Welcome to the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark!
The North West Highlands is the most beautiful part of the UK, with an unrivalled landscape, outstanding wildlife and vibrant, living culture. The rocks and landforms have formed over 3 billion years of Earth history—our geology is world-class, and it’s no surprise that the North West Highlands is one of only seven UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK, and one of only two in Scotland.
Global Geoparks are places where fantastic geology is used to support local communities, mainly through developing exciting opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and understand our landscape, our nature and our culture. We have so much in store for you…
We organise events and activities of all kinds, with the emphasis on fun and discovery—walks to wild places, family events, tours on land and sea, and opportunities to get involved with local community celebrations of how special the Geopark is. Join our expert guides on a geotour, come face to face with extinct wildlife at the Bone Caves at Inchnadamph, explore the giant floodlit Smoo sea cave, watch whales, dolphins and sea birds off our stunning shore. And that’s just the beginning of your experience in the Geopark.
This is a place to enjoy slowly, to take the back road, to leave the car and walk or cycle, to let the wild mountains get under your skin (and for us to help you get under theirs), and to meet our communities and share in their love of our landscape.
At the Rock Stop, the information centre for the Geopark at Unapool, you can meet some of our staff and volunteers, who can help you make the most of your visit with us. You can enjoy the displays of amazing geology and landscape, have a coffee and cake and enjoy the view across to the world-famous Moine Thrust—perhaps the best info-centre view in the country.
There are lots of ways to find out about the North West Highlands, and the work of the Charity, but a good place to start is this page.
Here you’ll find information about our fantastic landscape, our Pebble Route tours guiding you through it, our geology, wildlife, and culture, plus how to enjoy our many events and activities and those other local organisations that work to make this Scotland’s most beautiful and exciting destination.
Did you know that we are currently running a three year programme to develop the Geopark? Check out our Access, Connect Take-Part page!
