The CBMCC Footpath Group is an active group which publishes local walks, organises working groups, raises access issues and contributes to planning issues.

The objectives of the group are to increase awareness of local walks, to encourage walking for health and recreational purposes, to increase pedestrian access to local woodlands and parks, and to involve residents in volunteering and cooperating in outdoor activities.

The Footpath Group had another busy year in 2024:18 events, including assisting with an exciting new biodiversity improvement project at Inchgarth, a total of 285 volunteer hours and 40 hours of strimming. Over 6.7 km of paths were maintained and nearly 1900 sq metres of scrub, gorse, broom and reeds were cleared. The petrol strimmer continues to be a great help in achieving this and our new second strimmer will help improve productivity in 2025.

Volunteers needed

The Footpath Group of the Cults Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council is appealing for volunteers to assist in maintaining and improving footpaths in the area. Further details from Peter Smith at footpathgroup@cbmcommunity.org.uk.

The Footpath Group:

Publishes local walks in MBC News, on the CBM website and by preparing leaflets.
Organises working groups to maintain and enhance local paths, some in conjunction with City’s Ranger Service.
Raises issues about access to paths, woodland etc.
Contributes to discussions on planning issues.
Liaises with the City’s Planning department, Countryside Ranger Service and other organisations, such as the Forestry Commission.

In 2017 the Community Council was awarded a £1,500 grant by Paths for All to prepare a leaflet guide. ‘Walks Around Cults’ provides directions and a map for six local walks and 1,000 copies were printed for distribution throughout the area. Waymarkers were obtained and have been installed to improve route finding on unmarked paths. The leaflet was updated with a few minor alteration in 2019. This may be viewed here.

The group maintains close links with the Countesswells to Cults Active Woodlands Group (activities are paused currently).