Home   News   Article

Nairnshire and Moray Firth between Inverness and Forres could see new coastal route established





A new coastal route could be set to link up two major trails between Inverness and Forres.

Katie Munro. Picture: Callum Mackay
Katie Munro. Picture: Callum Mackay

The Association of Northern Trails of Scotland (ANTS), the organisation behind the John O’Groats Trail, is working with the Moray Way Association (MWA) to create a new trail to extend the Moray Coast Trail which runs between Cullen and Forres.

Although the project is still at an early stage, the hope is to enhance access to the coast in Nairnshire and surroundings, bringing both economic and health benefits.

Jay Wilson, ANTS chairman, said that trails can bring a lot to the local community.

“Existing trails not only bring economic development in terms of tourism with long-distance walking, but also coastal access for local people or tourists who may be interested in seeing a bit of the coast,” he said.

“I also think that it improves the local economy in other ways, because it just makes the place a better, nicer place to live and work and to do business. By adding access to the coastline, it makes it a nicer place for everyone.

“It’s a pity when there are resources like a coastline that aren't accessible, like is the case along this part.

“The development of a trail and improving access increases public interest in an area that can increase volunteerism and just the the sense of belonging in that place, so that people may well tend to take care of it better.

“If people don't know about a place - because they don’t have access to it - then they can't really care for it.”

The John O Groats Trail attracts in the region of 1000 walkers annually, and is reckoned to have boosted the local economy of the north Highlands by around £900,000 in 2024.

Mr Wilson said that the biggest challenge ahead will be fundraising, with resources from council funding being limited.

He said: “A lot of the work that we've done up north has been funded with wind farm community funds, and our perception is that there's not as much of that in this area. But we hope to find there may be other sources of funding.”

At present, the charity is collecting contacts and developing community support and will look at setting up a steering group and a volunteer group, as well as exploring routes options in the future.

If financial support is found, they also hope to hire a trail development manager.

“We want to identify land owners and managers as soon as possible in the process so that we can begin chatting with them about the possibilities and their preferences,” Mr Wilson added.

“We've seen a real groundswell of support so far just from trying to get the word out to some community groups.

“We've been heartened by that.”

Nairn provost Laurie Fraser said he would gladly support the development of a trail, saying this would provide an alternative to other walks in Scotland and give a boost to the hospitality trade and health improvements.

Culloden and Ardersier councillor Trish Robertson is also in favour of the extension of the trail.

She said: “Extending the walking trail to give an extensive route around the Highland east coast will encourage another choice for tourist and locals alike, while providing an uplift to the economy.

“Walking provides individuals and communities with an opportunity to improve both their emotional and physical well-being, and we also know that the Trail attracts hundreds of walkers from further afield.”

Local charity Green Hive will also be supporting the initiative.

Scott Crossett, business development manager for Green Hive, said: "Green Hive is proud to support the development of the John o’ Groats Trail extension, connecting communities from Forres to Inverness. This project aligns with our commitment to promoting sustainable outdoor activities, enhancing local biodiversity, and fostering connections between people and nature.

“Accessible, well-maintained trails encourage physical and mental well-being, create opportunities for eco-tourism, and strengthen the environmental stewardship of our coastline.

“We believe this initiative will have a lasting positive impact on both the local community and the wider Highland region."

Anyone wanting to contact the charity to learn more about the initiative can email walk@jogt.org.uk



Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More