Welcome to North West Highland Geopark

Scotland’s first European Geopark

At 3,000 million years old, the rocks at the seashore are even older than the hills - and what hills they are!  Where else can you experience a skyline that compares to the ridges of Foinaven and Arkle, or classic hills like Suilven or Stac Pollaidh?  In places like this it’s not just the eagles or the peregrines that soar.  This is the most sparsely populated corner of Europe.  Set yourself free in a place with space to spare.

Landscapes so ancient our minds cannot begin to grasp the enormity of time wrapped up in these rocks. Quiet glens, windswept summits, aquamarine waves on gilded sands.  Walk away your worries.  Stay far from that madding crowd.

Luxuriate in the long light of a spring evening, when night never quite falls.  Feel the sting of sea-spray from wild winter waves and then take shelter by a fire with a good book and a good dram.  Space for you in any season.

Where is the Geopark?

The Geopark is located in the far north of the Scottish mainland.

It starts at The Summer Isles in Wester Ross and continues northwards through west Sutherland to the north coast. The Geopark extends to the east of Durness, beyond Loch Eriboll, and on to The Moine. The eastern boundary of the Geopark largely follows the Moine Thrust zone, a famous and important geological structure.

Getting There

The Geopark is just over an hour’s drive from Inverness, along a choice of spectacular routes. There are numerous flights, trains and buses to Inverness.

© North West Highlands Geopark 2007. Web design by Pelican Design Consultants.
Photography courtesy of Inver Lodge Hotel, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highland Council, British Geological Survey, Sutherland Partnership, Mackay Country Archive and Iain Sarjeant.