Dorenell Ranger Service & Visitor Centre 2024 events planning

Wading Birds Talk with the RSBP 

7pm Thursday 26 March, Dorenell Visitor Centre

The Cabrach is known as stronghold for lapwing and curlew, come along to the visitor to find out why. Admission is free and tea and biscuits will be provided.

Wader Walk

9am Saturday 18^th May

The Cabrach is known as stronghold for lapwing and curlew and early morning is a good time to see these beautiful birds.

Meet us at the Steplar trailhead for a gentle walk along farm track to spot and listen to lapwings and curlews. Remember to bring your binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing.

Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival events.

These are available to book through the Moray Walking Festival website.

Glenfiddich to Glenlivet

Saturday 15^th June, 9am -5pm

Join the Rangers from Dorenell Ranger Service and Glenlivet Ranger Service for a walk up the River Fiddich all the way to its source then over the watershed to meet the River Livet. We’ll park at the finish point in Glenlivet and be transported by coach to the start at Bridgehaugh, south of Dufftown. The coach leaves Allan Reid car park at 0900. The route will follow Moray core path SP29, going past Glenfiddich Lodge and up Glenfiddich itself where we’ll have an opportunity to see Elf House cave and the McHardy stone. Once up on the watershed, we’ll hopefully have views across to the Cairngorms before following the Suie Burn down to the River Livet and out to Glenlivet.

Along the route, the Rangers will talk about the Cultural and Natural History of the area.

Please ensure you have appropriate clothing for all weather possibilities and plenty of food.

Cycle to Elf House Cave

Thursday 20^th June, 10am – 3pm

Join us for a mountain bike ride along our waymarked trail beginning at the Glenfiddich trail head and working our along a mixture of paved and land rover tracks. You will need to be a confident cyclist for this cycle.

Solstice Evening Walk to Blackwater Lodge

Friday 21^st June 5pm – 8pm

The walk to Blackwater is a great walk to enjoy the views and beautiful light of the longest day. We leave from our visitor centre and take in farmland, forestry and moorland, with views of Dorenell windfarm, ending at Blackwater Lodge for an evening picnic. The walk is 11 kilometres in total.

Wildlife Walk and Crafts

Wednesday 10^th July.

Wildlife walk 10am -12pm

Craft 1pm -3pm

Learn more about the feathered, furry and scaley beasts of the Cabrach on this ranger led walk along the Discovery trails. This is a family friendly walk and remember to wear your comfiest and weather proof beast spotting attire and a packed lunch. After lunch you will have the chance to make a clay model of your favourite beast of the day in our visitor centre. Admission is free to both events.

 

Open Day

Saturday 20^th July

All day visitor centre

Drop in for a day of activities and a chat with your local rangers. Come armed with any burning questions you have always wanted to ask a ranger!

 

Family Walk to Glenfiddich Lodge

Thursday 18^th July 10am

Meet at the Glenfiddich trail had for walk to the historic Glenfiddich Lodge. This guided walk is on tarmac road and land rover track and takes in views of the river Fiddich, rolling hills and forestry. Your local rangers will answer questions on wildlife and local history, and we might even see a golden eagle! This is a free event but book early to avoid disappointment.

River Dipping and Crafts

Wednesday 7^th August  

River dipping at the Cabrach Trust Discover Trails 10am-12pm

Discover what swims, crawls and floats in the Deveron on a walk around the Cabrach Trust Discovery Trials. We will be near to the river so bring a grown up and come prepared to get your feet wet. Make the most of the picnic benches and bring your favourite sandwiches too then pop up to the visitor centre for afternoon crafts.

River Crafts at the Visitor Centre 1pm-3pm

After a morning of river dipping join us in the visitor centre to make colourful fish and your own frog to take home.

Evening Sketch

 Thursday 8^th August 7pm – 9pm

The view from our visitor centre is second to none so come and sketch with us. Rebecca the ranger doubles as a landscape artist so bring your sketchbook and learn some techniques to help you capture the great outdoors!

Bats and Nocturnal Creatures Walk

Cabrach Discovery Trails, Friday 30^th August 7pm-9pm

Immerse yourself in the evening sights and sounds of the Cabrach on this ranger led walk to discover the creatures that emerge as the light starts to fade.

Cycle to Elf House Cave

Sunday 15^th September 10am-3pm

Join us for a mountain bike ride along our waymarked trail beginning at the Glenfiddich trail head and working our along a mixture of paved and land rover tracks. You will need to be a confident cyclist for this cycle.

 

Deer Rut Walk to Blackwater Forest

 Sunday 22^nd September 9am-11am

Meet at the visitor centre for an undulating walk to the edge of Blackwater forest where we will listen out for the roar of the stags. This walk can be very muddy so please wear appropriate shoes.

 

Bushcraft for Beginners

Wednesday 16^th October 10am

Bring the kids to learn bushcraft, tracking and to take part in some great outdoor activities.

Dark Skies with the Cabrach Trust date to be confirmed.