Creating and maintaining a network of paths for all in Broadford and beyond.

The creation of a safe and attractive paths network is fundamental to our aim of achieving an inclusive and eco-friendly community for all.

Since 2003 we have supported the development of over 6km of paths in our area. These include the Marble Line walking route, the Rathad na Cloinne path through our community woodland, and the path between Broadford’s Community Garden and pier. The latest (2023) addition is a much-needed footpath in the village of Elgol, creating a safe off-road link between the pier and village hall.

We are constantly seeking to develop the network. We are planning a major review of all the paths in our area to assess future maintenance and identify gaps. Meanwhile the Skye Cycle Way project is set to create an active travel route for all between the Skye Bridge and Broadford. This work will support active and greener travel by making it easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle.

READ MORE

Path networks have been a priority for Broadford & Strath Community Company right from the start. They tie together our cultural and natural heritage, link people to the environment, and encourage visitors to stay in and appreciate our area.

An early project was a new walking route into an area of great natural beauty: The Marble Line. Utilising the track-bed of a former quarry railway, the path provides a link from Broadford to Kilchrist where walkers can pick up the existing path to the cleared settlements at Boreraig and Suishnish. Nearby we also created a path from Sithean Chambered Cairn to Coire chat-achan, where we restored an old footbridge (Old Corry Bridge) to create a circular walking route from the village. You can view the whole route on the Walk Highlands website.

The path between Broadford Community Garden and Mackinnon’s Pier was part of the Broadford Bay Heritage Trail, completed in 2011. It includes the well-used Marble Line Footbridge and attractive path along the bay.

We created our woodland path, the Rathad na Cloinne (‘Path of the Children’), soon after acquiring the Community Woodland in 2011. The path creates a link to forestry tracks in the adjacent Broadford Forest, managed by Forestry Land Scotland, to create an attractive and accessible loop path.

 

The Elgol path, created in 2023, is transformational for this small rural village which sees in excess of 70,000 visitors per year.  As well as a feature and additional infrastructure for visitors this path is an essential link for locals. The new footpath takes pedestrians off the steep, often congested, single track road between the primary school and pier whilst also linking in the village hall and new public toilets.   

For more information please contact us at:

mail@broadfordandstrath.org

KEY FACTS

Time frame: 2003 – present

Location: Broadford, Kilchrist, Corry, Elgol

Benefits to the community: Provision of safe routes for walkers and wheelers; encouraging healthy, active travel; connecting people and places

FUNDERS:

Aggregates Levy Board (now Entrust) | Scottish Executive | Paths for All | Various

 

FROM OUR GALLERY

Share This