North Highland Way

SNH information on development of the coastal routes

2011-07-26T04:45:00.000-07:00

SNH information on developing the coastal routes, including the "North Highland Way" can be seen at
http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-recreation-and-access/access-and-recreation-policy/paths-policy/

There is another blog being written for Adventure Sports Holidays on the North Highland Way written by Tina Irving and promoted by ASH - see http://www.trekkingholidays.net/blog/.

North Highland Way book

2011-07-01T03:09:00.000-07:00

The first of a series of books about the North Highland Way is being prepared in conjunction with Walking World who will provide the mapping and free downloads of the routes. The first in the series from John o Groats to Thurso will be published on Amazon in August 2011.

Walking North Scotland Coast

2011-05-19T02:46:00.000-07:00

An intrepid group of guys are walking the north coast - see their web site at http://www.walkingscotlandscoast.co.uk/

They passed by Dunnet Head last year - see their nice comment about the author of this blog! http://www.walkingscotlandscoast.co.uk/dailyrouteguide43.html

North Highland Way book planned

2011-05-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

Tina Irving is looking for collaborators to put together a book about the North Highland Way which will run from Wick to Fort William. She is in touch with Wick Paths, a Durness group, and several other organisations and individuals to put this together. If you would like to assist with this exciting venture, please contact Tina on
tinairving@letsgonorth.com. The release date for the book is July 2012. A percentage of the profits from the book will be donated to the tourism association, NOSH under the banner of LetsgoNorth - see http://www.letsgonorth.com/.

Herald Article - first steps for the North Highland Way

2011-03-15T13:19:00.001-07:00

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/first-steps-are-taken-for-north-highland-way-1.1014784

Walks on the Coast

2011-03-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Led by the Caithness Field Club:
Contact 01847 892999. You can also see walks on www.walknorthscotland.com
7th June 2011 at Brough Bay.
10th July 2011 Berriedale and Badbea.

Ambitious for Tourism

2011-01-26T01:12:00.001-08:00

A further attempt at engaging regarding the North Highland Way was made on 20th January at an Ambitious for Tourism event at the Park Hotel. A representative from NHT was in attendance, but he did not wish to take the matter forward. The Dunnet Head Educational Trust which owns the information relating to the North Highland Way, formulated yet another way forward in order to present it to HIE. My assessment,as an economist, business woman and community development worker with two degrees, consider that HIE do not wish the NHW to go ahead.

Scottish Marine Regions: Defining their boundaries - Consultation

2011-01-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Invitation to a Public Information Event

The Marine (Scotland) Act provides for the creation of Marine Regions and the delegation of marine planning to a local level. This will allow for local accountability and input to decision making. Scottish Marine Regions will be created through secondary legislation once the characteristics for establishing their boundaries are determined.

A government consultation now seeks your views on the number of Scottish Marine Regions that should be created, along with their geographic and seaward boundaries. The full consultation document can be downloaded from scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/regional/Consultation and the deadline for comments is 18 February 2011.

To support this exercise, the Moray Firth Partnership invites you to attend one of the following information events, which will include a presentation by Marine Scotland along with an opportunity for discussion of key criteria for creating Regions and consideration of map-based options:-

Fraserburgh - Wed. 26 Jan. Lighthouse Museum 10.00 â?" 12.00 *

Inverness - Fri. 28 Jan. Ramada Jarvis Hotel 2.00 â?" 4.30 *

Thurso - Thu. 03 Feb. Weigh Inn 11.30 â?" 13.30 *

(* note:- registration and refreshments start half an hour before each event. The Fraserburgh event is being organised in conjunction with East Grampian Coastal Partnership)

Your input would be much appreciated. Please register in advance if you wish to attend any of these events:-

by emailing info@morayfirth-partnership.org or tel. 01463 225530

Please pass this invitation to others who may be interested in attending.

For information, other east coast events are being held as follows:-

Aberdeen - Wed. 26 Jan. Town and County Hall 2.00 -4.00 (see www.egcp.org.uk)

Dundee - Thurs.27 Jan. Discovery Point 09.30 - 12.00 (see www.dundee.ac.uk/TEF/)

Orkney - Thurs. 03 Feb. (Video Link) - 2.30 - 3.30 - venue and details to be confirmed.

Tel: 01463 225530
Fax: 01463 225207
e-mail: info@morayfirth-partnership.org
www.morayfirth-partnership.org
Company No. 196042 (limited by guarantee)
The Moray Firth Partnership is a Charity registered in Scotland -No. SC 028964

How many of the routes are on the North Highland Way?

2010-11-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

Step Forward For Community Footpath Projects - as reported by the Highland Council on
18/11/2010

Members of The Highland Council's Planning, Environment and Development Committee have agreed to allocate £134.4K to 19 community based path upgrading and improvement projects.

The money comes from the first phase of the Highland Core Path Implementation Programme which is supported by the Council and LEADER. In April the Programme for 2010 - 2013 was approved which includes a scheme designed to improve core paths and expand the core path network across the whole Highlands.

Of the 19 successful projects 4 are in Ross and Cromarty to which £29.6k has been allocated, 3 are in Sutherland (£24.2k), 3 in Skye and Lochalsh (£15.5k) 3 in Inverness and Nairn (£29.6k), 3 in Lochaber (£20k) and 3 in Caithness (£15k)

Part 1 of the Land Reform Scotland Act 2003 gives The Highland Council a statutory duty to draw up a plan for a system of paths to give members of the public reasonable access throughout the area and to publicise the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Chairman of the PED Committee, Councillor Ian Ross welcomed the decision. He said: "Having well maintained footpaths allows locals and visitors to get out and explore places of beauty and interest and can really give a boost to tourism. The natural environment in the Highlands is our major asset so anything that promotes access to get out and enjoy it is to be welcomed. All the path projects receiving money in this phase are community based and show a commitment to improve old favourite routes and create new local walks which can then be an excellent way to promote and market the area."

The successful projects are as follows -

ROSS AND CROMARTY:
An all abilities path to Shandwick beach (Nigg & Shandwick Community Council)
Access to Shandwick and Hilton beaches and harbours (Hilton & Balintore CC)
Improvements to Smithy - Kelso route (Lochacarron & District Business Association)
Improvements to Cnoc na Strang path ((Lochacarron & District Business Association)

SUTHERLAND:
Extension and linking to Loch Meadaidh footpath (Durness CC)
Improvements to Loch Innes path (Kinlochbervie Community Company)
Dunrobin Castle Woods reinstatement and improvements (Golspie CC)

SKYE & LOCHALSH
· Wheelchair path to view point at Uig (Uig CC)

· Improvements and signage to Idrigill Path (Uig CC)

· Improvements and reinstatement to Rubha Hunish path (Kilmuir CC)

INVERNESS & NAIRN:
New path linking forest tracks (Stratherrick & Foyers CC)
New path at Feabuie Road (Croy CC)
Upgrade to path along River Nairn (Nairn CC)

CAITHNESS:
Improvement to Dunnet Forest paths (Dunnet & Canisby CC)
Improvements to Swineyhill lookout (Latheron, Lybster and Clyth CC)
New path link to beach and signage (Latheron, Lybster and Clyth CC)

LOCHABER:
Improvements at Ardnastaing (Sunart CC)
Improvements to all abilities path to slate monument (Ballachullish CC)
Improvements to River Garry path (Glengarry CC)

http://www.caithness-business.co.uk/article.php?id=1963

A great walk at Dunnet Head

2010-10-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Enjoy one persons account http://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1166/Only_an_ordinary_gale....html

Dwarwick to Brough

2010-10-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest parts of the North Highland Way....

http://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/4779/One_of_the_finest_walks_in_Caithness.html

Walking Scotlands Coast

2010-10-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Nine gentlemen from Mid Lothian, south of Edinburgh, called at the centre of the Dunnet Head Educational Trust on 2nd October 2010. They were walking the coast of Scotland and joined in the campaign for the North Highland Way - you can see details of their exploits at www.walkingscotlandscoast.co.uk.

It was the Highland Archaeology Festival and the centre was open giving information to people interested in the WWII aspects of Dunnet Head. The Trust is an affiliate of the tourism association, North of Scotland Hospitality (NOSH) see their web site at http://www.letsgonorth.com.

Caithness Waybaggers - the beginnings - 1992

2010-09-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

The birth of the Waybaggers was in 1992 when the seven musketeers set out from the Neil Gunn memorial at Dunbeath for a three day trek across Caithness. It was the beginnings of the Caithness Way. We hope it will inspire the powers that be to support marketing for the Way and the North Highland Way. Double click on the image and you will be able to read it.

Caithness Waybaggers - The original gang!

2010-09-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

The magnificent seven set off on a momentous three day journey from the Neil Gunn Memorial at Dunbeath to walk the Caithness Way. You can download the full story from 1972 from here.

Highland Coastal Development Strategy

2010-08-26T03:18:00.000-07:00

The Highland Coastal Development Strategy has now been published and the accompanying SEA Environmental Report are now available on the Highland Council's web site at http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/25779BF4-2760-4FAF-9122-4B51DADF6456/0/CDSFinal.pdf

Moray Firth Newsletter - Winter 2010

2010-08-01T04:41:00.001-07:00

Scottish Coastal Way mentioned in Moray Firth newsletter Winter 2010.

http://www.velocitydesign.co.uk/mfp/newsletter.html

Official stance on the Coastal Path from the Scottish Government

2010-08-01T04:32:00.001-07:00

Dear Ms Irving,

Thank you for your e-mail of 23 June to the Minister for Environment, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, in which you propose a long-distance route (LDR) in the north of Scotland, the North Highland Way. I have been asked to reply.

I understand that your proposal is for a route that would run for 115 miles from John O’Groats to Cape Wrath, and that you discussed your idea with the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Area Officer earlier this year. The Scottish Government advice is on the lines already provided by SNH ie local footpath development in the area lies within the remit of Highland Council and their Caithness Access Forum. Footpath creation and management is also an area now covered by Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) Rural Priorities rather than by SNH grants. I suggest therefore that you approach both the Council and the Caithness Access Forum to discuss how things may be progressed.

I understand that you also discussed with Mr Kellett the Scottish Coastal Way. This is a long term initiative being developed by SNH although it is at an early stage. This aims to deliver a comprehensive approach to promoting all of Scotland’s coastal paths and routes under one umbrella through the provision of information and the consolidation and improvement of existing paths.

The initiative is however not about creating a continuous path around the coast of Scotland: a major programme of path building to fill the extensive gaps in coastal paths provision would be hard to justify in terms of affordability and demand. Instead, the main approach to improving coastal access will focus on promoting and marketing existing paths and routes through a dedicated web portal. In the short term, promotion and marketing of this initiative will be more important than having more paths on the ground. The initiative can therefore be established and function relatively quickly.

A longer term ambition will be the incremental development of coastal paths and routes as local authorities implement core paths plans, access strategies, and as other projects and community-led initiatives are established. Over time, as sections of path are developed by local authority or community initiatives, these can also be added into the Scottish Coastal Way and its promotion. If local priorities and resources in Highland enable the North Highland Way to progress, this has the potential to add to the Scottish Coastal Way initiative.

Finally, you may be interested to know about SNH research on long distance routes. This has documented the criteria that need to be considered in establishing successful routes. These are:

a credible, well-signed route through iconic landscapes and places of interest;
visual variety;
achievable within a short break of say three to four days;
easily accessible start and end points;
clear signage and waymarking;
convenient refreshments and accommodation;
the availability of good route guides, packaged booking and luggage transfer services;
the capital costs associated with establishing and marketing a route to the required standard;
the revenue costs for the appropriate level of on-going management and maintenance - this needs to be addressed at the outset;
the likely level of usage of the route in comparison to the resource requirement.

This report is available on the SNH website at:
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/Report%20No274.pdf

I hope this is helpful.

Yours sincerely,

Malcolm Duce

Malcolm Duce
Natural Resources Division
Rural and Environment Directorate
The Scottish Government
Phone: 0131-244 4439 GTN 7188-44439
Mail: 1-D North, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ

Sustainable tourism and the North Highland Way.

2010-07-05T10:34:00.001-07:00

This is an extract from an email which was sent to HIE, Thurso, in February 2010 to which I did not even receive the courtesy of a reply. HIE consider the NHW as "outwith their remit".

"Regarding building sustainable tourism for the walking product, I have been doing some research, and am particularly interested in developing a "North Highland Way". As discussed last night, this would not take the same format as the long distance paths in other parts of Scotland, but could involve community path networks being developed and linked to make the "path". David Barclay has done a fantastic job on the CPNs for Caithness, and we need to build on these for development of the walking product, especially in the coastal areas.

At Dunnet and Brough, we are developing the Walkers are Welcome scheme which is part of a national scheme - see http://www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk/. The representative will be giving a meeting to the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council at Britannia Hall on 5th May, you are of course welcome to come along. We envisage this being rolled out over the other areas, and that, I feel, is where HIE may be able to help. As discussed last night, the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council is a large area and have many issues to attend to in meetings by virtue of its location and issues with the Pentland Firth. We propose therefore forming a local association under the umbrella of the Dunnet Head Educational Trust. Other areas might be able to utilise the community councils. The Trust, however, would however, be interested in the area from John o Groats to the boundary of the Castletown Community Council. The Moray Firth Trail, of which I am sure you are aware, comes along the east coast and is not being marketed. This is a missed opportunity. Having communicated with them, they advise that they charge 500 euros to be a "Friend of the North Sea Trail".

We are having a walking development meeting on 17th March from 2-5pm at Dunnet Head(the old tearooms) in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, as part of British Tourism Week. All sponsors of the walking festival, past and present, as well as other interested parties. It will be an informal session which will include a DVD presentation of how the festival has been developed and where we can go in the future. This will include economic impact assessments and figures for each year of its operation (this year will be the seventh). Linking with orher areas is paramount, including Aviemore which has recently lost its walking festival due to lack of finance. Again, I think this where HIE might be able to help. I am still working on the details as it was only agreed the date yesterday, but will make sure you receive a copy. Of course, again you are more than welcome to come along.

The Walkers are Welcome scheme is inherent to the Dunnet section of the "North Highland Way" - ie from John o Groats to the border with the Castletown Community Council. The South West Coastal Path has a very interesting model - see http://www.swcp.org.uk/. Attached is their framework. I feel that we could utilise this model for Caithness.

There are a few issues to be taken into account:

1. Initial capital expenditure - where coastal routes are "aspirational" we would need to get David Barclay involved as to how the Council view getting any gaps filled and what capital expenditure could be raised. If not through the Council perhaps through the NDA - LEADER funding is notoriously difficult and time consuming to access, and the Trust would not follow this route.
2. Maintenance - as I understand it, is the biggest issue. Each association / community council would look after its own area and raise their own funds. There is a great opportunity here for offering conservation holidays through BTCV / RSPB etc. There would also be a requirement for developing training for local people to enable them to do guiding / dry stone walling / bridge building etc. Again, this is potentially where HIE could help.

3. Public Liability Insurance - this would be required for each entity, or an overarching policy for areas as they meet the criteria as laid out by Walkers are Welcome
4. Lack of information - shortage of information and detailed self guided walks, although Walk Highlands and Walking World both go some way to addressing this. I have also written a guide book which I am currently updating.

Have a look at the Walking Festival web site - www.walkcaithness.com - there is now a section promoting the Round Coastal Britain run which gives value add to the sponsors of the festival whose accommodation will continue to be listed on the site until the run has passed Caithness. Colin Simpson mentioned that there is to be a cycling event going along the north coast and down through Strath Halladale (I think) - maybe we can promote this through the site as well, but we would need a contribution to funds or some other benefit from them. The Round Coastal Britain organisers are promoting the walking festival on their site and their forum is getting thousands of hits per day.... good promotion for the area.

Anyway, if you would like to discuss further, I look forward to hearing from you. I wonder if there might be business development funding available to take the proposed association forward.

Best regards.

Tina Irving
Secretary
Dunnet Head Educational Trust"

I have emails of support from SNH and the Highland Council. If you would like to sign up as a supporter of the NHW, please do so on our web site at www.walkcaithness.com.

Core Path Funding can help develop the North Highland Way

2010-07-05T10:29:00.001-07:00

We have been trying to get the North Highland Way for about 15 years - see our blog at http://northhighlandway.blogspot.com/ There is money available for implementing the core path plan as part of the Land Reform Act 2003. Communities can apply for money for projects for pathworks, signage etc. up to £13000 per project. We would encourage as many communities to place signage / carry out pathworks on the coastal routes which are part of the core path. There will be, it is understood, money available for the wider network at a later date. Communities are encouraged to contact their community councils. The deadline for the first round is 31st July. Utilising the criteria for the Moray Firth Trail, paths / ways within 10 miles of the coast can be part of the North Highland Way.

Coasters GB

2010-06-29T13:48:00.001-07:00

Handover at Dunnet Head http://www.coastersgb.co.uk/gallery.php

Nat's Big Walk - Geovation!

2010-06-29T13:41:00.001-07:00

http://natsevs.wordpress.com/

Nats Walk!

2010-06-29T13:38:00.001-07:00

24 year old Nathaniel Severs is walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities.

Let's hear it for the North Highland Way

2010-03-21T10:24:00.001-07:00

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1652691?UserKey= - part of the Scottish Coastal Way....

Good news for the North Highland Way

2010-03-21T10:22:00.001-07:00

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/North-Highlands-set-for-114mile.6167806.jp

The far north in the news....

2010-03-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

Articles about the Scottish Coastal Way and North Highland Way are starting to appear in the press - see http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/news/new-long-distance-trails-for-scotland-1.1014620

North Highland Way attracts the BBC Radio

2010-03-18T11:43:00.001-07:00

Listen out for the radio interview with BBC 2 Radio Scotland tomorrow at 7.50a.m.

Brough to the Castle of Mey

2010-03-13T04:16:00.001-08:00

There will be a walk from Brough village to the Castle of Mey as part of the Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival - www.walkcaithness.com

Murkle to Castletown

2010-03-13T04:15:00.001-08:00

The Caithness Field Club will lead a walk on the North Highland Way on 2nd May as part of the Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival - www.walkcaithness.com

Maps coming soon!

2010-03-12T06:22:00.001-08:00

We will soon have downloadable maps available along the section of the North Highland Way, meanwhile see the excellent web site created by Gilbert Campbell who has walked the Scottish Coastal Way! At Dunnet Head we can provide a local service linking in to the national way.

May

2010-03-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

Thursday 6th May - Scourie bay, North West Sutherland coastal walk. North shore, superb views, wild flowers, geology, seabirds. Meet at Pier car park.

Thursday 6th May - Achmelvich Coastal walk, Assynt. Delightful cliff top walk to the old meal mill at Altanabradhan through croftland and machair.

Ranger walks on the North Highland Way

2010-03-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

The Ranger Service now charges for its services - £3 for adults and £2 for children.