Six Harbour Walk set for welcome return after two-year pandemic break
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IT will be time to get those walking shoes on again in aid of charity soon as the Six Harbour Walk gets ready to make a welcome return.
Run by the Rotary Club of Buckie, the event has had to be cancelled over the last two years due to pandemic regulations.
However, it is set to come roaring back on Sunday, May 1 and take walkers through the beautiful Banffshire harbours of Portsoy, Sandend, Cullen, Portknockie, Findochty and Buckie.
One of those looking forward to seeing the event get back on the local social calendar is Heather Pirie who, along with Andrew Murray, is the joint Six Harbour Walk Co-ordinator.
She said: "It's good to be back and up and running after a break of two years.
"We've kept to the traditional May Day bank holiday date for the walk.
"At this point we're looking to get the Six Harbour Walk back on the map again and once we've done that go forward to the future.
"The route is basically the same as it was in 2019. Part of the coastal route has been affected by erosion with a detour in place, just as there was three years ago. We're grateful to the farmer and Seafield Estates for allowing us to go across their land.
"Before the pandemic, we had attendances ranging from 300 up to 500, but we're not expecting anything like that this time. People haven't really had time to adjust to a return to greater normality.
"As I said earlier, with this walk we're focusing on getting back to nearer normal and we'll be delighted to welcome anyone who comes along."
As in 2019, the South & West Church will serve as the registration point, opening for 8.30am. Walkers will then be bussed to the starting point at Portsoy Harbour. These who fancy a shorter stroll can check in at Cullen and proceed from there.
The walk will finish back at the South & West where refreshments will await those who have completed the 15-mile journey.
Prior to the pandemic, the Six Harbour Walk raised many thousands of pounds every year for a number of named primary charities. However, a different approach has been taken this year, as Mrs Pirie explained.
"We haven't set any fundraising targets for this year as it's quite a difficult time for everybody at the moment with the rises in the cost of living.
"We'll be pleased with whatever we end up getting.
“This year we’ve decided to concentrate on local charities and rather than have named charities we’ll invite applications for funding.
“As was the case before, those who inform us beforehand that they are walking in a group of four will be able to keep half of what they raise for their own charity or good cause.”
Mrs Pirie went on to thank Buckie Boys’ Brigade, Cullen Sea School and Findochty Christmas Lights Committee for offering to help on the day of the walk.
For more information and to sign up, visit http://www.sixharbourwalk.com/signup/, with updates also available on the Rotary Club of Buckie Facebook page.
