The fight has started to save parts of a beloved Mearns coastal route which are in danger of being lost forever.
The Mearns Coastal Path, from Inverbervie to St Cyrus, has been severely damaged by storms and coastal erosion over recent years.
Many sections are unsafe to walk along, with some completely impassable. Its hazardous state has led to fears it could disappear entirely if action is not taken.
MERCAT (Mearns Coastal Trail Development Group), a small subgroup of Visit Mearns, which is entirely voluntary, is focusing its efforts on restoring and maintaining the section of path.
Volunteer Maxine Murphy said the stretch from Johnshaven to St Cyrus is at risk of being lost completely “via a combination of neglect, natural coastal erosion and storm damage”.
She said: “Mearns Coastal Trail as a valuable asset in both tourism and local social capital terms.
“The overall goal is to develop and promote the trail by linking existing attractions and points of interest, whilst providing opportunities to develop new attractions and services.
“The group is keen to preserve and promote the wide and varied heritage and natural history of the area for both local communities and visitors along the Mearns coast.
“This medium to long-term project will include repairing or restoring paths, fencing, bridges and handrails, placement of benches, signage, and diversion around dangerous areas, plus on-going maintenance, and will focus on safety and access.”
The group intends to eventually provide information boards to help path users understand the coastal challenges, as well as drawing attention to the historical and natural heritage of the area.
It is hoped users will also become involved in improving their natural surroundings and participating in community activities.
Volunteers want to restore the path so it is accessible to more walkers who can then take refreshments in the interlinking villages en route.
The path through Gourdon follows traces of the old railway network.
The line, which opened in 1865, was a victim of the Beeching review and the last journey was made on the track in May 1966.
MERCAT was visited by 20 Aberdeen University students on Saturday at Cove Hill.
The students, as bio-engineers, were able to suggest natural solutions to some of the group’s problems with the path and also planted 50 trees to increase biodiversity.
The trees included native local ecotypes and Oak, Rowan and Birch which also provides a natural habitat for birds and insects.
For more information visit www.visitmearns.com or follow Our Mearns Tourism Association (OMTA) on Facebook.
