Walkers in far north urged to help develop 'best-ever' paths map
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Walkers in Caithness and north Sutherland are being asked to play their part in recording and checking local trails to encourage more people to get active.
Ramblers Scotland has published what it calls the "best-ever map" of the nation’s paths – but needs help from the public to further improve it.
The online Scottish Paths Map features hundreds of previously hidden trails, including paths checked and recorded by more than 200 volunteers.
The walking charity is now running a recruitment drive for volunteers in selected lesser-mapped areas, including the far north.
Heath Brown, community engagement officer at Ramblers Scotland, explained: “Our Scottish Paths Map includes tens of thousands of miles of paths – from traffic-free city routes to relaxing lochside trails. Many are ‘hidden’ trails not previously shown by Ordnance Survey.
“While it’s the best-ever map of Scotland’s paths, we need communities to check their paths, to work to improve local routes so everyone in the local community has somewhere to walk. That includes here in the far north, where our coverage can definitely still be improved so that more people can enjoy walks from their doorsteps.
“It’s easy and fun to record trails using our simple app. Every time a volunteer checks or adds a path to the map, it makes it easier for people in the north Highlands to get healthy and active on foot.”
The map can be viewed at ramblers.org.uk/scottishpathsmap
The Scottish Paths Map uses data collected by volunteers as well as from councils, national parks and charities. It has been viewed more than 60,000 times since launching last autumn.
Mr Brown added: “Scotland has amazing countryside and world-class access rights, yet sadly many paths do not appear on printed maps.
“Better mapping of the paths in the far north can help give more people here the confidence and knowledge to get outdoors. We have a good number of path audits in other areas of the Highlands, such as Skye, the Cairngorms and Inverness, but we’d love to be able to include more path information from communities further north.
“I would urge all keen walkers in the area to consider volunteering. Whether you just check one trail, or add dozens of hidden paths, you’ll be leaving a lasting legacy that supports walking in the north Highlands.”
Ramblers Scotland offers a short free online training to all its mapping volunteers, as well as access to its free path checking software.
Map users are urged to exercise caution and remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, particularly as path audits will always be subjective.
