New guided walks launched for Badenoch and Strathspey
Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers have just launched their new brochure featuring over 400 guided walks and events including in Badenoch and Strathspey.
They are encouraging everyone to get out and explore the great outdoors and find out more about the wildlife to be found in the area.
Some highlights in the programme of walks and events, that covers the whole of the Highlands and Moray, include Gruffalo children’s activity days, long distance walks, mountain conservation days, whale and dolphin spotting, wild food foraging and gentle wildlife walks.
Badenoch countryside ranger Duncan Macdonald said: "There is something for everyone, no matter what age, level of fitness or interests."
Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: "The 2012 programme is packed with lots of ideas to raise awareness and encourage appreciation of the wonderful scenery, wildlife, and heritage that we have.
"Our countryside rangers have a huge amount of knowledge and are experts at knowing just where to go to spot wildlife.
"They can offer advice and support and, as all the walks in the brochure are graded, anyone interested can get an idea of the level of fitness required.
"Having such a comprehensive list of events in a handy booklet makes it very easy to find out what is happening.
"This is an excellent opportunity not just for people who live here but also for visitors to get involved and take part in our wonderful great outdoors. With so many events on offer there really is something for everyone to enjoy."
New this year is a special season ticket to help people get the best value possible. The card is valid for hundreds of ranger events, all over Highland, all year. Single tickets are £20 and family tickets (five people and a maximum of two adults) are £40.
Also new this year is the collaboration between The Highland Council and Moray Rangers.
Ms Lynda Dodd, who co-ordinated the project, said: "This is the first year we have worked with our colleagues at Moray Council to co-ordinate including all of our events in the one booklet.
"This offers people a very practical way of finding out what is on in both of our areas. Another bonus is that by working together on the project we have been able to provide real value for money and a better resource for local businesses and individuals."
Copies of the booklet, listing all the opportunities that are running from April until the end of autumn, are now available free of charge.
Visit online at www.highland.gov.uk/countrysiderangers for more details or get in touch by emailing ranger@highland.gov.uk, or by calling (01463) 702825.
