North West Highlands Geopark

Stretching over 2,000 square kilometres in the far corner of mainland Scotland, the North West Highlands Geopark is a spectacular example of different rock geologies. Starting at 3 billion years old, the Lewisian Gneiss is the oldest rock in Europe. It’s also home to the earliest evidence of life to be found anywhere in Europe.

But the geopark is not just about incredible science. It’s also about beauty. Think white sandy beaches, rocky mountain ridges and atmospheric rock caves, alongside grass, peatland, moors and forest. Then there’s the wildlife – not just the current seabirds, eagles and sealife, but also the evidence of creatures that once walked this land, hidden deep in caves.

Stac Pollaidh - a mountain located amongst The North West Highlands Geopark

© Kim Walton

Why are the North West Highlands so special

Did you know the geopark is home to 3-billion-year-old rocks?

How to get here

“There's nowhere else on Earth like the North West Highlands. Time runs deep here, our mountains have witnessed three-quarters of Earth's history, come and hear their stories and take time to think about that!” - Laura, North West Highlands Geopark

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