Path Maintenance – 2 Day Event at Loch Muick (Lochnagar)

Join us for two days of path maintenance on Lochnagar footpaths in the stunning area of Glen Muick.
Please note this is an overnight trip, accommodation and evening meal on Monday night will be provided.

Location: Spittal of Glen Muick car park and visitor centre, Ballater

Accommodation: Allt-Na-Giubhsaich Bothy on Monday night, provided by the Balmoral Estate

Facilities: Toilets are available at the bothy, or at the visitor centre.
The bothy is heated by a wood burner, there is kitchen with cooking facilities, dining room and two bedrooms with 3 bunkbeds in each.

On each day of the trip
Volunteers will help to repair erosion to the footpath, prevent further damage due to rainfall, and fix sections where it is needed to encourage users to use the original path line. The maintenance will be centered around what is known as a “drainage run”, walking the route and clearing drainage features as we go. Such a work is vitally important to ensure the built paths are kept in a good condition, protecting the surrounding landscape and maintaining the accessibility of the hills.

Requirements
No experience of path work is required. Tools, working gloves and safety glasses will be provided.
Volunteers must be used to spending time outdoors, have experience walking in the hills, have a good physical fitness and be capable of using tools. 14 to 18-year-olds are welcome to join in as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

What to bring
Appropriate footwear (preferably waterproof boots with firm ankle support), suitable clothing for a full day in the hills (including waterproofs, cap or hat and spare warm layer to be prepared for changing weather conditions), insect repellent and sunscreen.
Change of clothes and clean trainers to wear inside the bothy.
Sleeping bag and pillow.
Torch – toilets are located outside (please note, there are no showers).
Food/Drink:
Bring enough food and water for each day on the hill, plus for breakfast on Tuesday morning.
Monday evening meal will be provided.
Coffee and tea will be available at the bothy.
Water at the bothy is untreated – not for drinking!

Detailed list of things to bring will be sent in the week prior to the event.

If you have any queries please contact Eva, our Outdoor Access Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

To volunteer for this project please log in below or sign-up here.