20 Feb 2026 Mountain Path Maintenance Volunteering Dates Announced

OATS invites volunteers to help protect Scotland’s iconic upland paths – February to July 2026 (Further dates to be announced later in the year) 

OATS is delighted to announce the launch of its 2026 Path Maintenance Volunteering (PMV) season, with opportunities for volunteers to help care for some of Scotland’s most spectacular, well-loved and fragile mountain landscapes.

The season begins a little earlier – and a little differently – this year. On 23 and 24 February, volunteers will kick things off with a tree planting event at the Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle, on the Isle of Skye, helping to restore habitats and improve resilience in this iconic location.

From March onwards, OATS will deliver a full programme of mountain path maintenance and conservation days across the Cairngorms National Park and north-west Scotland, including classic hills such as An Teallach, Mount Keen, Meall a’Bhuachaille,  Braeriach, Stac Pollaidh, and Lochnagar.

2026 Path Maintenance Volunteer Programme

February – July 2026

• Monday – Tuesday 23–24 February – Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye (Tree planting, 2-day event)
• Sunday 8 March – Glen Tanar Estate Maintenance & Conservation Day
• Sunday – Tuesday 22–24 March – An Teallach, Dundonnell (multi-day event)
• Tuesday 31 March – Glenlivet Estate Maintenance & Conservation Day
• Tuesday 7 April – PMV day with H+I Adventures (mountain bike adventures)
• Monday 13 April – Morrone, Braemar
• Tuesday 14 April – Meall a’Bhuachaille, Aviemore
• Monday 20 April – Bynack More, Aviemore (mountain bike required)
• Monday 27 April – Carn Ban Mor, Glen Feshie
• Tuesday 28 April – Glenlivet Estate Maintenance & Conservation Day
• Sunday 3 May – Mount Keen from Glen Tanar
• Monday 4 May – Mount Keen from Glen Esk (mountain bike required)
• Monday 11 May – Chalamain Gap, Aviemore
• Tuesday 12 May – Coire Raibert, Cairngorm Mountain car park
• Mon–Tue 18–19 May – Stac Pollaidh, Ullapool (2-day event)
• Monday 25 May – Slugain, Braemar (mountain bike required)
• Tuesday 26 May – Mayar, Glen Clova
• Mon–Tue 1–2 June – Loch Muick (Coire Chash & Dubh Loch), Ballater
• Mon–Tue 6–7 June – Loch Muick (Lochnagar paths), Ballater
• Monday 29 June – Carn Liath, Beinn a’Ghlo, Blair Atholl
• Monday 13 July – Glen Callater to Lochnagar, Braemar
• Monday 20 July – Braeriach, Aviemore
• Tuesday 30 July – Glenlivet Estate Maintenance & Conservation Day

About OATS Path Maintenance Volunteer Days

OATS PMV days focus on path repair, erosion control and practical conservation, helping to protect upland landscapes from the impacts of increased footfall, extreme weather and historic under-maintenance.

Volunteers work alongside experienced staff and contractors, learning traditional and modern path-building techniques while gaining a deeper understanding of Scotland’s mountain environments and cultural heritage. No previous path work experience is needed – tools, training and guidance are provided.

All that’s required is a reasonable level of fitness and some outdoor experience. Volunteers are welcome, whether they can attend one day or several across the season.

Growing Demand for Volunteering

The PMV programme is led by Eva Kupska, OATS’ Outdoor Access Volunteer Coordinator, who encourages people to sign up early:

“Footpath maintenance days are increasingly popular with hillwalkers, mountain bikers and runners who want to give something back to the places they love. As volunteer numbers grow, we’re able to deliver more sessions and respond more effectively to erosion and path damage across Scotland’s mountains.”

“There’s no minimum commitment – whether someone joins us once or regularly, every volunteer plays a vital role in protecting Scotland’s path network for future generations to enjoy.”

How to Get Involved

To register as an OATS volunteer and sign up for PMV events, visit the online volunteer portal:
👉 https://volunteers.outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk
(Volunteers are encouraged to bookmark the page for future opportunities.)

Before registering, volunteers can find further information on the FAQs section of the portal.

OATS also welcomes enquiries from community groups, schools, clubs and businesses interested in bespoke environmental volunteering days. To discuss tailored opportunities, contact Eva Kupska at [email protected].

Thank You to Our Volunteers

OATS would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who gives their time, energy and enthusiasm to maintaining Scotland’s mountain paths – often in challenging weather and remote locations. Your commitment makes a lasting difference to the health, safety and sustainability of our upland landscapes.