Walking week sets pace in town
Event expected to provide economic boost for area
Published:
A POPULAR walking week which gets under way today is expected to provide an economic boost to the Deeside town of Ballater.
Around 100 walkers will congregate there to take part in a series of organised events.
The highlight of the week is expected to be a demanding trek through the Lairig Ghru mountain pass.
Now in its 11th year, Ballater Walking Week has gone from strength to strength and is an important fixture on the calendar.
Organiser Mike Franklin said it played a key role in the local economy.
“At this time of year the tourist trade hasn’t really kicked in,” he said.
“We get a lot of visitors from mid-June and the odd busy weekend earlier on if the weather is good.
“An event like the walking week draws people to Ballater and gives a real boost to local businesses.
“Many of the local bed and breakfasts are fully booked and the pubs and restaurants can probably look forward to some busy nights.”
Mr Franklin said the event was now so popular they had imposed strict self-regulation on group sizes to ensure safety.
“We have to make sure parties are manageable, particularly for the more difficult walks,” he added.
“We’re finding that all of the specialist walks are fully booked, with more people wanting to do them, but we have to put safety first.”
A series of evening events to bring walking parties, who split into easy, intermediate and demanding groups during the day, back together will also be held. Highlights include a wine tasting to be held in the Supper Room at the Victoria and Albert Hall on Sunday and a ceilidh on Friday to mark the end of the event.
For full details visit www.walkballater.com or contact Gillian Sinclair on 013397 55467.
