Vital role in keeping Highlands’ mountain footpaths on right track
Hill walkers are being encouraged to help out by volunteering to rebuild and maintain paths on mountains across the Highlands.
The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland is an environmental conservation charity that develops, builds and repairs paths, mountain habitats and other facilities.
Its volunteer maintenance days, which get under way this week, include path maintenance, erosion control, and other practical conservation work.
Volunteers work alongside experienced people, learning techniques that enhance their practical conservation skills and increase their knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland’s mountains.
Eva Kupska, outdoor access volunteer coordinator for OATS, said: “OATS’ upland footpath volunteer maintenance days play a vital role in repairing and preventing erosion on Scotland’s extensive upland path network.
“Having seen first-hand the damage that can be done from a lack of regular maintenance, the old mantra of ‘prevention is better than cure’ is seldom truer than when it comes to mountain footpaths.
“Our days largely focus on undertaking a ‘drainage run’ in one of Scotland’s many beautiful mountain environments. This will involve walking a path with a spade or mattock, clearing drainage features and making vital repairs along the way.
“Our path maintenance days are a great way to get out into the hills, while also giving something back to our natural environment and helping to ensure sustainable access to the outdoors for generations to come. Our volunteer days are also fantastic for meeting new like-minded people from all walks of life in a supportive, friendly and fun environment.”
The volunteer days already in the diary are Mayar, Glen Clova (August 5); Driesh, Glen Clova (August 6); Lairig Ghru, Cairngorms (August 12); Glen Callater to Lochnagar (August 14); Bynack More/Lairig an Laoigh (August 26); Meall a’Bhuachaille, Northern Cairngorms (September 2); Morrone, Braemar (September 4); Carn Ban More, Cairngorms (September 9); Mount Keen (October 20).
Volunteers need good general fitness and experience in the outdoors. Tools are provided and no prior path work experience is required. People aged 14-18 are welcome to join the groups, as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
For further details on the upland path volunteer days, contact Eva Kupska on eva.kupska@outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk
