BMC collaborates with Scottish mountain organisations to repair paths on Skye

Access News
17 Oct
2 min read

Storms and heavy rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the eleven volunteers who tackled the clogged drainage ditches below the famous Cuillin Ridge in a collaborative project with Mountaineering Scotland and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS).

BMC Hill Walking Rep and BMC Access & Conservation Trust trustee, Steve Charles, says, "We had a very successful week on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, at the end of September, despite Storm Amy threatening. Four experienced BMC Get Stuck In volunteers joined volunteers from Mountaineering Scotland and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) on the Isle of Skye on a collaborative project working to improve paths leading up from Glen Brittle up towards the Cuillin Ridge.

"The paths had not been maintained for years and so drainage gulleys had become blocked, with resulting erosion of the path. Although the weather was wet, 122 drainage gullies were cleared over 4km of path. It was great to build up a relationship with volunteers in Scotland who are equally passionate about looking after our mountain landscapes."

Mountaineering Scotland's Communications Officer Megan Murray, says, “It was great to work in collaboration with experienced BMC and OATS volunteers. A fantastic effort was made by everyone to clear drains that hadn’t been touched for 15+ years! This will no doubt have a positive impact on the popular routes up to the Cuillin Ridge and help prevent further erosion by water washing away the path.”

If you're out and about in the mountains anywhere at any time and you see a drainage ditch blocked, either remove the blockage yourself if it is safe to do so. If it's completely choked and needs tools like spades and mattocks to dig it out like these on Skye, let the BMC know by contacting your local Area Rep and asking them to feed the message back to the BMC's Get Stuck In initiative for future projects with the National Trust rangers.

Quick stats:

  • 3 days
  • 11 volunteers
  • 122 drainage ditches cleared
  • 4km of mountain path worked on
  • 200 trees planted
  • 60 teas & coffees drunk

Get Stuck In is funded by the Mend Our Mountains campaign from the BMC's Access & Conservation Trust. Donate to repair and save more paths now!

Clogged drainage ditches allow water to run down the path and drastically erode it
The BMC collaborated with Mountaineering Scotland and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) to clear drainage ditches on Skye
You can just pick out three volunteers working top right above Eas Mor waterfall on path into the Cuillin from Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye
Founder of the BMC Get Stuck In programme, Steve Charles, is in red on the right.

Will you Get Stuck In?

Get Stuck In events are single and multi-day volunteer events in the Peak District, Lake District and North Wales. Hill walking fitness and experience, plus a packed lunch is required, but durable waterproofs and steel-toe-capped boots can be borrowed. On the multi-day events like this, volunteers do two days hard labour with the National Trust rangers on the footpaths of Eryri (Snowdonia) or the Lake District, while the third day is reserved for a rewarding group hike, climb or pub/cafe outing. You stay free of charge for three nights in basic, bunkhouse-style accommodation and there is a communal meal one evening. Single day events in the Peak District involve planting sphagnum moss and clearing invasive species.

Get Stuck In events are funded by the BMC's Access & Conservation Trust as part of the Mend Our Mountains campaign. Please give generously here and check out the latest volunteering opportunities here.

Get Stuck In footpath repair events

Get Stuck In events are 1-3 day opportunities for BMC volunteers to give some love back to the landscapes we love to walk and climb in. There are a range of activities decided on nearer the time of the event according to the National Trust rangers who will be teaching you new skills, explaining more about their footpath repair and conservation activities and working alongside you.

Watch the video here

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