Angus coastal walkers have been given a new guide to the popular Arbroath cliff path – and a reminder to stay safe on it.
A new sign installed at Victoria Park on Arbroath points out features along the clifftop route to the village of Auchmithie.
It has been accompanied by the release of the new booklet charting the history and features of the stretch its creator believes is one of the best walks in Scotland.
Arbroath councillor Brenda Durno said: “Graham Smith of the community council contacted myself last year about making the cliff trail more accessible.
“I contacted the council officers, landowners and the Scottish Wildlife Trust and we formed a group and set plans for improvement. Cameron Smith then contacted with the idea of redoing the map.”
She added: “This is the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, highlighting the nature, history and culture of our shores and waterways and these are places for people to feel good, be healthy, curious and inspired.”
Cameron said: “Years ago I started making free informational Scottish travel videos through Scottish Adventures to inspire people to explore our beautiful country.
“With lockdown I focused all my efforts on showing the beauty of Arbroath cliffs via kayak, on foot and by drone.
“There are so many hidden wonders out there and I believe that this walk has the potential to be one of the best in Scotland.
“The caves alone are some of the best in Europe. Throw in beautiful views, stunning rock formations, dolphins, great fishing and some old tales and you have an incredible tourist destination.”
He was awarded £1,000 via the Choice for Angus fund for the project and has created a website, Facebook and Instagram pages, designed the new metal sign and flyers, and painted the sign at the start of the trail.
“For the trail to be successful I believe the local community has to work together to promote our beautiful home and take care of the cliffs.”
The group hopes the next stage will see the repainting or replacement of missing safety posts and more videos to draw in even greater visitor numbers.
Cambo added: “I’ve been studying lots of very old booklets that were written about the cliffs and eventually I would love to write my own guidebook to save the old stories getting lost to time.”
Alongside their popularity, however, the cliffs have been the scene of tragedy down the years and the new information includes safety warnings and emergency services advice.
The weekend witnessed drama further up the coast in Aberdeenshire when a group of people became stranded by the tide at St Cyrus, leading to the launch of the Montrose lifeboat, but all managed to get to safety.
