The Trail on the telly – John o' Groats Trail to appear on BBC TV programme this week

The John O'Groats Trail (JOGT) is getting maximum publicity with this week's broadcast of the BBC's Landward show on Thursday (April 27) at 8.30pm.

Kenneth McElroy started as the JoGT development manager in September last year and talked of his excitement as he and trail founder Jay Wilson took Landward's presenter Dougie Vipond and the BBC team around a couple of the most scenic locations along the route.

"We took them, first of all, to Whaligoe Steps which is one of the most iconic locations along the route, and we talked about some of the benefits and advantages of the trail and, of course, some of the challenges we face too," said Kenneth.

"The next day, Jay Wilson took them to Berriedale and discussed how the trail was formed and why and talked about the hopes and dreams for the future. They had a cracking two days – it was Dougie's first visit to the Whaligoe Steps and he was blown away by it. We like to think that the trail has left them with a very positive impression and hope that viewers will enjoy some of the scenic shots along it and be inspired to come and do it themselves."

Landward is broadcast by BBC Scotland at 8.30pm on Thursday. You can catch the show again this Friday (April 28) at 7.30pm, and also Sunday on BBC2 UK at 9am.

"It will be made available on BBC iPlayer after the first transmission, so there are plenty of opportunities to see the Trail make its telly debut. We always knew it had star potential, so we're excited that new audiences can learn about the far north's only long-distance walking trail," added Kenneth.

There are many ways to get involved with the JOGT – you can help support the trail by becoming a member; your £10 a year will go towards JoGT developments, and, moreover, will help demonstrate support for it.

If you live near the trail you might also wish to be a warden. These are individuals tasked with walking the route semi-regularly, and reporting back on any issues they come across. Volunteer days are being organised mainly for bracken bashing and gorse cutting as well. The JOGT is also looking into the installation of stiles and bridges, but this would generally need to be carried out by a professional contractor. If you have practical skills, however, the trail would love to hear from you.

There is a walk on Wednesday (April 26) with some of the Trail wardens from Brora to Golspie, starting at 10am. Other walks include Inverness to the Clootie Well on Friday, May 26 and Friday, June 23 in Caithness.

More info on JOGT can be found at: www.jogt.org.uk/and you can email it at: walk@jogt.org.uk

Kenneth McElroy can be contacted by emailing: manager@jogt.org.uk or by calling: 07528675774.

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