All details available on THIS LINK

MAY

Throughout May: Corbett Challenge at a hill near you. Raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. As many Macmillan supporters as possible on the top of the Corbett hills during the month, that is hills between 2,500 feet (762m) and 3,000 feet (914m). There is a choice of two of these in the Shenval area : Sgorr na Diollaid and Beinn a' Bha'ach Ard. Contact Fiona Hawthorne on 01349 865190 e : northscotland@macmillan.org.uk or visit www.macmillan.org.uk

Tues 14th, Walk the Way: Fort Augustus - Invermoriston. 09.00 start. Phone for details. Walk the length of the Great Glen Way in the company of the Rangers, come for the week or just a few days. Transport cost may apply, £3.00. Contact Great Glen Way Rangers Tel: 01320 366 633 E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Thursday 15th, Roe Deer Watch with the Forest Rangers. The Forestry Commission Rangers will be doing deer watching throughout the year to see Roe, Sika and Red Deer when they are at their best. Come along and learn about the beautiful deer that live in the woods and how to identify them and their signs.
Places are limited on these free events and booking is essential. Next watches: 10th June for Sika deer and 12th October for Red deer.
To book or for more information contact the Forest Rangers at Fort Augustus on 01320 366 322 or email : fort@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Tues 15th, Walk the Way: Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit. 09.00 start. Phone for details. Walk the length of the Great Glen Way in the company of the Rangers, come for the week or just a few days. Transport cost may apply, £3.00. Contact Great Glen Way Rangers Tel: 01320 366 633 E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Tues 16th, Walk the Way: Drumnadrochit - Inverness. 09.00 start. Phone for details. Walk the length of the Great Glen Way in the company of the Rangers, come for the week or just a few days. Transport cost may apply, £3.00. Contact Great Glen Way Rangers Tel: 01320 366 633 E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Sat 17th, Hillwalking for beginners above Loch Ness. Meall Fuar Mhonaidh, Bunloit, near Drumnadrochit. 10.00 -17.00. Meeting place details given out at booking. Always wanted to learn how to use a map and compass? Come along and find out on this introduction to hillwalking. Views from the ridge and top make the effort worthwhile. Honest! This walk is 6miles/9km long, up to 696m high and is weather dependent. Cost £5, bring walking boots and full waterproofs. Contact Katy Martin, Inverness Ranger Tel: 01463 702933 or e-mail katy.martin@highland.gov.uk

Sat 17th, Scarecrow capers in Beauly. 10.00 - 12.00 or 13.00 - 15.00. Hands on family scarecrow making session. Meet at the Beauly Centre. Contact The Beauly Centre, Tel: 01463 783444

Saturday 17th May, Good Garden Insect Homes, part of the Beauly Scarecrow Festival.
Drop in and make a home for the insects you need in your garden to control pests. Meet at the Beauly Centre in Beauly ( OS Grid ref. NH 528465) at 1.30pm. Ends 3.30pm. This event is free but donations are welcome. Contact Corinne Hambly, Inverness West Ranger Tel : 01463 710786 E-mail : Corinne.hambly@highland.gov.uk

Saturday 17 May 3.30-5.30pm, pro Crow Walk, Beauly. Crows are brilliant! Come along and find out how they and their cousins live. Farmland fun and silliness on this free family event. Meet at the Beauly Centre in Beauly ( OS Grid ref. NH 528465). This event is free but donations are welcome. Contact Corinne Hambly, Inverness West Ranger Tel : 01463 710786 E-mail : Corinne.hambly@highland.gov.uk

Sun 18th, Nature Detectives - Biocluedo at Abriachan. 14.00 -16.00. OS Grid ref NH 540 354 Abriachan Forest Trust carpark classroom. Come and try your hand at being a nature detective. Can you solve the animal whodunnit? A family friendly event in partnership with Abriachan Forest Trust. Contact Katy Martin, Inverness Ranger Tel: 01463 702933

Sunday 18 May 2-4pm, Nature Detectives-Biocluedo, Abriachan. Come and try your hand at being a nature detective. Can you solve the animal whodunit? A free family event in partnership with Abriachan Forest Trust. Contact Katy Martin, Inverness Countryside Ranger Tel. 01463 702933 or e-mail katy.martin@highland.gov.uk

Tues 20th to Fri 23th, Badger watch on Loch Ness side. 21.00 - 22.30. For 4 evenings Highland Council Countryside and Forestry Commission Rangers will be taking small groups out to watch badgers at a secret location on Loch Ness side. They promise to be magical evenings. Meeting place details will be given out on booking. This event is free but donations are welcome. Contact Katy Martin, Inverness Countryside Ranger Tel. 01463 702933 or e-mail katy.martin@highland.gov.uk

Friday 30th to Monday 2nd June: Fifth Glen Affric Walking Festival. Details at the top of this page

JUNE

The seventh consecutive annual National Whale and Dolphin Watch takes place between 21st of June and 29th of June. Members of the public are once again invited to take part, either by helping trained observers or by sending in sightings. More details from HERE
Nearest to Shenval B&B, manned observation points will be heled in the Moray Firth at these locations:
Chanonry Point, Moray Firth, 23 June, 3-6pm
Fort George, inside from Western Battlement 27 June, 10am-1pm
South Sutor of Cromarty, 300m down path from top, 28 June, 10am-1pm
Contact for this latter location: Howard Loates Tel: 01463 221312, Email: howardloates@talktalk.net
Recommended local whale watching operators, based in Cromarty: Ecoventures www.ecoventures.co.uk

Monday 1st and Saturday 2nd: last two days of the 5th Glen Affric Walking Festival. Details at the top of this page.

Sunday 1st, Great Glen Geology in Invermoriston, Meet at Invermoriston Hall, OS Grid ref NH 421 167. 10.30 - 15.00 A chance to discover all that there is to know about the rocking and rolling of the Great Glen. Must be booked in advance. For further information please contact the Great Glen Way Rangers. Tel: 01320 366 633. E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Tuesday 10th, Sika Deer Watch with the Forest Rangers. The Forestry Commission Rangers will be doing deer watching throughout the year to see Roe, Sika and Red Deer when they are at their best. Come along and learn about the beautiful deer that live in the woods and how to identify them and their signs.

Places are limited on these free events and booking is essential. Next watches: 12th October for Red deer.
To book or for more information contact the Forest Rangers at Fort Augustus on 01320 366 322 or email : fort@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Saturday 14th, Forest Fishing. Join the Forestry Commission Forest Rangers as they fish for wild brown trout in the beautiful quiet lochans of the forest.
No experience needed and all ages and abilities are welcome - but booking is essential.
To book or for more information contact the Forest Rangers at Fort Augustus on 01320 366 322 or email : fort@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Monday 16th , Call my bluff at the Abriachan shielings, 14:00-16:00. Walk to the shieling sites on Abriachan Forest Trust land and discover the uses of some old crofting artefacts. Details and bookings: call Susan Barr on 01463 861259 or email jbarrabr@aol.com

Saturday 21st, Midsummer Gathering, Alt Sigh above Loch Ness, 7pm – 1am. Meet at Invermoriston Hall, OS Grid ref NH 421 167. Watch the longest day of the year and enjoy the celebrations on the Great Glen Way above Loch Ness and Alt Sigh. Must be booked in advance. Location may change depending on weather. For further information please contact the Great Glen Way Rangers. Tel: 01320 366 633. E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Sat 21st Summer at the Shielings. Abriachan Forest Trust. 20.00 - late. Meet at Abriachan Forest Trust car park OS Grif ref NH 540 355. Ceilidh at the Shielings stormed off last year but surely not again? We will make music and also find artefacts from years ago when we had fine summers. Contact Abriachan Forest Trust Tel: 01463 861259

Saturday 21st, Highland Cross 2008. The Highland Cross is a 50-mile duathlon (20 miles on foot, 30 miles on bike) for walkers, joggers, runners and cyclists traversing the spectacular Scottish Highlands coast to coast, west to east from Kintail through Glen Affric and Strathglass to Beauly. Application list is now closed with 240 teams (720 people) taking part. Read more HERE

Sunday 22nd Scotland's Garden Scheme open day at House of Aigas and Field Centre by Beauly from 14.00 till 17.00

28th June to 4th July Daily. Beauly & Glens Scarecrow Festival. Beauly & Glens Area. Take part in scarecrow spotting tour around the area. Great fun for all the family! Contact The Beauly Centre Tel: 01463 783444

JULY

Sat 19th, Hillwalking for beginners above Loch Ness. Meall Fuar Mhonaidh, Bunloit, near Drumnadrochit. 10.00 -17.00. Meeting place details given out at booking. Always wanted to learn how to use a map and compass? Come along and find out on this introduction to hillwalking. Views from the ridge and top make the effort worthwhile. Honest! This walk is 6miles/9km long, up to 696m high and is weather dependent. Cost £5, bring walking boots and full waterproofs. Contact Katy Martin, Inverness Ranger Tel: 01463 702933 or e-mail katy.martin@highland.gov.uk

Saturday 26 July, Meet the Gruffalo, in Shenval, Glen Urquhart, 2-3.30pm. A mouse took a stroll in the deep dark woods… Can you be like the mouse and follow the trail to find the Gruffalo? This event is most suitable for families with children under the age of 8 years. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Meet at Shenval (Grid ref. NH 405 297). Contact organiser for more information: Corinne Hambly, Inverness West Ranger 01463 710786 or Corinne.hambly@highland.gov.uk

Wed 30th Meet the Gruffalo. Abriachan. 14.00 -15.30. Meet at Abriachan Forest Trust car park OS Grid ref NH 540 354. A mouse took awalk in the deep dark woods… Can you be like the mouse and follow the trail to find the Gruffalo? This event is most suitable for families with children under the age of 8. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 2km walk.
Contact Katy Martin, Inverness Ranger Tel: 01463 702933 or e-mail katy.martin@highland.gov.uk

AUGUST

Sun 3rd Great Glen Way in Bite-sized chunks. Drover's Roads. Great Glen House, Inverness OS Grid ref NH 638 441. 10.30 - 15.00. Walk from Taylor's Bend through Blackfold and down towards Inverness along the route of the old cattle drove road. Cost £3.00 For further information please contact the Great Glen Way Rangers. Tel: 01320 366 633. E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Tue 5th Literature in an Inspiring Landscape. Meet at Reelig Glen carpark OS Grid ref NH 559 431 14.00 - 15.30. Listen to some quotes from fabulous writers in a landscape which has inspired so many. Bring along your favourite quotes as participation is most welcome. Contact Corinne Hambly, Inverness West Ranger Tel: 01463 710786

Wed 6th Climate Chaos.10.30 - 15.00. Fort Augustus Memorial Hall, OS Grid ref NH 379 093 What is happening to the earth's climate and what can we do to stop it getting worse? Come along and find out more. John Muir Award Day. Call for details. Cost £3.00. For further information please contact the Great Glen Way Rangers. Tel: 01320 366 633. E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Wed 13th See the Glen from the Water 12.30 - 14.00. Invermoriston Millennium Hall OS Grid ref NH 421 167 Travel up the River Moriston by canoe and experience the glen from a different perspective. Cost £35.00. CFor further information please contact the Great Glen Way Rangers. Tel: 01320 366 633. E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Sat 16th Things that go bump in the night. Abriachan. 20.00 - 22.00. Meeting place details given out on booking. If you go down to the woods tonight.....Come along on this evening walk to find out what's out and about in the forest at night. There's much more than you think! Contact Katy Martin, Inverness Ranger Tel: 01463 702 933

Sat 16th Dusk Dawdle in Fort Augustus 20.00 - 22.30. Meet at Fort Augustus Memorial Hall OS Grid ref NH 379 093. Join the Rangers for a walk around Fort Augustus and along the Caledonian Canal on the hunt for bats, moths and other creatures of the night. Bring midge repellent and a torch. Cost £3.00. Contact Great Glen Way Rangers Tel: 01320 366 633 E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Sunday 17th Loch Ness 360 Cycling event around Loch Ness to raise funds for Marie Curie, Clic Sargent and Birchwood Highland. - Option: Solo or team (must finish together). Distance : 122.5km (with several food & water checks). Height Climbed : 3000 feet. Click HERE www.lochness360.com/index.html. for more information.

SEPTEMBER

Sat 6th Great Glen Way in Bite-sized Chunks. Indian Summer in Fort Augustus, 10.30 - 15.00. Meet at Bunoich Brae Carpark, Fort Augustus OS Grid ref NH 377 096. A walk from Invermoriston to Fort Augustus with views along Loch Ness. Cost £3.00. Great Glen Way Rangers Tel: 01320 366633 E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk www.greatglenway.com/index.htm

Saturday 13th/Sat 14th First Monster Team Duathlon (120K Loch Ness Team Challenge). This unique event sees teams of four taking on the Monster team duathlon challenge. Experience the drama and excitement of the 120k duathlon course as you run and bike around the shores of Loch Ness. Event Website: www.firstmonster.co.uk

Sat 27th A Squirrel's Mapping Exercise in Abriachan forest, 14.00 - 16.00. Meet at Woodland Trust carpark at Abriachan, Grid ref NH 572346, just off the A82. Help the most forgetful squirrel in Abriachan design a map of the woods so he can find his hazelnut stash in hungry times. Contact Abriachan Forest Trust Tel: 01463 861259

Sat 27th Bats in Beauly, 20.00 - 21.30. Meet at Phipps Hall, Beauly, OS Grid ref NH525463. Welcome to the wonderful world of bats. Come along to a short presentation followed by a walk in search of these amazing creatures. Cost £2.00 Adults, £1.00 Children. Contact Corinne Hambly, Inverness West Ranger Tel: 01463 710786

OCTOBER

Sunday 5th, The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running, in Inverness. The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is the largest participatory sporting event in the north of Scotland, offering a race for all ages and abilities. The Festival of Running features the 26.2 mile marathon following a spectacular point-to point route along the shores of Loch Ness, the River Ness 10K through the historic Highland capital of Inverness and the River Ness 5K Fun Run. A Pasta Party is also included in the festivities. A festival atmosphere with pipes and drums, live music, charity and sports retailer expo, entertainment and Highland food for both runners and spectators. Click here to enter the marathon, 10K or 5K races online today!
For full information on all of the events please click here

Sat 11th Wade's Road Walk, Fort Augustus 10:30 - 15:00. An archaeology week walk from Fort Augustus to Glenmoriston along one of Wade's Military Roads. Must be booked in advance. For further information please contact the Great Glen Way Rangers. Tel: 01320 366 633. E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk

Sunday 12th Funeral Road Walk by Loch Ness 13:00 - 14:00.
Walk along one of Scotland's ancient funeral roads and hear the stories of the people that used it. Must be booked in advance.
For further information please contact the Great Glen Way Rangers. Tel: 01320 366 633. E-mail: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk

Wednesday 15th Through the mists of time at Abriachan 14:00-16:00. For thousands of years people have lived their lives at Abriachan. Come along and find out how they lived and tap into the creativity of the ancients. Meet at Abriachan Forest Trust classroom (Grid ref. NH 540 354). A free event but donations are most welcome. Contact: Katy Martin, Inverness Ranger. Tel. 01463 702933 or katy.martin@highland.gov.uk

Saturday 25th Mountain Bike Mayhem in Fort Augustus. 10:30 - 15:30. Meet at Bunoich Brae Car Park, Fort Augustus. A guided mountain bike tour through the forests around Fort Augustus and along the Caledonian Canal. Bring your own bike and helmet (no equipment will be provided). No helmet, no ride! No unaccompanied children. Bring a packed lunch, a drink and dress appropriately for the conditions on the day. Reasonable level of fitness required. Call for more information: 01320 366 633 or
contact: Great Glen Way Rangers, greatglen@highland.gov.uk, www.greatglenway.com

NOVEMBER

Thursday 20th, Woodcock in the Ancient Pine Forests of Glen Affric. Come along and help look for one of the forest's least seen inhabitants - the shy Woodcock!

Join the Forestry Commission Rangers as they look through the ancient forest for this amazing bird, learn about its migration , habits, associated folklore and why the old forest is such an important habitat. Bring warm clothes, walking boots and binoculars!
Free Event - meet at Dog Falls, Glen Affric at 9am.
Booking essential on 01320 366 222 or email : fort@forestry.gsi.gov.uk