Walking Post podcast 13: Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail and Mammut Mountain School

This week we have conversations about a new trail being constructed in Nova Scotia, Canada, and about the Mammut Mountain School.Interview times:05:30 Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail21:53 Mammut Mountain School UKJajiktek Seawall Hiking TrailA new 50km coastal trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has received Government of Canada funding, in the form of a non-repayable contribution of $3m to the Municipality of the County of Inverness.The funds will help the municipality design and build the Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail, a 50km coastal trail in Cape Breton’s Northern Highlands. The project includes constructing overnight huts at three sites along the trail. Once completed, the trail will offer multi-day hikes, guided tours, and will expand possibilities for seasonal activities such as ski touring and snowshoeing. It is expected to attract visitors to stay and explore the region in all four seasons, enhance recreation opportunities for surrounding community members, and generate new tourism prospects for nearby businesses.The Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail will be located within the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area, north of the Cabot Trail.Multi-day hikers will explore Northern Cape Breton’s pristine coastal wilderness while hiking from hut to hut over four days. Hut-to-hut hiking has become increasingly popular, including with international travellers.The Municipality of Inverness is working with the volunteer-based Seawall Trail Society, the Province of Nova Scotia, and Indigenous communities.Mammut Mountain SchoolMammut Sports Group AG has launched the Mammut Mountain School UK, offering mountain skills courses for adventurers of all levels.The school is in Kendal, in Cumbria.The Mammut Mountain School offers courses for a wide range of abilities, from beginners learning navigation or scrambling techniques to more advanced participants preparing for alpine expeditions or acquiring crevasse rescue and avalanche safety skills. The programmes draw on the diverse landscapes of the UK and also prepare individuals for alpine ventures. Each course is designed to provide practical and effective instruction, tailored to the needs of its participants.The school is led by Sam Sykes. From a family with more than 50 years' experience in delivering the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Sam has devoted his career to outdoor education and training. He operates Sam Sykes Expeditions and the Mountain School, now the Mammut Mountain School, through the Sykes Group.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]