The North West Highlands Geopark is a geological wonderland: the rocks range from the 3 billion year old Lewisian Gneiss to the Torridonian Sandstone which makes up the spectacular mountains such as Ben More Coigach, Suilven and Quinag. White quartzite caps many mountains and the largest area of limestone in Scotland occurs in the Geopark. For geologists, however, the most famous feature is the Moine Thrust, a large geological fault that attests to the vast forces that built the Caledonian Mountain Range, some 400 million years ago. Much more recently, during the Ice Age, vast glaciers sculpted the mountains and valleys as we see them today.
The geological history and the way that geological processes shaped the landscape is explained in various visitor centres and road side panels. The visitor can also learn more on guided walks during the summer months.
'''Hiking''' Many hikes can be made in the Geopark. Challenging walks are the ascent of Conival and Ben More Assynt, Foinaven and Suilven.
'''Bird Watching''' The Geopark as a great variety of birds. One of the best places is the Handa Island Bird Reserve which in the right time of year can host up to 100.000 breeding seabirds, such as puffins, shags, guillemots and kittiwakes. Handa Island can only be reached by open ferry from the hamlet of Tarbet. This ferry is operated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and operates from April to September http://www.swt.org.uk/wildlife/popup_reserves/north/handa.htm.
'''Rock climbing''' Generally the best rock climbing is on the Torridonian Sandstone. Excellent rock climbing can be found on the sea cliffs near Reiff, on the Coigach Peninsula. Climbs on Stac Pollaidh are also well-known, but probably the best known climbs are on the sea-stacks of Am Buachaille and The Old Man of Stoer. Good climbs on Lewisian Gneiss can be found around Kinlochbervie and Sheigra. In Strath Dionard there are some good climbs on quartzite. None of the climbing routes have bolts or pegs, so all protection must be placed by the climber. The best source of information is the climbers guide "The Northern Hihglands" publihsed by the Scottish Mountaineering Club, available in outdoor shops throughout Scotland
'''Caving''' Smoo Cave near Durness is a huge cave entrance, widened by coastal erosion. In summertime, a small boat tour can be made deeper in the cave. Challenging caves - for experienced cavers only - are near Inchandamph and Elphin.
'''Fishing''' Fishing for trout is possible in many lochs, but permits are needed! Try the Inchnadamph Hotel.
'''Golf''' A 9-hole golf course overlooking the Atlantic is at Durness; visitors are welcome. For info see website of the Durness Golf Club [http://www.durnessgolfclub.org]
'''Organised activities'''
'''''Guided walks''''' are organised by the Countryside Rangers during the summer months. See [http://www.northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk/events.html] for details or check out the Visitor centres / Tourist Information centres at Lochinver or Durness.
'''''Walking holidays''''' There are two local trekkking companies that organise walking holidays in and around the Geopark: Point North West http://www.pointnorthwest.co.uk/ and North West Frontiers[http://www.nwfrontiers.com/]. The "Nor' West Trek" organised by North West frontiers crosses the enitre Geopark in a six-day trek. Both companies use local tour guides with a wealth of knowledge of the local flora, fauna, history and geology.
'''''Outdoor activitites''''' Outdoor activity holidays for adults, families and youngstres are organised by Cape Adventure [http://www.capeadventure.co.uk/index.html]. Activities include sea kayaking, climbing, abseiling and orienteering.
For walks of any lenght take the following: - good footwear: paths are often wet and boggy - waterproof jacket and trousers - warm clothing: a spare fleece or jumper, gloves and a hat
and always tell someone responsible where you're going. Note that in large areas there is no mobile phone reception.
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