A series of restoration works have been completed at Blà Bheinn path, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland has announced.

The 3.8km footpath was able to be restored after the John Muir Trust won £24,000 in a poll organised by the European Outdoor Conservation Association towards the costs. A subsequent follow-up appeal among the organisation's members and supporters raised the balance to fund the project.

The Blà Bheinn path had begun to suffer serious erosion due to its popularity with hillwalkers as well as exposure to the elements. A large seven metre-wide gap had started to form in the track and users were forced to make a treacherous walk through sections of loose boulders when they were coming down the slope.

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Chris Goodman, Footpath Manager for the John Muir Trust, commented: "This was a substantial piece of work that included building 100 metres of stone steps and a helicopter lift of materials. It also involved major drainage construction on sections of the path that been badly scarred by gullying.

"Where possible we use light touch, sensitive, minimal intervention techniques, but in some places significant damage can only be rectified by this kind of major repair work.

"Looking to the future, we are aiming to focus on more pre-emptive action to prevent serious erosion before it occurs. This work has cost the best part of £60,000 and we'd like to thank all our members and supporters, as well as those who voted for us in the online poll earlier this year to help us secure a large part of the funding."

(JP/CD)