North West Highlands Geopark
Empowering the people and communities of Scotland’s North West Coast
We live in a beautiful place, which may look wild and empty, but it has been home to people for thousands of years. It carries the imprint of our activities, past and present, almost everywhere you look. Our UNESCO Global Geopark status is a really special recognition of how we work together to enhance geological heritage, and promote research and enjoyment. Our Charity is the custodian of that status, supporting and encouraging partnership working to manage the North West Highlands together using the UNESCO Global Geopark model for sustainable development.
Earth Mind Geotour 2027
Guided Tours of Knockan Crag
We are hiring at the Rock Stop!
Introducing our new Geopark Education & Engagement Officer!
We are hiring! We are looking for an Education & Engagement Officer
Dark Skies Festival
Highlands Controversy Geotour 2026
Geopark Geotours 2026
Earth Mind Geotour 2026
Latest News
Interested in what’s been going on at the Geopark? Check out some of our latest news stories below to find out more!
Our Geopark
Story
Our vision is for the North West Highlands to become a thriving and sustainable rural economy.
Beneath
The Mountains
New Guides
Available
With funding from NatureScot and the Highland Council a new Tour Guide is now here.
Support our Geopark
The North West Highlands GeoPark Limited is a social enterprise and a charity which re-invests profits to ensure ongoing development of geo-tourism projects, conservation and educational programmes.
Become a Friend of our GeoPark
As a friend of the Geopark you will be helping to support the management of our vitally important geological area.
Volunteer at our GeoPark
Volunteering with the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark allows you to play a part in something unique and special.
Donate to our GeoPark
Please click the ‘Donate’ button below to be invited to donate via Paypal. If you’d like to purchase a car sticker or pin badge to show your support, head over to our online shop.
Keep up to date with all
the latest from the Geopark.
Subscribe to the Northwest Highlands Geopark Newsletter and keep up to date with the latest news, developments, and happenings; from the Geopark straight to your inbox.
About
our Geopark
We believe that being part of a Global Network gives us a collective strength, both in giving our region a louder voice, and in furthering our knowledge.
Our Vision
We believe in creating a thriving, sustainable rural economy. Working in partnership with local government, relevant agencies and local businesses we are nurturing connections between the people and places at the heart of the Geopark.
Our Mission
Our mission is to celebrate, conserve and promote our unique, internationally recognised geological heritage in a manner consistent with our status as a Scottish Registered Charity and a UNESCO accredited NGO. We are visibly embedded in our communities, both local and international, and work alongside trusted partners who share our values and aspirations. In so doing, we aspire to use this heritage to help maintain economically sustainable communities, being ever mindful of climate change and wider social issues.
Geopark Ambassadors
To best support our charitable mission we have established light touch collaborations with other local businesses and organisations who share similar values and goals.
Discover Our Geoheritage
Geoheritage
at our Geopark
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.
A Moving Story
A Moving Story
Although the ground beneath our feet seems solid, in reality the surface of the Earth is made up of a number of plates which float across its surface. When plates move away from each other this can create huge rifts, faults and volcanic ridges.
The Big Freeze
The Big Freeze
2.4 million years ago the climate cooled so dramatically that Europe was plunged into an Ice Age lasting until 11,500 years ago.
Reading The Rocks
Reading the Rocks
Sedimentary rock starts out as little grains carried along in rivers and streams and is built up of many layers of sediment, eventually becoming compacted under the weight of layers above until it becomes rock. Erosion along the coast has exposed these rocks and in some places you can see ripple marks made by an ancient river.
The Highlands Controversy
The Highlands Controversy
By the start of the 19th century, geologists were beginning to examine regions in some detail. In 1819, Dr John MacCulloch published a work in three volumes, A Description of the Western Isles of Scotland… which remained the classic account of the geology of the area for at least fifty years.
Edward Greenly
Edward Greenly: Working on the Geological Survey 1888-1895
When looking at the history of 19th century geology in Scotland, and in particular, at the Highlands Controversy, certain names stand out: Murchison and Geikie, for example, and later, Callaway and Lapworth.
Pebble Routes pack
£5.00
Coigach Geotrail
£3.00
The Geopark Online Shop
Whether visiting form afar or looking to learn more about your local Geopark, you’ll find plenty of helpful guides and local resources in the Geopark Online Shop!
Upcoming Events
Events at
our Geopark
We host a number of different events to help you engage with the Geopark. Discover our events today to find out how you can engage with the Geopark.
What is a Fossil? Workshop at The Rock Stop
If you’re interested in ancient life, come along to the “What is a Fossil?” workshop at The Rock Stop visitor centre on Tuesday 25th August, led by Geopark Education & Engagement Officer, geologist and palaeontologist, Dr Marie Marsden. No prior knowledge needed – suitable for all curious minds and ages! The North West Highlands Geopark contains some amazing rocks! But have you ever wondered, what actually is a rock? Or perhaps you’re curious about fossils and ancient life – for example, did you know that the oldest evidence of life in Europe can be found right here in the Geopark? The “What is a Fossil?” workshop will take place on Tuesday 25th August from 2:00-3:30pm: Learn how fossils form, take a virtual trip to see the fossils of the North West Highlands Geopark, and get hands-on with some real fossils. The next workshop will be “What is a Rock?” on Tuesday 1st September from 2:00-3:30pm: Discover what makes a rock a rock, learn to identify some of the common rock types within the Geopark, and take a journey through deep time in this workshop. These are indoor events, although we may go outside at the Rock Stop, weather permitting. Book your ticket on Eventbrite The Rock Stop is open Monday-Friday from 10:00am – 4:00pm in August. The main North West Highlands Geopark exhibition is free to enter with fun activities for kids and friendly staff on hand to answer your questions. The cafe is currently serving hot and cold drinks, light lunches, cakes and ice cream, and the gift shop stocks a selection of local gifts, guides, books and maps. Plan your visit to The Rock Stop
Book Now
Guided Tour of Knockan Crag
Come and learn about what makes the North West Highlands so special at this globally famous National Nature Reserve! Discover the amazing geological stories within the rocks at Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve! Join our knowledgeable and experienced guides on one of our 6 walking tours throughout the summer months. Explore the ancient rocks and discover the fascinating history behind them. The walk is on a path, narrow in places, which while generally firm has some loose and uneven sections. There are moderate ascents and descents on sections of stone steps. Walking boots and waterproof clothing recommended. Free to attend but places are limited so please book ahead. Book via Eventbrite For further information, please contact: info@nwhgeopark.com There are 6 guided tours of Knockan Crag this summer: Thursday 4th June Tuesday 23rd June Thursday 9th July Friday 24th July Friday 7th August Wednesday 26th August All tours take place between 11:00am – 1:00pm.
Book Now
What is a Rock? Workshop at The Rock Stop
The North West Highlands Geopark contains some amazing rocks! But have you ever wondered, what actually is a rock? Discover what makes a rock a rock, learn to identify some of the common rock types within the Geopark, and take a journey through deep time in the “What is a Rock?” workshop at The Rock Stop visitor centre on Tuesday 1st September. Geopark Education & Engagement Officer Dr Marie Marsden, geologist and palaeontologist, will lead an informal and interactive workshop. No prior knowledge needed – suitable for all curious minds and ages! Or perhaps you’re curious about fossils and ancient life – for example, did you know that the oldest evidence of life in Europe can be found right here in the Geopark? There will also be a “What is a Fossil?” workshop on Tuesday 25th August from 2:00-3:30pm. Learn how fossils form, take a virtual trip to see the fossils of the North West Highlands Geopark, and get hands-on with some real fossils. These are indoor events, although we may go outside at the Rock Stop, weather permitting. Book your ticket on eventbrite The Rock Stop is open Monday-Friday from 10:00am – 4:00pm in August. The main North West Highlands Geopark exhibition is free to enter with fun activities for kids and friendly staff on hand to answer your questions. The cafe is currently serving hot and cold drinks, light lunches, cakes and ice cream, and the gift shop stocks a selection of local gifts, guides, books and maps. Plan your visit to The Rock Stop
Book Now
September Geopark Geotour
FULLY BOOKED FOR 2026 A week-long tour exploring the geology of the North West Highlands Geopark, guided by our knowledgeable and experienced Geopark Geologist Pete Harrison. A perfect introduction to the geology of the area; as home of the oldest rocks in Europe, the first identified thrust fault, the oldest and biggest meteorite impact ejecta and with evidence of the earliest life; the North West Highlands Geopark really is the “Cradle of Geology”! Fee includes tuition, insurance, transportation and materials. Accommodation is not included, however please feel free to contact us for advice. Find out more FULLY BOOKED FOR 2026 If you are interested in joining a Geopark Geotour next year, get in touch to express your interest and be notified of dates for 2027! Get in touch
Book Now