A new 45-mile trail exploring three billion years of geological history is being launched on a Highland peninsula.
The Geotrail in Coigach will offer some of the best viewpoints of the west coast near Achiltibuie.
Peter Drake, of Achiltibuie Tourist Association, which is behind the project, said: “The rocks of Coigach provide a rich and diverse array of geological phenomena of exceptional quality, educational value and scientific important.
“They provide an astonishing insight into the history and evolution of the earth’s crust and of Coigach’s remarkable journey through time and across the planet.”
He added: “The 45-mile trail comprises a series of 10 main excursions all within six miles of Achilitibuie and explores the geological evidence of three billion years of earth’s history and the influence of floods, deserts, ice, seismic events and a massive asteroid impact.
“The routes on the trail visit some of the best viewpoints in the area, as well as beaches and coastal paths and provide an excellent basis for exploring and understanding the local landscape.”
The geotrail will be launched on April 21, while a leaflet is going on sale in Achiltibuie, Ullapool, Lochiver and Kylesku from April 18, priced at £2.50.
The trail has been produced in collaboration with the North West Highlands Geopark and the British Geological Survey with financial support from the Coigach Assynt Living Landscape Partnership community grants scheme, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Highland Council, Coigach Community Council, and the Geologists’ Association.
Achiltibuie and its smaller adjoining hamlets form the parish of Coigach, a traditional crofting and fishing community of no more than a couple of hundred houses between mountain and shore on a peninsula looking over the Summer Isles and the open sea.
It is described as “a not to be missed detour from the North Coast 500” tourism route.
Further information about the trail is available at www.coigach.com.
