Over 100,000 people climb Ben Nevis annually and some of the footpaths are feeling the strain. Friends of Nevis is offering the chance for walkers and climbers to put something back by helping with footpath repairs this summer.
Following the success of similar work parties in April and May, Friends of Nevis is looking to put together teams of 4 – 8 volunteers at a time to work on Ben Nevis with footpath specialist Martin McCrorie. The work parties will be held over a number of days in August around the level of Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (the halfway lochan) and also on the path close to Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. The minimum commitment needed is just one day (though you can join in with as many as you like) and participants need to be able to walk in to the work site, helping to carry basic equipment such as spades/picks etc.
Liz Wilshaw from Friends of Nevis says, “It doesn’t matter if you’ve never done anything like this before, as all equipment, training and supervision will be provided and we are also able to offer travel expenses, free camping pitches at the excellent Glen Nevis campsite and hopefully some vital refreshments – or at least a contribution towards them!
“Our path work parties are enjoyable, satisfying, a great way to meet new friends – and above all they are an absolutely vital part of the Friends of Nevis’ work in supporting this iconic mountain – so please join us if you can.”
Anyone who wants to sign up for the work parties can do so online – if you haven’t volunteered before with Friends of Nevis you also need to email Liz direct with your contact details by following the directions on the online page.