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

BMC volunteer Roy Hammond from Congleton, Cheshire, has been working on and leading Get Stuck In projects since they started two years ago, mainly in Eryri (Snowdonia) but he has also attended events in the Lake District and the Peak District. He shares his Skye Get Stuck In report:


Clearing drainage ditches looks like pretty back-breaking work - how did you find it?

Yes, it was hard work, but fun. The drains hadn’t been cleared for years and were all pretty full with stones, mud and water. Clearing them was pretty satisfying, particularly with heavy rain meaning that you could instantly see the results of your efforts.


So the wet weather helped you to see if the drainage ditches were actually draining again?

Absolutely, this is the best weather for drainage work, and was really useful to track the flow of water and to see the impact of our work.

How fit and/or skilled do you have to be to take part in this?

You do have to have a reasonable level of fitness to get to the work site and spend a day working on the mountain-side, but we were generally working at a low altitude, in groups and taking regular breaks. We were under instruction from path maintenance experts so didn’t need any prior skill.


Why is it important to you to repair mountain paths?

In this case, the poorly maintained drains on the paths meant that small stones had been washed away, and water was pooling on the paths, causing erosion, particularly where walkers had been creating alternative routes around the problem areas.

What do you like about Get Stuck In volunteering in particular?

I am passionate about the outdoors and giving back, but also enjoy the work which is very fulfilling and I enjoy the camaraderie of like minded people who I meet on these events.


What was it like working in Scotland in the first GSI collab event?

It was great to meet different people and hear about some of the other organisations and the work that they undertake. I have always wanted to visit Skye and it was great to have the opportunity to do this via a Get Stuck In event.


The shared accom looked friendly too, what was that like?

The Glen Brittle hut was a gem - very comfortable, well equipped and perfectly located for our work.


Anything else you'd like to mention?

We had a couple of communal meals and a talk from the Skye MRT which was really interesting.

Roy (second left in grey/blue cap) with the whole group, in front of Eas Mor waterfall, 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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