Pathwatch project extended to Scotland

Ramblers Scotland has launched Pathwatch – a pioneering digital project to record issues affecting walkers and celebrate the best of the Scottish outdoors.

Walkers are being urged to use the free, interactive Pathwatch app to share positive experiences and report any problems they encounter while out and about in Scotland.

That could mean logging anything from missing signs and overgrown paths to exciting views and wildlife – all of which can be pinned on to digital Ordnance Survey maps via the app.

It is the first time the technology has been available north of the border, in a pilot scheme lasting until Easter 2017.

Ramblers Scotland will use the information logged during the next six months to help it promote and protect the country’s unique landscape, nature and access.

Brendan Paddy, Director of Ramblers Scotland, said: “We know that Scotland has some of the best access legislation in the world, but we don’t yet have a full picture of the challenges facing walkers on the ground.

“Pathwatch makes it easy for people to let us know instantly about any problems stopping them in their tracks.

“I’m also very excited about the opportunity to use Pathwatch to celebrate the great experiences people have while exploring Scotland on foot.

“I encourage everyone to download the app today and get out walking. Tell us what you find – the good and the bad – so together we can paint a complete picture of the issues affecting Scottish walkers for the first time.”

Ramblers Scotland wants to use Pathwatch to work more closely with walkers, landowners and access authorities to improve Scotland’s outdoors for all.

The Pathwatch project has previously run successfully in England and Wales, with results set to be published later this year.

Encouragingly, almost half of all features reported south of the border have been positive, showing the potential for the technology to showcase the best of the Scottish outdoors.

The Pathwatch app has been be available for download from Saturday 8 October at the Ramblers Scotland website, where a desktop version will also be available.