Improvement works to Ben Nevis paths are now complete

YEAR two improvements to the wellused Ben Nevis mountain path are complete.

Once again, the contractors completed the work to an excellent standard. Highland Conservation worked on the section of path between the new bridge and the infamous ‘ windy corner’.

Much of the work carried out this year gave much-needed protection to the edges of the path as well as enhancing drainage which will, with simple maintenance, be long-lasting improvements.

More than 250 tonnes of stone, a mixture of granite from Breedon’s Bon Awe and Banavie quarries, were flown up the mountain to complete this work in very tricky conditions, so huge thanks to Skyhook Helicopters for its expertise.

A shorter section of path was also completed in December by Turnstone.

The section of path from Halfway Lochan to John’s Wall was improved ahead of time to make use of the stone taken from Carn Dearg the previous year.

To stabilise the area by the zig-zag section of paths, a variety of trees have been planted within enclosures to protect the saplings from sheep and deer. The idea is the trees will grow and hold the ground together to make it less susceptible to landslides and washing away in inclement weather.

The introduction of native tree species will also improve the biodiversity of the Nevis landscape. The trees were planted by volunteers from Friends of Nevis, John Muir Trust and Nevis Landscape Partnership.

Next year’s contract will see the section between the youth hostel junction to John’s Wall being worked on by path contractors, National Trust for Scotland Thistle Camps and Friends of Nevis volunteers between this autumn and spring next year. www.nevislandscape.co.uk www.facebook.com/nevislandscape www.twitter.com/nevislandscape www.vimeo.com/nevislandscape www.instagram.com/nevis_ landscape