Ramblers rage at railway gate closure

Network Rail has found itself at odds with walkers and cyclist after it locked gates at a crossing on the Highland main line used to reach one of Scotland’s most remote Munros.

The crossing over the railway at Dalwhinnie is used by walkers and cyclists to access a path to Ben Alder, as well as other paths in the area.

Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said that, under access laws, people had a legal right to use the crossing, which they say was locked without consultation.

Network Rail Scotland said the crossing was not an access point for the general public and increased usage by the public created additional risks to the public’s safety from passing trains.

It said an alternative crossing point – through a tunnel under the track – was available a mile further along the line for

those seeking to access the hills on the other side of the railway.