Neglected tourist trail

“I noted with interest a recent article about a new tourist trail which has been opened at Blair Atholl,” emails David MacDougall of Little Dunkeld.

“This has re-awakened my own interest in a now much neglected tourist trail at Inver, Dunkeld, which is the footpath leaving the car park near the A9, via the Hermitage Falls, crossing the bridge over the Braan River there – and then nothing. The path

should cross the bridge and then follow down the other side of the Braan and back to the start through Inver village.

“This was a popular walk, but about 10 or 12 years ago a land slip just over the bridge took away about 25 yards of the path so that access is difficult. The Forestry Commission, owners by that time, blocked the gate through the bridge and put up a notice saying that they had the matter in hand, inferring that the path would be repaired.

“I have since, at various times, tried to contact the Forestry Commission, without result. The solution to the reconstitution of the path lies with that body, now renamed as Forestry and Land Scotland.

“As a born and bred country boy, I see two possible solutions: install a bridge, possibly using gabions or some of the trees already on site or create a linking foot path, not necessarily expensive. I believe that, if it was necessary, a small local group could be raised to create a linking path and thus re-open the route which would give real pleasure to many.

“I realise that in the current situation this will not be seen as urgent, but this should not stop forward planning.”