Scotland’s first Geopark : The North West Highlands

The landscape of Assynt, which so inspired the poet Norman MacCaig has become part of Scotland’s first Global Geopark – the North West Highlands. It received this accolade in October 2004 at the annual meeting of the European Geopark Network in Sicily. Stretching from Achiltibuie and Knockan in the south to Cape Wrath and Loch Eriboll in the north, this 2000 km2 area encompasses some of the finest mountain and coastal landscapes in Britain and contains a wealth of classic geological localities. It includes the iconic mountains of Suilven, Arkle and Stac Pollaidh, the pristine beaches of Sandwood and Balnakiel, and dramatic coastal cliffs such as those at Cape Wrath, mainland Scotland’s most northwesterly point.