Warnings of disruption to footpaths during flood alleviation works

THE FORRES Footpaths Trust are warning of some disruption to some of their way marked walks, due to ongoing works for the flood alleviation scheme by the River Findhorn.

Chairman of the Trust, Wils Metcalfe said that the work will impact on the route of the popular Short River Walk and the River Findhorn Walk.

"Liaison with the contractors Morrisons Construction over footpath closures and diversions was excellent during the dam works at Chapelton and this is continuing with the River Findhorn works," he said. "Where necessary, the contractors will place signs at appropriate points and also fence off areas to provide walkers with safe access past the ongoing works but obviously there have to be periods of closure for safety."

He said that the path on the North bank of the River Findhorn is currently closed to walkers from the A96 Bridge to the bridge at the Broom of Moy and this will continue until the middle of December whilst tree felling and ground clearance is carried out. The path will then re-open but some of the route taken will be new.

On the Forres side of the River, the Trust’s Short River Walk which starts at the McKenzie Cruickshank garden centre will not be available from January as clearance work will be carried out along the river bank towards the Bervie Chipper.

This walk will later be re-routed to follow the footpath beside the temporary A96. This circular walk crossing the River Findhorn on the A96 and then following the river down to the Broom of Moy before returning via Greshop will give the walker an excellent appreciation of the extent of the Flood Alleviation Works.

The contractors will be erecting information boards at selected points to explain the work being carried out.

"The most significant disruption will occur from June to August next year when the bridge at the Broom of Moy will be closed," he said. "Walkers will be given early warning both on the Footpaths Trust website and also by notices on the way marked paths so that they can use alternative routes."

The Footpaths Trust hope that the many walkers including those with dogs who regularly use these paths will find this information helpful.