Projects
Latest project - The Comply
October 2021: We are very excited to be embarking on a new challenge… a path with an interesting history to uncover! The Comply is a Heritage Path. ScotWays describes Heritage Paths as ‘old routes that have been used for a specific purpose’. You can read the Scotways description here.
We have secured funding from generous donations, grants from NESTRANS, ScotWays, Tesco Community Grants, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, profits from the Open Garden Day held at three Lumphanan gardens, and our own contribution from the sale of t-shirts and jumpers (thanks to Marr Area Partnership).
Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland
This Comply project is a key part of the exciting ongoing projects aimed at linking walking routes from Torphins through Lumphanan to Aboyne and Tarland. Volunteer input is welcomed too so please get in touch if you can help!
Update January 2022:
Work has been started on clearing vegetation. The initial drainage and access improvements will be done by an experienced local contractor, engaged to begin shortly.
Update June 2022:
Recent improvements include drainage and vegetation clearance, and future tasks include gates, fencing and fixing the footbridge. You can read more about the project here. There is still a lot of work to do, but the Comply is a pleasure to walk again!
Update August 2022:
A new bench has been installed at the start of the path (Lumphanan end) thanks to the relatives of the late Betty and Allan Moir. If you don’t know the lovely story of Betty and Allan, read about it here on our People and Places page. The family commissioned a beautiful bench, made by Jack Nesbit - Blacksmith, to stand guard over the old track.
Completed Project: Cairnbeathie track improvements
We have secured funding from King George V Wind turbine community fund towards fence and drainage improvements along the Cairnbeathie Track, on the route to Kincardine O' Neil. We are in the process of sourcing further funds and getting quotes. We plan to have the work done before winter 2020.
Update November 2020: Fencing work to prevent livestock from straying onto the path has now been carried out. Safer for people and beasts!
Final update: Project complete!
Completed Project: Bench refurbishment
Have you noticed the benches keep disappearing? Don't worry - they are now re-appearing!
Thanks to a grant from Marr Area Committee, we have been removing them for refurbishment. We expect the benches will be completed in 2020. Thanks to contractors LSM Services Deeside Ltd for doing this work, and for donating a replacement for the bench next to the church.
Update October 2020 - another bench is in place - see Facebook for more info and pictures. They look fantastic! Thanks also to local resident Craig Lindsay of Core Specialist Services, Aberdeen for a donation on behalf of his company towards the Lover's Lane bench refurbishment.
Final update May 2021: Project complete
Completed Project: Way finding - signage & leaflet
Lost? Don't worry - we have a project to help you find your way!
We have secured funding from Scotways and Paths for All for signage and a leaflet covering routes north and south of Lumphanan. This will include metal 'finger' direction signs on posts and way-marking arrow discs for existing posts, complemented by a leaflet which maps and describes the walks. We plan to have this work done by the end of March 2021.
Update April 2021: installation of signs and waymarking posts is almost complete! The leaflet is now available in local shops and eateries in Lumphanan, Kincardine O'Neil, Torphins, Aboyne and Tarland. See Lumphanan Walks page to download a copy. There are also links to the routes and descriptions on Ordnance Survey Routes. Handy for your phone.
Final update May 2021: Project complete
Information boards
Tom Main
Lumphanan's village and stunning scenery is steeped in history and hosts an amazing diversity of wildlife. There is so much to see - if you know what to look for! We are working up plans for interpretation boards so that path users can find out about local features of interest. Watch this space!
Update October 2021: Project on hold
Path maintenance
Paths development and funding
Our two sub-groups are always working hard to search for funding and develop projects ideas for paths. Please visit our get involved page if you would like to contribute to the work of the group.