A PROPOSED long distance walking trail across Mull would attract thousands of new visitors to the island and could bring almost £1m a year into the local economy, a study has found.
The exact route has yet to been decided but the plan is to link Craignure on the Sound of Mull where the terminal for CalMac's Oban ferry is, and Fionnphort on the Ross of Mull where the Iona ferry is based. It would also be part of a longer pilgrimage route between St Andrews and Iona.
If well designed and with the right services in place, a report by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) estimates the route could attract around 10,000 part-way walkers, 2,500 full-length walkers and 1,000 cyclists each year, generating additional income of more than £900,000 a year.
It is 35 miles to drive the A849 road between the two ferry points, but it is hoped that a route which takes walkers and cyclists away from the road as much as possible, but drop into the local villages, can be developed.
The report was welcomed by Ian Ross, a former forester on Mull who has just taken over as chairman of SNH.
He said: "We have been working with the Mull and Iona Community Trust to help develop their plans for the route and one of the great things about this proposal is that it has come from the local community. The people living here know that it is a special place and they want visitors to come and enjoy Mull and Iona's spectacular environment for themselves.
"We commissioned this study to explore the potential social and economic benefits that a trail on the island could deliver." SNH was keen to see more trails.
Moray Finch, from the Mull and Iona Community Trust, said that developing such a pathway on the island been discussed in the community for several years.
He said: "As well as the economic benefits it could bring, the path appeals to local people for a range of activities such as walking, jogging and cycling."
He said the proposed route would connect directly with the Oban to Fort William section of the National Cycle Network. It would also connect to the proposed Tyndrum to Oban path, which in turn will link to the West Highland Way. Work is ongoing to identify the best route for the Tyndrum path.
It could also attract marathons and triathlons, he said.
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