Carnegie Story Trail encourages visitors to hunt for treasure in the woods
A new trail has been created to help families explore the heritage of a Highland wood.
The Carnegie Story Trail at Ledmore Migdale Woods near Spinningdale in East Sutherland runs along a 1.5 mile route from Torroy Croft to the shore of Loch Migdale.
The trail of geocaches celebrates the connection between Ledmore Migdale Woods and the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who once owned the wood as part of Skibo Estate.
Seven geocaches have been placed along the trail. Each one contains part of a short story written by Carnegie Medal winning children’s author Theresa Breslin entitled The Legend of Ledmore Migdale, enticing visitors to explore further by hunting for the next chapter. The story features beautiful illustrations by artist Kate Leiper.
Special Carnegie themed geocoins have been also been placed in geocaches. These tokens will be sent around the world to places associated with Andrew Carnegie, such as the many libraries that he funded.
Site manager Eleanor Garty said: “The story trail is designed to get families to explore the woodland and learn about some of the features that make it a special place. Thanks to supporters including the Heritage Lottery Fund we’ve been able to create a very special trail exploring a small part of Ledmore Migdale Woods. It’s been fantastic to work with Theresa Breslin who is one of Scotland’s finest children’s authors, and Kate Leiper’s illustrations are incredibly beautiful.”
Theresa Breslin said: “I loved writing this story and am thrilled to have been part of this wonderful project. These ancient woods are full of magic and mystery and I’m looking forward to the following the adventures of the treasure hunters who come to Ledmore Migdale Woods.”
To celebrate the creation of the competition the Trust has also launched a special art competition for children, which runs until the end of August. For more information about both the trail and the competition search for ‘Carnegie Story Trail’ on the Woodland Trust website.
Theresa Breslin is the critically acclaimed author of over 40 books for children and young adults whose work has appeared on television, stage and radio. She won the Carnegie Medal, the UK’s most prestigious award in children’s literature, for Whispers in the Graveyard, her compelling story of a dyslexic boy.
Ledmore Migdale Woods stretch over 700 hectares (1,700 acres) from the Dornoch Firth over three distinct and craggy hills, offering outstanding views of the surrounding landscape. The woods include a wide variety of habitats including ancient oak woodland, pine forest and valley mire.
The Carnegie Story Trail is part of the three year People and Trees project at Ledmore Migdale Woods, which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, E.ON Rosehall Community Fund and Foundation Scotland, and includes access improvements as well as activities exploring the heritage of the woods.
