New 10KM Walking Route In Forest

Woodland gem invites more visitors  

A ‘little gem’ of forest and ancient woodland near Loch Ness is being billed as an even more perfect spot for a bit of quiet recreation and relaxation thanks to a new 10km walking route.

Craigmonie and Balmacaan woods near Drumnadrochit have been the focus of a partnership project involving Forestry Commission Scotland (which owns Craigmonie), Woodland Trust Scotland (which owns Balmacaan) and the Craigmonie Woodland Association.Together they have created a leaflet guide to the woodlands and have installed way-markers and interpretation boards to help people get the most out of their visit.

Eleanor Garty, Woodland Trust Officer for Balmacaan, said: “These amazing woods are hidden away next to Drumnadrochit, just 15 miles south of Inverness, and they are well known and well used by local walkers, cyclists and horse riders. They really are a wonderful resource for tourists, too! It’s a fantastic location with 5 different way-marked walks that should offer something for everyone – from amazing broadleaf woodland to the marvellous views across Loch Ness from the top of the hill. You can also keep your eyes open for red squirrels, bats, badgers and a host of other wildlife or if you prefer, visit the Victorian ‘ice-house or what its thought to be the remains of an Iron Age fort."

The site features a range of trails to suit all levels and that are easily accessible on foot from either end of the woodland. The newly signposted 'Glen Coiltie loop' is 10km of moderate walking which starts in Craigmonie woodland, follows forest tracks onto Cnoc a Bhuachaille and returns through Glen Coiltie.

For the less strenuous visit you can also choose from:
• Craigmonie Trail: 1.6km, fairly strenuous, steep sections, goes to viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness.
• Milton Trail: 2.5km, moderate, has Milton viewpoint with interpretation board
• Oakwood Trail: 1km, easy, loops round a 'kettlehole' in oak woods
• Balmacaan Trail: 2.5km, moderate, through oak woods.

The woods and the series of way-marked trails are signposted from the main car park at the Tourist Information Centre in Drumnadrochit, where there is also a new information panel.
To find out more about the Craigmonie Woodland Association and how you can help out, visit www.drumnadrochit.info/craigmonie-woodland-association.html

Wildlife Watching Holidays On Isle Of Mull

Mull Charters

www.mullcharters.com

In 2012 you can enjoy an amazing 3 hour Sea Eagle Adventure trip for just £35!

Mull Charters aim to provide you with the ultimate wildlife watching experience. They take small groups of people (up to 12 max) to see the magnificent White Tailed Sea Eagle in it's natural environment around the coast of stunning Mull.


Every trip is a different adventure and often result in amazing views of these spectacular birds taking fish from the surface of the sea as close as 7 metres away.

You can also look out for other species at different times of the year eg Great Northern Diver, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier etc. Sometimes you can encounter the local pod of Bottlenose Dolphins or harbour Porpoise en route.

Every trip has stunning scenery, a helpful crew and a taste of the wild, usually a hot drink and a biscuit as well.

They also offer specialist trips for photographers, sea angling trips and visits to the historical Isle of Inch Kenneth.

Please take the time to visit Trip Advisor and see what previous guests have said about their trips.

Check out their youtube link for more wildlife watching experiences www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKVp6l0-99g

Find more wildlife watching holidays on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Art In The Countryside - Connecting Light On Hadrians Wall

If you're lucky enough to be anywhere near Hadrians Wall this coming weekend (Fri 31 Aug & Sat 1 Sep) then keep a look out for an impressive and very unique art installation which will be taking place all along the wall as part of the London 2012 Festival.

On the Friday and Saturday nights, between 8pm and 11pm, some 400 tethered weather balloons - each 6ft in diameter - will be lit by internal LED lights creating a spectacular new art installation called Connecting Light, which will become 'a line of pulsating colours as messages are sent to and along Hadrians Wall.'

Apparently some of the best places to enjoy this spectacle are at the recommended viewing locations between Wallsend and Bowness on Solway.

If you can't see it in person then head online to view it digitally, for more details go to www.hadrian-wall.org/london2012 or  go to Twitter and follow @ConnectingLight

Eco Luxury B&B IN Scottish Highlands

Huntingtower Lodge, Druimarbin, Fort William

www.huntingtowerlodge.com

Chris and Jackie Clifford would like to welcome you into their West Highland home. Come to relax and enjoy 21st Century comfort at Huntingtower Lodge, a contemporary boutique B&B offering a "haven of tranquillity" overlooking Loch Linnhe.

The Lodge, with its stunning and ever changing views of Loch Linnhe, is 2 miles south west of Fort William, the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK.' All accommodation has extensive views across the loch towards the Ardgour peninsula and offers the opportunity to spot some of the varied wildlife around the Lodge.

The Lodge is light, bright and modern with double glazing and central heating throughout and is run as a green establishment (GTBS Gold Award). They provide free wi-fi access and the use of a lap-top if required. There is ample off-road parking, a secure garage for bikes and drying facilities for outdoor gear. They are happy to collect guests arriving in Fort William by public transport and can also transport guests who are walking the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way or travelling on the Jacobite Express. All lifts are by prior arrangement - a donation for this service to their preferred charity, The John Muir Trust, is always appreciated.

Find eco friendly holidays on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Wildlife Watching Holidays on Isle of Skye

Seaprobe Atlantis - Glass Bottom Boat Trips, Isle of Skye
 www.seaprobeatlantis.com

Seaprobe Atlantis is Scotland's only semi-submersible glass bottom boat, operating from the Marine Conservation area at Kyle of Lochalsh and recently voted 'Best UK Wildlife Experience' by the Daily Telegraph June 2010.

The boat operates 4 trips per day from March to 31st October and visits the local common seal colony with 25 - 45 seals, the local seabird nesting islands, with 16 different species spotted, and you can look for otters along the coast with an average one otter sighting per day.

Lochalsh is probably the best place in the UK for otter spotting. The unique feature of the boat is the large underwater viewing gallery with 26 underwater windows. The boat explores the shallow coastal waters, amongst the kelp beds and egg wrack, where you  can see a number of different fish species as well as star fish, jellyfish, sea urchins and crabs.

All trips are guided, binoculars, refreshments and toilets are available.
Find wildlife watching holidays on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Late Summer Special Offers - Burnbrae Cottages, Scotland

Begrum Cottage
Available
Aug 20-24, 4 nights £337
Aug 25-Sept 1, 7 nights £391, shorter stays available.
Sept 1-4, 3 nights £320

Thairn Cottage
Available
Aug 25- Sept 1, 7 nights £391,6 nights £373,4 nights £337
Sept 15th 7 nights, £400,6 nights £380, 5 nights £360, 3 nights £320.

Mungos Well cottage
Available Aug 28-Sept 1, 4 nights £340
Sept 8-15, 7 nights £400 shorter stays available

Burnbrae Holidays, Burnbrae Mill, Nenthorn, Kelso , Scottish Borders
www.burnbraehol.co.uk



Burnbrae says:
"We offer eco friendly cottages in a peaceful spot in the heart of the Scottish Borders. The site is surrounded by agricultural land but is no longer a working farm. We have 3, four star cottages which were converted from a stone barn. The south facing conservatory in each cottage has views across the secluded garden, Eden Water and across the border between Scotland and England to the Cheviot Hills.

It is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts to relax and view a wide variety of native wildlife. The fields and banks of the Eden Water can be explored directly from your cottage. Cycling is a particular pleasure on the network of quiet lanes around Burnbrae and for mountain bikers the world renowned Glen Tress is short drive away. At Burnbrae, we have a lockable cycle store and we can provide you with a key for the duration of your stay.

Each cottage has a heated drying cupboard. A washing machine and a tumble-drier are available on-site. Each light and airy one bedroomed cottage is generously equipped for 2-4 people for self-catering. The cottages are on one level and have level access from the car park.

PV solar panels on site provide electricity. We grow our own wood for the wood burning stove in each living room. We aim to ensure that the overall effect of our business activities enhances the local environment, and has minimal detrimental impact on the wider environment, including impact on the availability of resources in the future. As evidence of our success in this we hold the gold award under the Green Tourism Business Scheme."

Please call Yvette on 01573 225570  for details or to book

Eco Holidays In Wales - Trallwm Forest Cottages

Trallwm Forest Cottages, Abergwesyn, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys
www.forestcottages.co.uk


With 8 Cottages set in 400 acres of woodland there is something for everyone at Trallwm Forest Cottages.
The cottages are only 10 miles from Llyn Brianne Resevoir where you drive through the famous Devil's Staircase, visit Elan Valley and walk through acres of open land to the Drygan (641m).

The cottages are set in a beautiful unspoilt Welsh valley and woodland where you will find open land to explore, three mountain bike trails, a landscaped lake, many walking routes and complete peace and tranquilty.

For over 25 years these traditional Welsh slate and stone cottages have provided a warm and comfortable base to explore the beauty and attractions of Mid Wales.

Key Features :- outstanding birdwatching, on-site mountain bike trails, on-site cafe, no traffic, streetlights or noise pollution, wood burning stoves and fantastic walking routes.


Find eco friendly holidays on Wild & Green Escapes