Black Isle volunteers help blaze a trail for long-distance John O'Groats route
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
VOLUNTEERS were out and about to help walkers find the path from Munlochy Bay to John O'Groats.
After the pandemic, the route to the scenic John O'Groats Trail had become overgrown, but members of charity Transition Black Isle (TBI) made short work of getting it ready for those who want to complete the long-distance walk.
Although way-marked some parts of the trail are still being improved as the route continues to establish itself as the low impact alternative to the North Coast 500.
TBI helped clear a section of the route three years ago, just after the launch of the route.
Last Saturday, a hardy group of volunteers were invited by TBI convenor Julian Paren to open up a section along Munlochy Bay again, as it had begun to be overgrown.
John o'Groats Trail chairman Jay Wilson, from Berriedale, who had the original idea and organises the website and trail, said: "I want to thank the volunteers for a very successful day.
"We now have funding for a paid organiser and it is about to be published as one of a series of guides.
"Whilst we currently have hundreds walking it each year, the potential is for thousands, as it passes through such lovely scenery."
The Inverness to Tain section mainly uses existing paths that are part of the Core Paths network.
A completely new path has been created along the coast, finally arriving at John o Groats and providing that missing link for those who want to walk the length of the UK.
More information here https://www.jogt.org.uk/