The John Muir Trust is competing for funding to undertake essential repairs to the Steall Gorge path in Glen Nevis, Lochaber, which is in desperate need of maintenance if it's to stay open to the thousands of visitors that venture along it each year.
Steall Falls and Gorge
Unfortunately, the path is suffering erosion from heavy use and exposure to the elements. Long sections are in danger of crumbling away and could eventually be lost to the roaring waters below if repair work isn’t started soon.
To help keep the path open, the John Muir Trust, supported by clothing company Patagonia, has entered a competition organised by the European Outdoor Conservation Association. A number of conservation projects from across Europe are being put to a public vote. Getting the most votes will earn £25,000 towards the urgent work required on the path.
Fran Lockhart, the John Muir Trust’s Nevis manager, said: “Around 40,000 visitors come to visit this special wild place each year. The path is under a lot of strain and is now starting to show its age. We’ll use the funding to carry out appropriate repairs to reverse damage and work to strengthen likely weak spots on a regular basis.
“This will ensure access through the gorge so that people can continue to explore these amazing, rugged surroundings and enjoy one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Scotland for many more years to come. If we don’t do anything, there’s a serious risk that access will be lost completely.”
Voting is open between 13th and 27th March. To see details of the five projects hoping to win funding and to vote visit the website here.