Join
A view across the snow-capped Five Sisters of Kintail, reflected in the loch.

Kintail teacher information

Kintail is a beautiful stretch of West Highland landscape, which includes the Five Sisters of Kintail (designated a National Scenic Area) and the Falls of Glomach (one of the highest waterfalls in Britain).

We also have a coastal habitat and two salt marshes. Within the Kintail area, there is a wide variety of wildlife, including otters (which are relatively common), pine martens, golden eagles, merlin and black-throated divers.

The school programme offers opportunities for cross-curricular work and engaging with the Curriculum for Excellence. We offer a variety of activities connected to mountain, low-level and coastal habitats, including woodland walks, pond dipping, bogs & scrub exploring, discovering glacial features and visiting the Glenshiel battlesite (Jacobites). We can even offer guided sea kayaking (minimum age is 12 years).

We cater for all learning levels. We can lead walks at low and medium level for all age groups, particularly primary school children. We also lead groups of secondary school pupils and staff on camping and Munro expeditions.

Possible topics

  • Science (Planet Earth)
  • Health & wellbeing (physical activity)
  • Social studies (people, place & environment) (people, past events & societies)

Resources for schools

  • Schools can hire our accommodation centre (for up to 24 people) for overnight stays. Please contact the Kintail ranger office on 01599 511231 for more details.
  • Experienced ranger/naturalists
  • Our rangers hold summer Mountain Leader Awards.
  • Sea kayaks, with a trained instructor
  • You can hire Dornie Village Hall, which has an area where pupils can eat picnic lunches, and there are toilets nearby. For more information, contact the Kintail ranger office.

Planning your class visit

  • To book: contact the Kintail ranger office to discuss your visit on 01599 511231. We can tailor activities to meet your requirements.
  • We recommend a maximum ratio of 10 pupils to 1 adult.
  • Large classes will be split into groups.
  • Parking: there is a car park by the Morvich Ranger Centre which can accommodate one coach. This space will be allocated to you when you book your school visit. We recommend that you keep your transport at the site during your visit.
  • Toilets: there are no accessible or public toilets on site (a staff toilet can be used for emergencies). The nearest public toilets are at Kyle of Lochalsh.
  • Refreshments: pupils should bring refreshments and/or a picnic. There are no shops nearby.
  • Clothing: please ensure that your pupils have adequate clothing. They should have both warm and waterproof clothes and footwear. For sunny days, your pupils need protection against hot sun - for instance, a long-sleeved jacket and a sunhat.
  • The site has been risk assessed. Teachers are expected to prepare their own risk assessment for the visit.
  • You can download our Safety First for Outdoor Visits guide from our Preparing for your visit page.

Charges

  • There will be a charge for guided walks - please discuss when booking.
  • For overnight stays, sea kayaking, etc, please contact the Kintail ranger office for a list of charges.
  • Class teachers are encouraged to make a preparatory visit to the site.

During your class visit

  • On arrival: please meet the ranger at the Morvich Ranger Centre.
  • Trust staff will lead the school programme.
  • Teachers are responsible for their pupils and their behaviour.
  • Pupils and teachers may take photos and films anywhere on the site.
  • Safety precaution: if a high-level walk has been arranged, staff will carry shelters since there are no buildings on the mountain.
Download

If you prefer to print this information you can use this download. Please note that some of the information may now be out of date.