NEWS

Walks project

Lead organisation: Sgoil an Iochdair agus a'Choimhearsnachd

Total project cost:volunteer time, unit costs per metre depending on construction method

One of our findings from our original community survey was that people would like to go out and walk more, but felt that it was difficult to do this safely. Concerns were raised about restrictions caused by fencing, and by worries about safety when walking along the roads. Since that survey, we see more and more people out walking and running. We have had our own walk leaflet out, describing the route around Iochdar, which is level, and avoids the main road. It is aimed at the slower or less fit walker, and points out items of historical or environmental interest.

We have also been very fortunate in gaining permission to publish the walk descriptions that Martin Margulies walk articles which first appeared in Am Paipear, and are reproduced here with his permission. In 2011, the walks were collected together in a book, called Mhor and More. It is available from Amazon here.

Life moves on, and we are also aware that although there are many wild and adventurous walks, there isn't really a network of footpaths and cycle routes. Children at the school have to walk along the road for their 'daily mile'. The long distance route from the Butt of Lewis to the Isle of Barra has been signposted, but parts of the route in Iochdar require some work. There is also scope to incorporate QR codes, with links to local information, now that we have better mobile reception. At present we are looking at improvements to the paths at Griminish and Loch Skipport. If we are successful in applying for funding, we could also add two new paths, one in Iochdar and another in Ardmore. These ideas are in their early stages. If you have ideas for local paths, please get in touch via the contacts page.