Launch of Moray Firth Trail in Hopeman

Launch of Moray Firth Trail in Hopeman, Tuesday 20 June 2006

Dr Mark Horton of the BBC’s Coast series, accompanied by pupils from Hopeman Primary School, were joined by members of the community yesterday to celebrate the launch of the Moray Firth Trail, as part of the North Sea Trail. 

The North Sea Trail is a European Funded project that promotes access to and enjoyment of coastal walking trails and local heritage. There are now some 3000 Km of trails around the coastline in six north European countries - Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. Seven UK trail areas stretch from John O’Groats southwards to the North York Moors.

In the Moray Firth area, between John O’Groats and Cullen, the trail is not one continuous route, but a network of paths and trails. These avoid main roads, and feature some of the most interesting and scenic sections of the coast. Information about the walks and sites of interest feature in the new Moray Firth Trail web site www.morayfirth-org.  The well-established “Moray Coast Trail” between Forres and Cullen is the first section to be officially recognised as part of the North Sea Trail.

At the launch event Dr Horton unveiled the first North Sea Trail sign after which children from Hopeman children told some interesting facts about the coastline. Following some light refreshments there wasa short walk from Hopeman Park to the dinosaur footprints and those who wanted to venture furtehr had the option to continue to Lossiemouth!