Looming over Pitlochry and the surrounding countryside, the views from the rugged slopes of Ben Vrackie are familiar to locals and tourists alike.
Showcasing some of the very best of Scotland, the hillside path of Ben Vrackie is well used and well worn. Like the hill itself, the path has spent many years withstanding every storm that the weather of highland Perthshire has thrown at it.
Unfortunately heavy rain during summer 2021 took a toll, and the hillside path was left badly damaged and in need of some tender love and care.
View of eroded hillside path
Now, with the support of the local community, working in partnership with Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS), Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) are leading the work to restore the path to its former glory which was begun in 2022 by the Pitlochry community path volunteer group: Friends of Ben Vrackie (FoBV).
Speaking ahead of the project start up, Bid Strachan of PKCT said:
"it is a real privilege to take on the task. Ben Vrackie is a much-loved location, a real jewel in the crown for Highland Perthshire and we need to do the best we can to restore and protect the hillside path from further erosion, for the benefit and joy of all users for many years to come."
Works to repair and enhance the path will include clearing loose material and resurfacing the path, as well as future proofing measures such as adding drainage and pitching on steeper sections to make sure the path can withstand the next twenty years at least.
The community has already shown enthusiasm for the project and liaison with various stakeholders including the landowner, FoBV, Perth and Kinross Council, Nature Scot and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland has already begun.
While work is due to commence in August to gather stones and materials for use during the repairs and move it by helicopter into position, a community fundraising effort has been launched to help raise much needed funding to cover the cost of the work that’s due to begin in earnest in Autumn 2023.
Click Here to donate to the JustGiving campaign or to find out more information.
Section of path left badly damaged in 2021