Lumphanan Paths Group - signposting the way to better health
Volunteers in Aberdeenshire have made local paths safer and more accessible. The Lumphanan Paths Group are working to improve paths while raising awareness of community routes.
A grant, supported by the Scottish Government, has helped part fund the signposting of a five-and-a-half-mile route following the Old Military Road from Tullochvenus to Kincardine O'Neil on the Deeside way, and the creation of an informative leaflet detailing the routes and history.
The volunteers hope to encourage more people to explore the countryside, with the group restoring the route to make it safe and more easily accessible.
Lumphanan Paths Group was formed in 2018 with seven female volunteers ranging between 40 and 70 years old with one common interest – improving routes in the local community and raising awareness about what is on its doorstep.
The project has raised awareness about existing routes for people to walk and has highlighted the history in the area which many people did not know existed.
“The upgrade of the old military road took a year to complete due to challenges with lockdown. The year-long work included: the installation of metal ‘finger’ direction signs, timber posts with way-marking arrow discs, fencing, general maintenance and the creation of the information leaflet – which details the seven different routes. We had to work individually or in groups of two due to the restrictions. A lot of the time we had to think outside of the box, as work that may require a few pair of hands to help, most of the time had to be done alone. The group enlisted the help of the local community with around 10 additional volunteers helping out over the course of the project. Everyone brought a different skill, and it was nice to see individuals muck in for a common cause during a difficult year.”
Linda Gray, chairperson of the Lumphanan Paths Group
Lumphanan Paths Group received more than £1450 from Paths for All and match funding from ScotWays.
The Paths for All grants scheme is supported by NatureScot, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government.
Image curtesy of Paths for All - Signposts outline historic routes
More information on the Paths for All website: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/community-paths/cmp-success-stories/cmp-story/signposting-the-way-to-better-health