Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Walking Festivals are becoming increasingly popular, with many taking place across rural Scotland. Here you can find out about the Caithness and Sutherland Walking Festival.

What are the aims of your project?

To raise the profile of Caithness & Sutherland as a walking destination for the social, economic and health benefits of the residents of the far north and to attract visitors to the area.

Where is it?

Caithness & Sutherland.

Who's involved?

The Dunnet Head Educational Trust, a registered Scottish charity, North Highland Tourism, local businesses, Highland Council, Forestry Commission, RSPB, Caithness Field Club and Step it up Highland.

How is it funded?

Through business sponsorship, Dounreay Communities Fund and various public bodies.

Where did you go for help and advice?

We used the Langholm Walking Festival and Drovers´Tryst as models for developing the initial project in 2004.

What's been your greatest achievement so far?

Being part of Highland 2007 and Homecoming 2009. This really raised the profile of the festival and the area north of Inverness.

And the biggest challenge?

Being able to attract funding on a year on year basis, especially costs for coordination of the festival.

Any tips for someone for someone setting up a similar project?

Set up good links with the public bodies and local organisations. Get the local businesses behind the project. Think about what other activities visitors can do while in your area.

What's next for your project?

• Widen the scope of the festival and make a programme of walking events available throughout the year.

• Make a map of where the walks are using Google maps.

More information

• Walking World
• Walk Highlands
• Publication of an "Active" booklet for Caithness & Sutherland in February
• We have a library of photos from previous festivals

Contact details

info@dunnethead.co.uk