A Brief History
The Kintyre Way had its origins in the 1990’s when a group of Kintyre walkers and businessmen started promoting the idea of a long distance path in Kintyre. Setting up a long distance path is no easy task and it was not until 2001 that Argyll and the Islands Enterprise(AIE) approached the Forestry Commission Scotland with the idea of developing a long distance footpath in Kintyre. As one of the major landowners in Kintyre FCS realised the advantages the facility could bring to Kintyre and agreed to become a major partner in the project. Several years of consultation followed before progress really began in 2005 .With many of the existing FC trails in the area forming a basis of the route, FCS staff used their expertise to set about negotiating a suitable route down the Kintyre peninsula. With over 24 private landowners and the local authority involved this was a difficult task, needless to say the route changed on countless occasions before deciding upon a route which suited everyone. Legal agreements were negotiated and completed before FCS started the route development work. Much of the route covers rough open hill ground which originally was crossed by faint sheep paths or no path at all. FCS staff and local contractors worked hard up to and beyond the launch date of the 12th August 2006 to develop the route including the design and installation of waymarkers and interpretation panels
In 2008 day to day management of the route was taken over by the Long and Winding Way Co Ltd. This Kintyre based charity is managed by a board of voluntary directors and has a membership of over 100 local businesses and individuals.
Since 2006 the number of people walking the entire route has risen from less than 200 in 2006 to just over 1000 in 2009 bringing major benefits to the Kintyre economy as well as introducing many visitors to this fascinating corner of Scotland.
A history of the Forestry Commission Scotland and the Kintyre Way
Forestry Commission Scotland were first approached by Argyll and the Islands (AIE) in 2001 with the idea of developing a long distance footpath in Kintyre. As one of the major landowners in Kintyre FCS realised the advantages the facility could bring to Kintyre and agreed to become a major partner in the project. Several years of consultation followed before progress really began in 2005 when FCS decided it was time to start seeing progress. With many of the existing FC trails in the area forming a basis of the route, FCS staff used their expertise to set about negotiating a suitable route down the Kintyre peninsula. With over 24 private landowners and the local authority involved this was a difficult task, needless to say the route changed on countless occasions before deciding upon a route which suited everyone. Legal agreements were negotiated and completed before FCS started the route development work. Much of the route covers rough open hill ground, areas that had previously only ever been ventured by sheep, FCS staff and local contractors worked hard up to and beyond the launch date of the 12th August 2006 to develop a route fit for purpose. This included the design and installation of waymarkers and interpretation panels
Following the launch FCS continued to take a lead role in route management and maintenance, addressing outstanding phase 1 issues of the project. FCS have worked closely with the Long and Wind Way Co Ltd management company in the lead up to their take over of the route, including the development of a Rroute Manager post. FCS are set to provide continued support to the management company and future developments of the route.
To visit the website for the Forestry Commission Scotland please click here.
Author: Web Editor Date: 12th May 2010 Version: 1.01
Long & Winding Way Company Ltd - Registered Charity SC037382
For further information please email us: info@kintyreway.com