An increasingly popular way to find out more about your surroundings, spot the elusive wildlife or hidden plants that most people miss is to take a guided walk, even if only for a couple of hours. This spring, not only will there be the usual range of guided walks around the Highlands but our five walking festivals will help you get even more of an insight into the area.

These walking festivals offer a wide programme of walks covering everything from the dramatic Caithness coast to beautiful Glen Affric and from Wester Ross mountains to Scotland's five highest peaks. There are walks for all levels of ability followed up by evening entertainment that includes talks, presentations and entertainment including of course the traditional Scottish ceilidh.

There are walking festivals based in Aviemore, Caithness, Glen Affric / Strathglass, Wester Ross as well as Highland Wild Encounters which takes place throughout Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross and provides an opportunity to view some of Scotland's unique wildlife on a range of walks.