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| Ben Stack & Loch More |
The North West Highlands of Scotland contain some of the
most spectacular, unusual and important landscapes in Britain. It’s an ancient
land of rock and water with wild lochs and tremendous mountains like Foinaven,
Arkle, Quinag, Suilven and Stac Pollaidh plus a long and magnificent coastline
including beautiful Sandwood Bay. Studies of the very complex geology here led
to breakthroughs in the understanding of earth movements.
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| Quotation from geologist James Hutton at Knockan Crag |
In 2004 the area was awarded UNESCO geopark status because
of the outstanding geological features and landscape. The aim of a geopark is to conserve and
enhance the local geological heritage and also provide learning opportunities.
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| Ardvreck Castle, Loch Assynt & Quinag |
This is the most sparsely populated part of Europe. Since
its creation the geopark has been valuable for local communities and has
provided a wonderful service for visitors as well as helping conserve and
protect the landscape. However there is now a funding crisis and the Geopark has
made a crowdfunding appeal, Love the Geopark -
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/love-the-geopark.
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| Arkle rising above Loch Stack |
The North West Highlands are a favourite area of mine and I’ve
spent much time there. The Geopark has added to my enjoyment and I’ve been
impressed by the work and commitment, as can be seen by the excellent
website
and by all the information on the ground – if you’re up there
The Rock Stopvisitor centre, café and shop in Unapool is well worth a visit. I think it’s
essential for the area for the Geopark to continue its work and urge anyone who
loves the area to support it – even if you haven’t visited yet!
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| Suilven |
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