Social Programme 

The week long social, recreational and leisure activities are provided for the visitors to the village and the local community. We are offering a spectrum of events that involve visitors in exploring, learning about and participating in  traditional and cultural recreations of the area.  

These include a

The week long social, recreational and leisure activities are provided for the visitors to the village and the local community. We are offering a spectrum of events that involve visitors in exploring, learning about and participating in traditional and cultural recreations of the area.  

  • Meet and Greet on the first evening when there will be cheese and wine accompanying an introductory welcoming talk about the locality describing the local history, places of interest, and a video of the 2004 Cape Wrath Challenge. Everybody is welcome. Village Hall. No charge. 8pm Sunday 17th  May. Part sponsored by Cocoa Mountain.
  • Quiz night that will involve teams made up from local people and visitors answering questions on general knowledge in the Sango Sands Oasis pub. A social and fun evening encouraging contact and mixing between visitors and locals. Small entry charge. With part sponsorship from the Sango Sands Oasis.
  • Durness Walking network Paths and tracks from short walks around the village to more extensive coastal and hill routes.  The area covered by the Durness path network may seem largely wild and remote in character. The routes are described in a booklet available locally and largely traditional routes and tracks, many of which have not been ‘improved’ to make a surfaced path.
  • Orienteering This is designed to support the relationship between local people and the visitors by seeking local knowledge and encouraging local involvement. Maps and Grid ref will be left in hall from Sunday to Thursday. See Village Hall for details.  This is sponsored by Loch Croispol Bookshop and Restaurant.
  • Abseiling down Smoo Cave (to be confirmed ) Originating as a mountaineering technique, people nowadays abseil just for fun - as long as your idea of fun is balancing on a precipice then lowering yourself over the edge. You’ll be provided with all the equipment and tuition you need to ensure you descend the cliff face at your own speed rather than that of gravity.
  • Beach BBQ and beach games on Balnakeil beach. We will have a bonfire, licensed bar and music from local musicians. At this time of year when the days are stretching out dusk and sunset is around 11pm. If the weather is permitting this can be one of the best times and places to watch a spectacular Sutherland sunset. In the event of bad weather the event will be moved to the hall.
  • Sheepdog trial demonstrations In the community we have shepherds that use dogs daily for their work in gathering sheep. These shepherds are also keen sheepdog trial handlers and attend many national and international events. Annually in September Keoldale Farm Durness hosts a well-established and highly recognized event. During the week will be an opportunity to watch top class sheepdogs being put through their paces by their handlers and a chance to discuss and question the handlers about their skill.
  • Tai Chi classes with Ron Heasman – afternoons in Village Hall.  See local notice board for details.
  • Scottish Country dancing practice Local musicians and accomplished dancers will perform, demonstrate and teach a diverse selection of Scottish dances.  This event will be an informal introduction to Scottish music and dance carried out with humour and pleasure. It is intended to enable people to participate with a degree of confidence at the final night ceilidh.
  • Cape Wrath Charters The Nimrod carries up to 12 passengers View some of the most unspoilt of Scotland’s scenery from the sea, pleasure trips, Bird Watching on Handa Island Fishing. Toilet onboard. Trips can be arranged please indicate on the order form if you are interested
  • Ceilidh – local produce buffet with a traditional ceilidh band will be the closing event of the week. This will bring together the best of food produced and prepared locally with the best Scottish dance music.  Saturday evening.
  • Angling for the novice and more specialised will be available. For those wishing to go it alone there are several lochs. Some of the world’s most famous limestone’s lochs are in the area and the trout caught are reputed to be the best. Permits will be available for anyone attending the Cape Wrath Challenges from the Tourist Information centre or direct from martin@durnesslimestonelochs.co.uk  or rispond@btinternet.com 

  • Cape Adventure International is run by Rebecca Ridgway offers a unique range of courses for adults and youngsters from all over the world.  They have a professional experience and reputation second to none. A Sea Kayaking day is available on Friday 21 May from 10am - 4.30 pm, no prior experience necessary, advance booking necessary. Tel:01971 521006 e-mail: info@capeadventure.co.uk   www.capeadventure.co.uk

  • Guided walks – to the best bird watching sites; to sites for flora and fauna escorted by the Countryside Ranger; and historical, archaeological sites with members of the Archaeology Field Group. And a guided walk to the famous Sandwood Bay
  • Concert with the trio SULA originally met up at a folk festival on the Faroes in the late eighties, and have since played in Denmark, Germany, England, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia and Chile. SULA is a unique mix of traditional and newer Scots and Scandinavian songs and tunes. Cultures that have never been far from each other, but each with their own distinctive historical colouring, the Scots and the Nordic traditions have common roots lost in time. SULA brings them up to date with an understated yet energetic touch that lets the melodies and songs speak for themselves

Cape Wrath Charters

The Nimrod carries up to 12 passengers

View some of the most unspoilt of Scotland’s scenery from the sea, pleasure trips, Bird Watching on Handa Island Fishing. Toilet onboard Trips can be arranged please indicate on the order form if you are interested

The festival committee intend to provide soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee and other light refreshments after the events for which there will be a small charge.

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