The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Walkers face uphill battle
Route gets tougher
It is one of the best-known walks in Scotland.
But those braving the Great Glen Way in the near future will find themselves having to climb hundreds of extra feet or take some diversions to complete part of their quest.
Work by Scottish Water and ESD will closely follow the Great Glen Way’s low route between Fort Augustus and Invermoriston.
It will see phased diversions put in place that will force trekkers off the route on to forestry tracks to bypass the work.
An alternative will be to use the high route that goes up to almost 1,000 feet and runs for over six miles between the two towns.
The work is centred on a new water treatment works at Invermoriston that aims to improve water supply for both communities, with greater resilience and capacity to support future growth.
Rick Cooper, director of trekking company Mickledore, wants more concrete information on the diversion to inform clients in advance.
He said: “We would like more clarity on the proposals and would be very happy if they did it out of season. If not it would be something we would have to be aware of.
“I don’t know how it would work without shutting the whole lot of it but perhaps the diversion will go through forestry tracks.”
The work could start in a month and is expected to go on for six months, but the details are subject to consultation.
“We believe the best option is to close sections of the lower route”
David Kitching from Scottish Water said: “We understand that our planned work will have a significant impact on a section of the Great Glen Way.
“We believe that the best available option is to close sections of the lower route while work is taking place, making use of established higher trails to provide a diversion.”
He added: “We are also seeking to plan this element of our work to take place over the time of year when numbers using the route are lowest.”
Project manager Kelton Bennett from ESD water and wastewater treatment services said: “Our first priority has to be the safety of the public and our team over the period when construction work is taking place.
“In order to install the new water main and return the route to normal on a reasonable timescale, we need to use heavy machinery and to work with extensive excavations.
“We believe that using diversions is the best option to keep everyone safe while ensuring a route remains available at all times for users of the Great Glen Way.”
He added that they plan to “reduce the impact” by carrying out phased work in the winter months particularly between Fort Augustus and Allt na Criche.
An open event to present detailed plans and seek feedback is being held at Fort Augustus Village Hall on August 29 from 1-7pm.