Dunnottar Castle Bus Stops Link
The works involved the construction of a 2m wide footpath on the road verge of the A92 at Dunnottar Castle.
Heartbreak Ridge, Ballater
- Client
- Aberdeenshire Trail Association
- Location
- Ballater
- Timeframe
- May 2021 (3 week project)
Work Scope
The Heartbreak Ridge Trail near Ballater is a popular choice for hikers and cyclists looking for a challenge.
The 4km black single-track natural trail is lined with heather and surrounded by awe-inspiring views of majestic Scottish mountains and hills. However, with the route being a favoured spot for many adventure tourists and active locals, it was suffering damage from frequent use.
The CRC team was brought in to improve the entire route's durability while retaining the trail's character. We got to work building 350m of new single-track descent, upgrading over 1km of traverse/climbing trail, and improving the durability of the entire route while preserving its natural appeal.
The work was carried out using 14T and 5T excavators, combined with hand work from the trail team. The result is a durable, exciting trail that can withstand the harsh weather and provide an exciting experience for its users.
Challenges
In enhancing the trail's durability, it was also important that we improved the track's sustainability. As the trail had never been officially "built", the surface and drainage needed an upgrade to ensure the track would remain safe for years to come.
Using our extensive expertise, we implemented drainage systems and improved the running surfaces throughout the trail so that it could handle more hikers and bikes without wearing out.
The trail is in a sensitive upland environment with very challenging ground conditions. In some locations, the path is boggy and, in others, steep and rocky. However, as we're well versed in working in challenging environments, our skilled team was able to upgrade all ground conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for users.
As all our projects have a low environmental impact, preserving the natural landscape is vital. With an exclusion zone around a habitat to work around, the team set aside the initial plan of using machinery and completed the required work by hand. Throughout the project, we worked alongside an ecologist who made regular site visits to ensure we took all necessary precautions to protect the natural environment.
Result
It has been fantastic to see the Heartbreak Ridge trail come back to life while retaining its natural beauty.
This epic trail is now safe to use, environmentally-responsible, and allows people to explore even more of the great outdoors.
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More Case Studies
Tarland Trails Trail Centre
Tarland Trails initially began in 2016 as a project to develop skills focused trails and pump track. CRC were principal contractor and worked with designer Cycletherapy for this phase of the trails.
Clunie Water Rock Stabilisation in Braemar
After a small section of rock dislodged, we were approached to consult on a solution to stabilise the rock on the bank of the Clunie Water, adjacent to the Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar.
Sectors
Environmental
We work in sensitive environments to protect communities and habitats, allowing people to access nature in a sympathetic way.
Civils
Our skilled team has the expertise to complete a range of civil works for different sectors and purposes, while reducing environmental impact.
Trails
From concept to reality, we design and construct mountain biking trails and footpaths that are unique to their location and complement the natural landscape.
