New lease of life for Postie's Path
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A POPULAR walking route linking Coigach and Ullapool has undergone a major upgrade.
Restoration work has just been completed on the seven-mile coastal path, known as the Postman’s Path.
The route is described as a “spectacular walk along the lower slopes of Ben Mor, Coigach, which drop steeply into the sea at the mouth of Loch Broom”.
It got its name in recognition of the postmen who used it twice a week to bring mail to and from the Coigach communities in the 1860s.
However, over the years some sections of the route had become badly degraded and were in need of considerable repairs to improve access and safety.
Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape Partnership Scheme (CALLP) sourced funding for the work from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Ramblers Scotland.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust, which runs wildlife reserve Ben Mor Coigach, round which the path skirts, led the upgrade project.
Work was managed by the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland and carried out by Inverness based ACT Heritage, which specialises in infrastructure solutions in environmentally sensitive and remote areas.
In order for the path to be in keeping with its surroundings, local stone was used for the repairs and had to be transported by helicopter to key areas along the path.
A number of waymarkers were also airlifted and installed to help guide walkers.
The wildlife trust has also installed two interpretaion panels to help inform visitors about the area.
A spokesman for CALLP said: “The work forms part of a suite of CALLP projects to improve access around the area, including upgrades to the Suilven and Quinag mountain paths, woodland walks, and guides and interpretation to help people get the most from their experience.
“Trust staff and volunteers will continue to look after the path and carry ou maintenance work whenever it is needed.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserves Project Officer Michelle Henley said “The Postman’s Path takes you through a wonderful landscape full of local history and abundant wildlife.
“We are delighted with these footpath improvements which mean the route is now safer and easier for people to navigate.
“But as with all upland paths, it is still important that walkers are properly equipped for a full mountain day when taking this route.”
CALLP aims to bring environmental and economic benefits to the Coigach and Assynt areas.
