Walking at a leisurely pace, we offer an especially detailed insight into the natural history and geology of this remote region of Sutherland. We explore Assynt's wide range of habitats - from hilltop to seashore, from acid bog to limestone crag - and we take a close look at the flora and fauna they support. Assynt has long been inhabited, and we will be searching for traces of the people who lived here, and learning how they survived and worked this often barren land.
The uplands and moors attract eagles, divers and greenshanks, while the deep, wooded glens are home to pine martens, otters and badgers. We walk to the caves above Allt Nan Umh (no comma) which are among the most interesting in Scotland; animal bones found here include those of the brown bear, polar bear and Arctic fox, all of which inhabited this area during the last ice age some 11,000 years ago. Near the village of Drumbeg we explore the sheltered woodland - remnants of the once extensive north-western forests - comprising a rich mix of birch, rowan, hazel, aspen, wych elm and oak, while the damp, sheltered glens and gorges support many species of moss and lichen. Formed on Lewisian gneiss and dominated by the mountain, Quinaig, the landscape here is typified by rolling hills, rocky ridges and numerous lochans. Further north, around the bays at Oldshoremore and Oldshorebeg, we find some of the richest machair on mainland Britain - a fertile host to more than 200 species of flowering plants.
Trip Leader:
This holiday will be led by Robin Noble. Robin has known Assynt for most of his life and is a keen naturalist, archaeologist, historian and walker. He was manager of the Orkney Field Centre and of the Aigas Field Centre. He has since been Director of the Council for Scottish Archaeology and done a great deal of work with the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Accommodation:
The Riverside Hotel in Ullapool is a centrally-located, comfortable, family-run hotel. Most comfortable rooms are en suite. Dinners are arranged at one or two of the village's friendly restaurants.
Walking Grade:
The walking is graded as moderate, however because of the nature of these trips we will walk less miles on a day; on average about 6 miles. Gradients are generally easy. On the trips we will wonder off path, so you will have to be prepared for some rough and boggy ground in places. Basic fitness required.
Notes:
Dates: May 13
Start: Saturday, Inverness Station 13:30
Finish: Saturday, Inverness Station 10:00
Availability: 13 May 2006 - 20 May 2006
Price Includes: 7 nights in Hotel based on Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, 5 days guided walking.Single Room Supplement: &70 (Pounds)
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Scotland
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