The Dubh Loch path in Upper Deeside has already been adopted

The Dubh Loch path in Upper Deeside has already been adopted

A mountain project is on the lookout for outdoor enthusiasts willing to ‘adopt a path’ in Scotland.

Volunteers would be expected to undertake a visual path survey twice a year which would involve taking photographs of any issues and to report these issues via an online portal.

The Mountains and the People Project has more than 60 available routes to be ‘adopted’. Anyone volunteering should have good physical fitness, be experienced in hillwalking, and have good health-and-safety awareness.

The project is led by the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, with both the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authorities alongside Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tom Wallace, project activity manager, said: “Adopt a Path volunteers are crucial in helping us to conserve our fragile upland landscapes by reporting on erosion damage and path issues thereby enabling us to target our maintenance activities to best effect.

“With paths available for adoption across both of Scotland’s national parks there is something for everyone – from short and gentle to long and remote. Once registered you choose which path you would like to adopt from over 60 available routes.”

Full training on basic mountain awareness and recognising common path problems will be provided with the initial one-day sessions scheduled for the first weekend in September followed by further dates in spring next year.

The adopt a path scheme is one of six elements in the Mountains and the People Project, which also includes an upland path project upgrading routes on Beinn A Ghlo, Ben Ledi and Mount Keen; a training programme to provide vocational skills for young people; a conservation project to train and support volunteers on a mountain path programme; an education programme for schools, colleges and universities; and a visitor information programme.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Adopt a Path scheme can find more details on the Mountains and the People website.