Lochaber new trail plan boosted by agreement

Outdoor trails in Fort William will be upgraded, maintained and developed thanks to an agreement between Lochaber Trail Association (LTA) and Forestry and Land Scotland which have agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will see both groups working together to facilitate community-led development of trails, writes Colin Smeeton.

With the MOU in place, the newly formed LTA is now in a position to plan organised dig days, the first of which is planned for the start of August.

The volunteer event will take place at one of Leanachan forests oldest mountain bike routes, Hole in the wall. This particular trail was selected as it has a well-known safety concern where it exits onto the track below. The trail is frequently used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders and the Saturday Kids Club and LTA aim to improve the trail to better meet the needs of younger and less experienced riders. Anyone wishing to assist with rerouting the exit of the Hole in the wall trail can book their place at eventbrite.co.uk by searching for LTA Hole in the wall dig day.

Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and the event is scheduled to take place from 10am to 1pm on Sunday August 1.

All work will take place according to Covid guidelines and a short brief and tool talk will be given prior to work starting.

Further informatiopn about LTA can be found on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ LochaberTrailAssociation