NORTH WEST HIGHLANDS UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

The Geopark is pleased to announce a new Geotour for 2020 – The Highlands Controversy.

The Highlands Controversy tour follows the pioneering geologists of the 19th century in their attempts to unravel the geological history of the northwest highlands. The tour will visit a number of significant locations that were studied by many of the participants in the great debate. It will be led by Geopark Geologist Pete Harrison who will help you discover the evidence that led to the theory of thrust faulting and prepared the way for the geological mapping of the Northwest Highlands.

In addition we continue to host the Geopark Geotour which travels the length of the Geopark looking at some of the oldest rocks in Europe, fossil evidence of the earliest life, traces of Scotland’s oldest recorded meteorite strike and a landscape that enabled the early geologists to develop the theory of thrust faulting. Over the course of a week you will visit areas of geological significance in the company of Geopark Geologist Pete Harrison who will provide expert guidance to help you interpret the landscape.

There are currently three Geopark and one Highlands Controversy tour available for 2020.

Geopark Geotour

Fri 15th May – Mon 18th May (extended weekend tour)
Wed 27th May – Tues 2nd June (limited spaces)
Wed 16th – Tues 22nd September

Highlands Controversy Geotour

Sat 27th June – Thurs 2nd July

We are now taking boookings for the tours. Please click the buttons below for more information.

Geopark Geotour The Highlands Controversy Geotour

Issue 52 of Earth Heritage, the geological and landscape conservation magazine, is now available online at www.earthheritage.org.uk. This winter’s issue carries a range of Scottish articles including:

Learning about fossils in Highland schools
Scotland’s first geological Nature Conservation Order designed to help protect Jurassic vertebrate fossils on Skye
News of an exhibition at Lochmaddy’s Taigh Chearsabhagh celebrating the bicentenary of the geological ‘Description of the Western Isles of Scotland’ by pioneering Scottish geologist Dr John MacCulloch
News of the latest Hugh Miller Writing Competition with poetry and prose entries invited that are inspired by one or more of the ‘51 Best Places to See Scotland’s Geology.’

It is free to subscribe and back issues of the magazine are also available on the www.earthheritage.org.uk website. For further information contact Colin MacFadyen at colin.macfadyen@nature.scot

Plan Your Visit

Whatever your interests and however you choose to travel, the Geopark has some fantastic activities and amenities on offer for everyone, all year round. Search for activities or accommodation, download leaflets and put together an itinerary that will suit the whole family.

Landscape

Stunning mountain landscapes, clean sandy beaches, ancient settlements, thriving communities – North West Highlands Geopark offers one of the best opportunities to explore wild places in Europe. Find out about the building blocks of our Geopark here.

Visitor Centre

The North West Highlands Geopark visitor centre and central hub. Cafe, local crafts and Earth Science interactive exhibition.

Pebble Routes

Are you looking for things to do in the North West Highlands? Pebble Routes are self guided trails allowing you to explore the lesser-traveled by-roads of the North West Highlands Geopark.
These driving and cycling routes through some of the nation’s best roads take in small communities and hidden treasures.