Walkers urged to help fix mountain paths in Cairngorms and Wester Ross
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Volunteers are being sought to help maintain and improve mountain footpaths across a wide area of the Highlands.
Taking place in the Cairngorms and Wester Ross, the volunteer path days are being organised by the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS).
The team at OATS is urging all path users to think about giving something back to the trails they use by taking part in path maintenance volunteering.
The days come after the It’s Up To Us campaign - led by Mountaineering Scotland and OATS - won €60,000 at the end of last year for a path maintenance and habitat restoration project on An Teallach, the popular Munro above Dundonnell.
Starting in April, the paths to be worked on this spring and summer include the Lairig an Laoigh pass to the Ford of Avon in the Northern Cairngorms and the popular route up Stac Pollaidh north of Ullapool.
Ewan Watson, activity projects officer for OATS who is leading the volunteer programme, said: “Our mountain footpath volunteer maintenance days play a vital role in repairing and preventing erosion on Scotland’s path network. Having seen first-hand on many occasions the damage that can be done by lack of maintenance, the old mantra of ‘prevention is better than cure’ is seldom truer than when it comes to mountain footpaths.
“Our days will 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.
“These 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 the future.
“Our volunteer days are also fantastic for meeting new like-minded people from all walks of life in a very supportive and friendly environment.”
The path maintenance days take place on the following days, with further dates to be added:
April 8 – Carn Ban Mor (Glen Feshie); April 22-23 – Dubh Loch and Glas Alt, staying at the bothy at Loch Muick (Balmoral area); April 29 – Lairig an Laoigh/Fords of Avon (Northern Cairngorms).
May 13-14 – Stac Pollaidh, staying at the hostel at Ullapool; May 22 – The Snub/Loch Brandy (Angus Glens); May 27 – Bynack Mor (Northern Cairngorms).
June 10 – Chalamain Gap (Northern Cairngorms); June 17 – Cairn Liath (Southern Cairngorms); June 24 – Coire Domhain (Northern Cairngorms).
July 15-16 – Lochnagar/Glen Muick area (Balmoral area); July 22 – Brae Riach/Sron Na Lairig (Northern Cairngorms); July 29 – Beinn A’Ghlo (Southern Cairngorms).
Volunteers will work alongside experienced people, learning techniques that enhance their practical conservation skills, and increase their knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of our mountains.
Participants need good general fitness and experience in the outdoors. Tools are provided and no prior path work experience is required.
To find out more or to sign up, contact Ewan Watson on ewan@outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk. Sign-ups close on the Wednesday before each event.
