Wildfire waterbombing sparks closure of long-distance Highland hiking trail
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A POPULAR long distance trail that links the Loch Ness to the west coast has been temporarily closed while firefighters waterbomb a major moorland blaze.
A wildfire stretching across multiple square miles, and which was visible from space, has been devastating the landscape near Cannich and Corrimony over the past week.
Estimates on the damage have fluctuated as the week has gone on – with estimates from the fire service ranging from anywhere from 15 to 64 square kilometres.
But, whatever the area covered, it has been devastating to the landscape, with the RSPB launching an emergency appeal this morning after the blaze destroyed half of its Corrimony nature reserve.
Forest and Land Scotland has now warned hikers using the Affric Kintail Way – which runs from Drumnadrochit out through Glen Affric to the west coast at Kintail – that it has been temporarily shut at Cannich to allow firefighters to safely waterbomb the area from the air.
"The closure has been put in place to allow helicopters to safely continue waterbombing the fire-affected area and immediate surrounds," said a spokesman.
"The helicopters will be operating over some sections of the popular walking route that will be obscured from the pilots’ view by mature trees and where walkers would not be visible.
"A diversion – along the public road – is in place.
The closure might extent into the weekend and walkers are advised to check the Affric Kintail Way website for latest updates."
