Gentle Giants Tree Tour - from the Loch Ness Hub

Hello and welcome! My name is Anna, I have lived in Glenurquhart (pronounced "Glen-urk-art"!) for thirty years and look forward to meeting you and taking you on my favourite walks. My work as a field ecologist has taken me to many beautiful places in the Highlands. I know my local area well and look forward to sharing it with you! I also lead walks for Woodland Trust and Highland Rewilding, both in Glenurquhart. I really enjoy meeting people, especially when it's outdoors, to explore and share knowledge about the natural world. My professional experience and training equips me to guide you safely on local paths away from the crowds, where you will have the best chance of experiencing wild nature, yet close to home. The glen where I live has beautiful woodlands; two are nature reserves owned by the Woodland Trust, and Glenurquhart Bay is a Special Area of Conservation. It's easy to escape into cool, green woodlands from the heat and traffic of Drumnadrochit. I can take you through Balmacaan Oak wood, visit an ancient arboretum, climb Craigmony rock for views of Loch Ness, or stroll down to Urquhart Bay. Balmacaan Wood is home to Red squirrels, Pine martin, Red, Roe and Sika deer. Raptors include Tawny owl, Buzzard, and Sparrowhawk. Migrant birds such as Redstart, Blackcap, Willow and Wood warbler sing in spring and summer. Ancient woodland flowers include Bluebell, Primrose and Yellow pimpernel. The Arboretum has some of the largest Redwood, Douglas fir and Cypress trees in the UK. There are several giant Sequoias, Western red cedars, and a Grand fir over 60 metres high. Sparrowhawk hunt through here, and Badgers live under the roots of the trees. Craigmony Rock is an Iron-age site, reached through Sots pinewoods. Enjoy views over Loch Ness from here, and a quiet rest. Tawny owl, Buzzard and Red kite may be seen, as well as Common crossbill, Long tail, Coal and Crested tit. Deer and martins also frequent the wood. Craigmony trail is 2km and around 1. 5 - 2 hours to walk, depending on how often we stop to watch wildlife. The path is quite steep in places, but we will climb at a relaxed and gentle pace (I used to bring my daughter and her friends here when she was at infant school. ) The full circuit around Balmacaan, including the Arboretum and Craigmony rock, is some 3km/ 1. 8 miles long and takes 2- 3hrs to walk, depending on how many pauses we make to explore and observe the diverse trees, flowering plants, birds and mammals. Urquhart Bay may also be reached on foot from Drumnadrochit. We can walk along the River Coilte, through woodlands which are a Special Area of Conservation. The bay is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy watching birds and deer (it helps to have binoculars if you have them, but I can also provide these, as well as telescopes. ) In summer, we may see Greenshank, Common sandpiper, Teal, Goosander, Grey wagtail, Swift, and Sand martins. Roe deer browse in the willow and sedge along the shore. Urquhart Bay is an easy 2km return stroll, but leave at least 2 hours for this walk as there is lots to see! Most of the paths I guide along are maintained by the Woodland Trust, but some may be rougher in places. Wear hiking boots/ shoes and bring walking poles if you have them, or I have some spare walking poles, if not. Safety is a priority, and I will take you by easy and accessible paths, to where all this is hidden in our ancient, wild and beautiful forests, lochs and glens. I am also happy to help you create your own itinerary, including as many of your own choices as possible, and look forward to meeting you! Education: BA Honours (Drawing & Painting) Edinburgh School of Art BSc Open University Current activities and certificates: Woodland Trust Guided Walk Leader Guided Dragonfly walks for Highland Rewilding Surveyor for British Trust for Ornithology (Waterways Breeding Birds; Whooper swan; Breeding Waders; Wetland Bird Survey.) Volunteer for British Dragonfly Society Member of the Botanical Society for Britain and Ireland Outdoor first aid (November 2022) Safeguarding (January 2023, Woodland trust) Hill and Moorland Leader Training (2012, unassessed, currently retraining) I am also fully vaccinated I do not have a licensed hire car, but it is possible to arrange a taxi if you require transport.