North Coast Trail drop-in sessions planned for six Caithness venues
Plans for a long-distance walking trail along the north coast will be outlined at a series of community consultation events in Caithness over the coming month.
The drop-in sessions – taking place in John O’Groats, Dunnet, Mey, Castletown, Thurso and Reay – will allow members of the public to meet the team behind the 150-mile North Coast Trail, find out more about the project and have their say.
The latest initiative by the Association of Northern Trails Scotland (ANTS) follows on from the success of its first project, the 147-mile John O’Groats Trail, from Inverness to John O’Groats.
The new trail will connect from the John O’Groats Trail, finishing at Cape Wrath and linking up with the Cape Wrath Trail. Walkers can enjoy spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife along the route, which may be divided into 13 day stages for keen long-distance walkers or smaller sections for a more leisurely walk.
ANTS trail development manager Laura Gray said: “We are keen to meet the community and get them involved in the development of the North Coast Trail. Their local knowledge and opinions will be invaluable to the success of this project.
“The community of Caithness is so proud of this beautiful coastline, and we want to show off the best of it along the trail. Connecting communities along the coast with the trail will open up walking routes to locals as well as bringing in business from long-distance walkers.
“Whether you are a resident of Caithness, a landowner or business owner, we want to work with you to make this a real asset to the north – this is as much your project as it is ours.”
People in Caithness are being invited to get involved in the development of the North Coast Trail by attending one of the following six drop-in sessions:
John O’Groats village hall on July 25, 2pm-4pm; Britannia Hall, Dunnet, July 31, 4pm-6pm; Mey village hall, August 5, 2pm-4pm; Drill Hall, Castletown, August 8, 2pm-4pm; North Coast Visitor Centre, Thurso, August 14, 3pm-5pm; and Reay village hall, August 16, 2pm-4pm.
