CLACHNABEN PATHWORK FUNDING OBTAINED

Donald Thomas

© Donald Thomas

The Cairngorm Club has obtained nearly £10,000 of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to carry out repairs on the Clachnaben footpath. The footpath on this popular Aberdeenshire hill underwent considerable work between 1997 and 2004, when a new line was formalised below Miller’s Bog forestry and onto the shoulder of the hill. The path has stood up to the pounding of the boots of between 10,000 and 20,000 people per year but is now in need of some remedial work. This will include removal of metal pins protruding into the walking surface, removal of a fallen tree and formation of drainage and a new path surface at several damaged sections along the route. Clachnaben lies on Glen Dye estate, which has agreed for the work to go ahead and for continued public access to the hill.

Last year, the Club invited Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland to carry out a condition survey of the path and to provide recommendations for remedial work. The survey report was used to apply for a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. The Club is delighted that the full grant has been approved.

Cairngorm Club President, Marj Ewan said, “This is good news and will allow the Club to continue to make a difference in our local hills. The Club tries to put something back into the hills from which members and others get so much enjoyment.”

Alison Mitchell, Chairman of Ramblers Scotland Grampian Area commented, “We welcome this repair. Clachnaben is a popular hill that has become the victim of its own success. It is enjoyed by many more walkers than will ever be part of a single club.”

The next step is to hold a pre-tender site visit, after which contractors will be invited to tender for the agreed work. It is the Club’s intention to complete this work as soon as possible, depending on weather conditions and contractor availability.


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