FLS paving the way for upgrade to section of Caledonian Way cycle route
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is playing its part in upgrading a section of the popular Caledonian Way long-distance multi-user route.
A gravel forest road section of the route (National Cycle Network 78) at Duror has degraded and is in need of repairs and maintenance.
The resurfacing work will benefit the hundreds of cyclists who enjoy the spectacular scenery on the 234 mile Campbeltown to Inverness route, as well as local residents and the school children that use the route each day for exercise and to get to school.
The NCN78 Duror Forest Access Road - Resurfacing project is backed by funding from the Scottish Government via Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s National Cycle Network Development programme, and developed and delivered through partnership between FLS and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
FLS Visitor Services Forester Sarah Hunt said:
“Our forests and the land we manage play an important part in supporting recreational activities with our forest access roads used by locals and visitors alike to enjoy Scotland’s outdoors.
“Forest roads aren’t usually tarred they are usually constructed using compacted stone and gravel.
“Wear and tear over the years has resulted in the road becoming extremely pot holed and we’re working with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to upgrade the surface so it is more hard wearing and ensure the long term accessibility of this section of the Caledonian Way."
FLS staff carried out a community consultation process on behalf of FLS and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust ahead of the work. There was strong support within the community for the upgrade.
The efforts to upgrade the section of multi-user road at Duror are part of FLS’ continued support of open access across its network of 3,000 km of trails and 10,000 km of forest roads.
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot