SCOTLAND’S first snorkel trail has been created, allowing enthusiasts to complete a tour of some of the best spots for marine life.
The self-led North West Highlands Snorkel Trail, for beginners and advanced snorkel enthusiasts, has been created by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Locations include the sandy Achmelvich Bay, Sutherland, billed as perfect for beginners with plenty of fish, shellfish and kelp beds.
Meanwhile Gruinard Bay headland, in Ross and Cromarty, offers low-tide exploration where seagrass and kelp shelter numerous fish and shellfish, and rare maerl.
Mellon Charles is a former naval base dating to the Second World War, where the sea beneath the old pier is a haven for sea urchins, anemones and wrasse.
The island of Tanera Mor off Achiltibuie has steep drop offs either side of its landing platform, which are good for snorkelling and where kelp and crevasses shelter lobsters and crabs.
Lizzie Bird, instructor trainer at the British Sub Aqua Club said: “Lots of people might think it’s too cold to snorkel in Scotland but The colours and life under the surface in places like the north west coast are up there with coral reefs you can find abroad.”
Noel Hawkins, living seas communities officer at Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “The new trail is self-led, but we are hoping to establish a training programme for local people to become qualified snorkel instructors, and a snorkel club at the local leisure centre to introduce younger members of the community to snorkelling and their local marine environment.”
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