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.
Pitfichie Downhill Trail, Pitfichie
- Client
- North East Adventure Tourism
- Value
- £22,000
- Timeframe
- August-September 2022
Work Scope
With the aim of building a new finish to the original Pitfichie downhill trail, we kept the natural feel rough and rugged throughout the build process. As a consequence of Storm Arwen, Pitfichie, along with many of the North East of Scotland trails, were left devastated with significant effects on the trail network in this area.
Tasked by NEAT (with support from Aberdeenshire Trail Association and Forestry and Land Scotland), we set out to create a new finish that splits off the main DH line where the trail is lost to windblown trees. Taking ten days to build at 430 meters long was challenging but rewarding for the team. Using both hand and machine work meant we could make the most of the rocky terrain, building impressive rock corners, drops and technical sections.
Testing whilst the trail is in the construction process is one of CRC trail's strong points. Having experienced riders on the team for a more challenging black trail like this one means we get to test for all abilities. Flow is one of our main focuses on a natural trail; we can achieve this by testing and tweaking as we build.
Challenges
We decided to use the 5-tonne excavator with the 360 degrees Encon to allow us to negotiate the challenging terrain with low environmental impact.
It was challenging to be in rocky and tightly spaced tree sections to build. Still, the ability of the tilting hitch and the agility of a smaller excavator opened up more possibilities to create the features we wanted whilst not having to take any trees down in the process.
During the building phase, we faced the challenge of Mother Nature. A lack of rain meant compaction of the As dug was very little, but luckily we got one day of rain which allowed us to do our best to increase the longevity of the trail.
A time constraint was upon us also to make the entire trail ready for a race that was taking place not long after the trail was complete. We had to work fast and efficiently to get the job done. In addition to the heavy rain, the significant number of racers meant the trail had rapid and harsh bedding in process. This resulted in a rough and varied trail true to its downhill roots! Some of the more vulnerable sections required minor repairs due to their inadequate time to bed in.
Result
’Bash to the bog’, the name selected for our new section of trail, has now become a perfect case study on how we can work together to restore and build a sustainable trail network for the future.
Even though the trail suffered some damage, it has transformed into a fittingly rough, technically challenging flow trail, a great comeback story and accomplishment for Pitfichie.
How can we support your next project?
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.
