A fun-packed guide aims to entice youngsters to leave video games at home and enjoy the great outdoors in the Highlands this summer.
The colourful, 100-plus-page book hopes to inspire families to experience the gems of Inverness-shire, Ross-shire, and the Nairnshire and Moray coast – by foot, bike, pram and wheelchair.
Three mums working with the community, NHS Highland and other agencies have published the guide under the banner of a new charity called Wee Adventure.
They came up with “Let’s go on a wee adventure, Inverness” after pooling their professional talents and their experience of engaging children.
It is a comprehensive guide to free, open-air activities offered within a 40-mile radius of Inverness.
Author Abby Lucas, a former Army officer from Strathpeffer, said: “Having spent the past five years exploring places to go with the kids, we thought it would be great to share everything in one book.
“Each adventure is a bit different. They take in beaches, hills, glens, woodland and more urban areas too and include over 50 walks and cycle rides.
“We include games to play outside, family-friendly places to get refreshment and facts about history, geography and nature.”
Graphic designer and illustrator Pauline Irish from Inverness said: “We live in such an amazing place we should use it, rain or shine. There’s something for everyone.”
Lesley Hansen, of Muir of Ord, a pharmacist and former Scotland Commonwealth Games athlete, has provided illustrations and hand-drawn maps.
She said: “All profits from sales will go back into Wee Adventure, enabling us to evolve local family-friendly outdoor events and, hopefully, further editions of the guide.”
The book, priced £5.99, has an official launch on June 24 at the Abriachan Forest Trust between noon and 3pm.
