Dingwall landowner lodges ramblers' path bid for Heights of Dochcarty viewpoints
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A ROSS-SHIRE landowner is seeking to create a ramblers’ path across his farmland to help take walkers away from a dangerous road.
Helicopter pilot and farmer John Mckenzie wants Highland Council planners to approve the grassy, fenced walkway along a field between a proposed shop premises and a new wild camping spot.
It would connect with existing paths just north of Dingwall to ensure walkers heading to nearby scenic viewpoints at the Heights of Dochcarty had safe, traffic-free passage.
Mr Mckenzie, who in 2010 created a green energy project on his land at Scroggie Farm, Upper Dochcarty, is landlord to nearby GlenWyvis Distillery.
The distillery’s presence has been attracting a number of visitors by foot and car.
Planning permission was obtained by Mr Mckenzie for a farm shop building last year, with walkers to be channelled past the site.
Mr McKenzie, who set up the farm in 2007 under the guidance of his father Kenny – the former director of Dingwall auction mart – said: “The whisky distillery was meant to have a visitor centre in the town, but that doesn’t seem to be going ahead.
“As you can imagine, there have been people trying to visit the distillery, but we’re not allowed to have visitors through the access because it is sub-standard.
“The problem is that people are making for the Heights of Dochcarty and trying to visit the distillery as well.
“It is very clear in the application the path will not be used to visit the distillery, it is about being able to see Ben Wyvis and all the views.
“There is a bigger picture of trying to look after safety. There's a persistent problem of people trying to make their way up to the distillery.
“Tragically, there was also a fatality in early 2020. I’m very conscious of safety issues and I’m doing everything within the realms I can to mitigate that.”
Supporting papers for the application submitted to Highland Council’s planning portal give further detail on the thinking behind the path project.
It reads: “In order to link the farm attributes sustainably, a walkers path with summit viewpoint and wild campers area is now applied for.
“The path will be open at various times during April-September and begin around the area of the shop.
“A short walk or cycle from the town and other close by footpaths, this new ramblers path climbs 300 feet revealing stunning views throughout.”
A woodland creation and wildflower meadow would form part of the walk.
The summit would link to further walks towards Castle Gorach and beyond.
It added: “Throughout lockdown, there has been an increase in walkers on the public road.
“It is important to note that no access or tours will be available at GlenWyvis distillery near the path summit.
“A planning access restriction forms part of the distillery’s permissions.
“Although it is not initially planned to charge for use of the path, it is hoped that users will come through the shop area.”
