During 17th-20th July, Paths for Health organised a range of FREE fun-filled walks which encouraged individuals, friends and family to participate at, coinciding with the 2013 Hebridean Celtic Festival.
Wednesday 17th July- Bonnie Birds and Fragrant Flowers
13 participants took part in this nature walk led by Julie Seivewright, the former Ranger with the Galson Trust, during which the participants learned about the birdlife and plants that can be found living in the Stornoway woodlands
At the end of the walk a little art competion was held and prizes were given to the winners in 3 age catergories.
We would like to thank Julie Seivewright and Lorraine Gillies for leading this walk and making it a fun event. We would also like to give a big thank you to the Corner Shop in Stornoway who donated all 3 prizes for the art competition. This was yet another example of the great support we received from businesses and organisations throughout the islands.
Thursday 18th July – History Walk
9 participants, plus 6 historical figures (an Iron-Age lady, a Viking, a Celtic Warrior, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Sir James Matheson and Lord Leverhulme) took part in our History Walk. Taking the participants on a journey through the ages, the walk was led by Chris Ryan (aka Sir James Matheson), and as the walkers made their way through the castle grounds they were met by a number of characters from Lewis’s historic past.
We would like to thank all those who participated in this walk and those who dressed in costumes on one of the hottest days of the year!! A huge thank you to Morag and the Stornoway Thespians who provided the costumes for our historic characters!
Friday 19th July – Pond Dipping Walk
23 participants (and only one of them actually ended up going for a dip – accidentally, of course!), took part in the Pond Dipping Walk which was led by Chris Ryan. During the walk, a number of stops were made at suitable spots to use small nets and water-filled trays to discover what tiny creatures live in the rivers and streams within the grounds.
Many thanks to colleagues in Health Promotion and to the volunteer walk leaders who assisted in making this a really fun event. Lots of interesting wildlife was found living in the waters within the grounds and great fun was had identifying them!
Saturday 20th July – From Stone Age to Space Age
15 participants participated in this walk, the theme of which was archaeology. On yet another fine sunny day our enthusiastic group took a walk along the Shore Road through the Castle Grounds to Creed Island and back to the Woodland Centre.
Thanks again to Bob Ferguson who came along to provide back-up leader on this walk! All walks started at 11am from the Woodlands Centre and we would like to additionally thank the Stornoway Trust for letting us use the fantastic setting of the Castle Grounds for our walks, as well as to all our helpers, and the participants themselves!