Hillwalking has increased dramatically since the 1960s and has put great pressure on Scotland’s fragile upland habitats.
Imagine how many people must have walked the main Goatfell path since it appeared on the 1843-1882 OS map series. All of those steps, combined with the natural effects of climate, can cause severe path erosion. If left unchecked, paths can form gullies, boggy areas and wide braided scars on the landscape. This has the potential to damage rare vegetation and archaeological sites as well as detract from the natural beauty of an area.
Upland paths provide a gateway for people to enjoy Arran’s unique and beautiful landscapes. Large numbers of visitors come here each year with the goal of climbing Goatfell or one of the neighbouring mountains. How many would want to visit the uplands with dangerous paths, boggy tracks and landscape scale scars? Upland path work preserves one of Arran’s main attractions - the spectacular mountain landscape.