‘Volunteers should be proud of what they have achieved’: Praise from Culrain Hall chairman for Carbisdale Forest paths clearing team
The weather was kind on Saturday as a host of volunteers turned out to help the Culrain Hall committee clear the paths in Carbisdale forest.
Helpers of all ages from Culrain, Ardgay, Bonar Bridge and Invershin formed into three groups using only hand tools to knock back bracken and cut overhanging foliage.
In particular, 30 metres of the path to View Rock, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Kyle of Sutherland, was cleared and widened.
The task proved challenging with volunteer Andy Wright putting in a sterling effort to rebuild a land drain where the track was particularly wet and Lester Standen and Colin Murray rebuilding a section of path that had fallen away.
It was hard work for the volunteers who welcomed the light refreshments provided by the hall. Committee members Anna Sutherland and Liz Cormack made sure everyone was fed and watered before the volunteers returned to the paths in the afternoon to finish the job.
Hall committee chairman Graham Charge said: "It is wonderful to see these sections of the path cleared and restored to their original width. They look great, the public can now use the paths without having to push through overgrowth and all of the volunteers should be proud of what they have achieved.”
The Culrain Hall committee have a Path Management Agreement with Forestry and Land Scotland and will be holding another trail clearing day in October which they hope will be equally well supported.
The Carbisdale Forest Trails provide some lovely easy walks with views of the castle, the beautiful little lochan and the two viewpoints of View Rock and the battlefield of the Battle of Carbisdale.
