Walking Together project based at Merkinch Local Nature Reserve in Inverness secures funding from National Lottery
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Members of a walking project in Inverness are discovering new places and friendships thanks to National Lottery funding.
The Friends of Merkinch Local Nature Reserve have secured funding from the National Lottery's community fund to run the Walking Together project for a year.
There will be three free walks each week and these will be reviewed each quarter after taking feedback from the participants.
The lottery money goes towards funding the reserve's project manager Caroline Snow who said the walks were open to anyone living in Inverness.
She said the aim was that people would benefit from socialising, enjoying the scenery as well as improving their fitness.
"We started well in the first week with 11 people joining us and giving great feedback," she said.
"The nature reserve and the canal are beautiful places to walk in with every season bringing its own magic.
"Just now as we say goodbye to summer, we can enjoy the autumn colours as well as the returning geese and wading birds."
All walks start in the nature reserve picnic table field near the turning circle at the end of Kessock Road.
The Tuesday morning walks start at 10am and are five miles long, following a route through the reserve and along the canal to Tomnahurich before returning.
Wednesday morning walks are two miles long. Starting at 10am, they follow a route through the reserve to the end of the canal and return via the boardwalk and Snaky Path.
On Wednesday afternoons, there is a circular mile-long walk through the reserve starting at 3pm.
Attendees are asked to bring their own refreshments and to dress appropriately for the weather.
Anyone wanting more information can contact Caroline Snow by emailing merkinchlnr@gmail.com, or texting 07399 143209.
Plans and images for Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
