CairnGorm Mountain’s trial programme of guided walks from the Ptarmigan top station to the summit has got off to a great start with over 160 visitors taking advantage of the opportunity to get out at the top during the first week of the trial.
The funicular operator was recently granted permission by Scottish Natural Heritage and The Highland Council to let controlled numbers of funicular passengers exit the Ptarmigan to take part in a series of carefully managed guided walks which aim to engage visitors with the landscape of the Cairngorms and enhance their experience of this significant wilderness landscape.
The walks run four times a day at 1120, 1200, 1400 and 1440 and in the nine days since the trial started there has only been one day on which the weather has prevented the walks taking place. Commented Marketing Manager Tania Alliod :
‘The trial programme has just concluded its first week and the public reaction has been hugely positive. Feedback from visitors confirms that the Walk @ The Top is adding to both the value of their visit and their overall appreciation and understanding of why the high tops of the Cairngorms are so special.”
Participants for the walk have been a mixture of “converters” who have come to travel on the funicular and have decided to go on the Walk @ The Top on hearing about it in the Ticket Office and those who have heard about the trial walks in the media and have booked on-line or come specifically to go on a guided walk to the summit from the Top Station.
Tania continued: “Early results of the trial demonstrate that the public welcome the initiative and all those who have participated so far have respected the terms and conditions of the trial, returning to the Top Station with their guide. It demonstrates that the vast majority of the public are interested in safeguarding the heritage of the mountain landscape and are willing to be guided by sensitive management.”
Duncan Macpherson from Inverness, one of the first people to go on the walk said ‘It was a fabulous day out and I would definitely recommend people to experience it. Excellent value for money especially in this year of staycations.’
Scott Wilson from Wishaw thought the walk was excellent too and added: ‘I learned more about conservation of the mountain by being on it and appreciating it. The guide was super – friendly and knowledgeable. It was suitable for all age groups in our party and I would love this opportunity to be available for many years to come. The views were breathtaking.’
The trial continues daily until 31st October 2010.
For more information contact:
Tania Alliod tania.alliod@cairngormmountain.org 01479 861304 or
Colin Kirkwood colin.kirkwood@cairngormmountain.org 01479 861326