The Cairngorms National Park (CPNA) has decided to go ahead with the proposed extension of the Speyside Way to Newtonmore despite objections from one landowner. Last Friday (14 May) the National Park Authority’s Board approved the making of a ‘Path Order’ under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which if given Ministerial approval will allow the path to be built without the land owner’s consent. This decision follows years of work on the proposed route and approval ‘in principle’ in 2009 from the Scottish Government to extend the Speyside Way through the Cairngorms National Park. The work has included negotiations…

It’s day 5 of Stephen Pyke’s (aka Spyke) epic attempt to climb all the Munros in under 40 days all under his own steam. Starting off on Sunday 25 April, Spyke has already tackled Ben More on Mull, the quick ascent and descent being followed by a cycle ride and then kayak to the mainland and more cycling before bagging the Glenfinnan Munros. Day 2 comprised Glenfinnan to Fersit, taking in the 10 Munros north of Glen Nevis, many still snow covered. Days 3 and 4 saw him complete the 14 peaks around Loch Ossian and Ben Alder with an…

The consultation on the proposed ban on wild camping along a section of the east shore of Loch Lomond has entered its final week. The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority says that it has already received over 250 responses to its proposals and is keen for interested people to use the final days until 3 May to have their say. the proposal will see a new byelaw introduced that will ban wild camping along the east side of the Loch between Drymen and Rowardennan. The proposal is being mooted in response to a growing problem of litter…

The dramatic coastal Chain Walk at Elie in Fife has been closed due to extensive vandalism. Fife Council, which maintains the route, says that about two thirds of the chains have been stolen. The chains are a necessary part of the scramble which provides a low-tide exciting route around Kincraig Head near Elie. In many places the route relies on chains to allow walkers to stay on the small rock-cut steps and avoid a dangerous slip onto rocks or into the sea below. The Council says that without the missing chains, the route is dangerous and it has placed warning…