Countryside Access
Islands Access Project launches new walks during Access Festival Week
You are invited to take a walk, cycle, horse ride, or paddle in this national celebration of the great outdoors which is organised by Scottish Natural Heritage. Over 270 events covering a wide variety of outdoor pursuits from wildlife-watching to kayaking to powerkiting are planned throughout Scotland. Some of the events happening locally are using walks and tracks newly developed and enhanced by the Western Isles Countryside Access Programme (WICAP) which is funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Scottish Natural Heritage, HIE Innse Gall with assistance from the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme.
Festival events include a guided walk along the spectacular Atlantic coastline following part of the newly created Cuairt Orthir Nis, the Ness Coastal Walk, developed in partnership with Iomairt Nis, the route takes in sites of archaeological and natural interest from North Dell to Port of Ness.
Another popular route that will be tested during the Festival is Cuairt Oirthir Bheàrnaraigh, the Bernera Coastal Walk. New way-marking, gates & boardwalks have made the route easier to use. This circular route starts at the Community Hall in Breaclete, and reaches the replica Iron Age House and spectacular sands of Bostadh via Tobson, returning by road to the hall.
RSPB are hosting a walk at the Balranald Nature Reserve, North Uist, where improvements to access and new parking facilities have been provided for visitors to this special environmental site.
A guided walk along the historic right of way from Reinigeadal to Urgha is planned for the Festival. WICAP has enabled the North Harris Trust to carryout much needed restoration work on part of this popular track .
Comann Eachdraidh Tholastaidh Bho Thuath, North Tolsta Historical Society will be leading Cuairt mun Ard, a walk round Tolsta Head. New waymarking and directional signs have been provided on this circular cliff top route.
The Festival presents the great variety of outdoor pursuits to be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities throughout the country. It also promotes wider understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which clearly defines the public’s right of access with responsibilities across Scotland’s land and inland water. It sets out guidance to all recreational users including walkers, riders and paddlers as well as land managers to ensure countryside users care for the environment, respect the interests of other people and take responsibility for their own actions.
The Western Isles Events Programme can be viewed here.
For a full list of events being offered see www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/festival or for more information contact Eleanor.MacGregor@snh.gov.uk, Tel: 01463 725213.
