Bog-hopping on the way to Buachaille Etive Beag

A conservation charity is offering guided walks on Glencoe’s mountains to celebrate their flora and fauna.

The walks, in the company of expert rangers, are being run by the National Trust for Scotland and begin on the International Day of Biodiversity, Saturday 22 May.

Buachaille Etive Mòr, its neighbour Buachaille Etive Beag, and the glen’s highest peak, Bidean nam Bian are on the itinerary for the walks, which the trust says will require a high level of fitness from participants.

Property manager Scott McCombie said: “As a site of special scientific interest and home to a vast number of plant and animal species, Glencoe is the perfect place to celebrate biodiversity.

“I’m sure hikers will enjoy spotting the creatures that live on its mountains as much as the beautiful views they can see from its summits.”

The walks are part of the UN International Year of Biodiversity. Buachaille Etive Beag will be walked on 22 May and 16 October; Buachaille Etive Mòr on 19 June and 21 August; and Bidean nam Bian on 24 July and 18 September. All walks start at 9am and are scheduled to finish about 6pm.

Full mountain walking gear and a packed lunch are essential and the walks are open only to those aged 18 or over. The cost will be £25 per person and prebooking is necessary by ringing 0844 493 2222.