Volunteering in the Scottish Highlands: A Trail Repair Adventure 2026

Volunteering in the Scottish Highlands offers a unique way to give back to the hills while experiencing breathtaking landscapes. This article explores a rewarding trail repair trip with the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS).

I hadn’t planned to enjoy any of this. As summer light fell on Stac Pollaidh – the summit’s teeth bared, the views stretching across the surreal emptiness of Assynt – I found myself ankle-deep in blanket bog next to a hiking path, back bent, hacking at the tough terrain with a heavy-duty mattock. Farther up the hillside, another hunched figure was cutting a deep brown scar into the moor grass and, while he worked, I stood back to look at my efforts. At my feet was a cross drain that I’d unblocked and repacked with new stonework to prevent storm damage and aid runoff from the path. A burble began to trickle, slow yet clear across the sparkling bedrock. It felt a little like appreciating a masterwork in a museum.

The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS)

OATS is a steward of many of the Highlands’ most famous mountains – developing, building and repairing paths and habitats. Their purpose is to promote sustainable public access, and these days that’s largely done through voluntourism, with helpers set to work lifting, resurfacing and filling pathways, yielding landscape-scale results. Iconic if traffic-heavy mountains such as An Teallach, Lochnagar and Braeriach are annual priorities, as are a throng of glens and estates from Skye to the Cairngorms.

What Volunteers Do

Volunteers engage in a variety of tasks, from unblocking drains and repacking stonework to cutting new paths and repairing erosion damage. The work is physical but deeply satisfying, offering a tangible connection to the land. You don’t need prior experience – just a willingness to learn and a love for the outdoors.

The Experience

I’d come to Wester Ross with a bucket and spade, not for a beach break at particularly gorgeous Achmelvich or Clachtoll nearby, but with the notion of giving something back to the hills. Factoring in a free stay at Ullapool youth hostel and the promise of a home-cooked communal meal in return, plus an acceptable midge-free forecast, I’d driven north from Edinburgh the night before in a buoyant mood.

Benefits of Volunteering in the Highlands

Beyond the obvious environmental impact, volunteering offers personal rewards: physical exercise, new skills, and a sense of community. It’s a chance to see the Highlands from a different perspective, away from the tourist trails, and to meet like-minded people.

How to Get Involved

OATS regularly recruits volunteers for events across the Highlands. Check their website for upcoming projects, or consider joining a local conservation group. Even a two-day stint can make a significant difference.

• Volunteering helps maintain iconic trails like the Lairig Ghru.
• Free hostel accommodation and meals are often provided.
• No experience needed – training is given on site.
• It’s a sustainable way to travel and give back.

FAQ

Volunteering in the Scottish Highlands is more than a trip – it’s a chance to leave a positive mark on one of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, giving back to the hills is an adventure in itself.

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