Skye Trail proves popular with walkers

A long-distance guided walk route on the Isle of Skye has proven a great hit with walkers throughout the summer this year.

Between April and September this year, Highland Council Countryside Rangers in Skye and Lochalsh led a pilot series of guided walks based on the Skye Trail.

Over the summer, a total of 45 people attended for part of the trail with six completing the entire 75 mile route between Duntulm and Broadford. The average number of walkers was 14 per stage with a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 17.

John Phillips, Highland Council’s Senior Countryside Ranger said: “We are very pleased with the demand for our pilot walks on the Skye Trail, so much so that we plan to repeat the series of walks in the 2011 programme of guided walks. The views along the route are stunning throughout its length and will attract even more participants next year.”

The Skye Trail was first proposed by outdoor author/broadcaster Cameron McNeish in a BBC2 programme of the same name.

Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers run many events and guided walks which aim to help raise awareness and encourage appreciation of the scenery, wildlife and heritage of the Highlands. This wide range of events and activities is aimed at local communities and visitors alike.

For further information on countryside ranger events in Skye and Lochalsh please contact tel: 01471 820526.