Torridon path project completion moved to spring as National Trust for Scotland path manager Bob Brown recalls his start on path more than 20 years ago
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A WESTER ROSS project is nearing completion after a delay which will see works last until spring.
The work that has been carried out to improve the footpaths around Torridon and prevent damage and erosion over time has been supported by donations from the National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS) Footpath Fund, ha seen new steps and drainage installed to replace eroded paths reduce bogginess.
This aims to prevent people leaving them for dry ground and accidentally trampling the surrounding habitats, which will help maintain the landscape for years to come.
Upland path manager Bob Brown has seen the project developing since ge joined NTS in 1999, working as part of a 130-strong team to restore the NTS-managed 14km path cross the majestic mountain area of Torridon.
He commented: “I smile every time I cross the first water bar I built. I’m incredibly proud to have worked on this project for so long and to have trained many of the people who have contributed to the work. Torridon means a lot to me, and I am pleased to be a part of a project that will mean people can enjoy it for years to come. I know that the work we have done so far will reduce any scarring on the landscape from walkers and mountain bikers and protect Torridon’s nature, beauty and heritage, for future generations to enjoy.
“We had hoped to be finishing up the works this month but the perfect pairing of Scotland’s volatile weather and the difficult terrain we’re working on has meant that we’ll now be looking towards the spring to complete the works in full.”
Mr Brown became passionate about the work being done at Torridon after seeing the erosion on Ben Nevis because of so many walkers. There the lack of a proper path caused the creation of permanent scars on the landscape. Building paths, like those at Torridon, prevents this.
He has seen the project from the start, watching the landscape change over time while developing his own career from a trainee to the conservation charity’s Upland Path Manager.
The footpath was the first one Bob worked on when he started as a trainee with the Trust over two decades ago, and since then he has gone on to train many others, including Trust staff members and volunteers, on the 14km path.
A magnet for climbers, hikers and walkers, Torridon is home to five of the National Trust for Scotland’s 46 Munros as well as a population of red deer.
High footfall, coupled with the dramatic extremes of Scotland’s weather, means footpaths can quickly become damaged and erode if not maintained and repaired. This can cause ugly scars to form on these landscapes as, without clear pathways, walkers stray from the tracks and put the native flora and fauna at risk as the fragile surrounding ecosystem is damaged.
Improving and maintaining the conservation charity’s mountain footpaths is part of the National Trust for Scotland’s 10 year strategy – Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone.
Other footpaths being improved and strengthened by the National Trust for Scotland include Beinn Alligin Summit and Tom na Gruigaich to ensure their longevity. There are also future plans to install landscape features such as blockers (boulders, turf or mounds positioned around the path to discourage users from taking shortcuts or leaving the path) in order to “guide” users to stick to the path and not accidentally trample surrounding vegetation which include rare species like curved wood-rush (Luzula arcuata) and northern rock-cress (Arabis petraea). It will also prevent the widening of the path and formation of erosion scars. As working on the areas is so difficult due to their exposure to the elements at the summit, the team have to wait for the correct conditions in order for them to safely move vegetation.
The National Trust for Scotland cares for over 442km of mountain paths across Scotland that need to withstand the effects of many thousands of pairs of hiking boots and walking poles each year, as well as the temperamental Scottish weather – anything from baking sunshine to ice and snow. The Footpath Fund is a vital source of support for Scotland’s mountain landscapes and a public donation of £50 could help the Trust care for one metre of footpath, clear vital ditching or restore a section of trampled ground.
