In a high-flying feat for the Dumfriesshire landmark, the National Trust for Scotland used a helicopter to drop over 130 bags of stone and aggregates to repair paths at the iconic Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall near Moffat. The majestic Grey Mare’s Tail, with its main fall of around 60 metres, has been a tourist attraction since the 19th Century, drawing thousands of visitors worldwide annually. Sir Walter Scott famously described it in his poem, Marmion, as the “roaring linn”.
Over time, the footpaths at the Grey Mare’s Tail have suffered wear and tear from the heavy footfall of visitors and extreme weather events. To address this, the National Trust for Scotland, who acquired the nature reserve in 1962, embarked on a project to repair and maintain the paths network. Their efforts were recently showcased on the BBC Scotland Landward TV programme during episode 15 of the year. The Landward film crew and presenter Dougie Vipond highlighted the ongoing work at the spectacular waterfall.
Apart from repairing paths, the helicopter also brought in fencing to create an exclusion zone around a group of rare mountain willows threatened by overgrazing. The funding for these conservation efforts came from The People’s Postcode Lottery and NTS’s Footpath Fund. This initiative showcases the commitment of the National Trust for Scotland to preserve and protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Grey Mare’s Tail.
With its dramatic landscape and rich history, the Grey Mare’s Tail remains a significant natural landmark in Dumfriesshire. The recent efforts to repair and maintain its paths demonstrate the dedication to conservation and sustainability in preserving this iconic site for future generations to enjoy. Through innovative solutions like helicopter drops and community support, the National Trust for Scotland continues to safeguard the beauty and integrity of this historic waterfall and its surrounding nature reserve.