Forestry Commission - News - new path at chapman's wood opens up ben nevis north face

A newly completed path connecting Forestry Commission Scotland’s recently acquired Chapman’s Wood with one of the country’s most iconic natural monuments is to be officially opened next week (Monday 10 December).

Funded through The Nevis Partnership - a charitable organisation set up to co-ordinate environmental and visitor management in the Nevis area - the new path replaces the lower section of the old Allt a' Mhuilinn path, which had long been in need of some repair.

The path leads to the North Face of Ben Nevis and is likely to benefit recreational visitors to the area - as well as those with a more academic interest.

Forestry Commission Scotland's Kevin Peace, said:

"The Commission is active in The Nevis Partnership and enjoys very good working relationships with our partners and the local communities. Forestry these days is not just about the timber industry and promoting biodiversity. A significant part of our work now involves providing a wide range of recreation opportunities that encourage people to get away from it all and improve their health and mental well-being. Increasing numbers of visitors are coming to the area to enjoy a host of activities, such as walking, horse riding, mountain biking, climbing and fishing.

"Working with The Nevis Partnership has helped all the partners to co-ordinate the further development of opportunities in the area and this new path is a perfect example. The partnership has been keen to improve the access to the North Face of Ben Nevis for many years. The Commission's recent purchase of Chapman's Wood has made this a possibility.”

The Nevis Partnership obtained funding from the European Agricultural Guidance & Guarantee Fund through the Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme, together with The Highland Council and HIE Lochaber, to reconstruct the 1750m long path. Local contractors Chris Cairns of Conserve and Alex Grant carried out the work - a hard job to do on a route that rises 225m along its length. Future plans for further work include the addition of interpretation boards on to the North Face of Ben Nevis.

The opening ceremony will be performed by the Chairman of The Nevis Partnership, broadcaster, writer and mountaineer, Cameron McNeish. Mr McNeish, said:

"The new path through Chapman's Wood will be welcomed by all those who visit the North Face of the Ben - the winter mountaineers, summer rock climbers and hillwalkers.

“We sometimes tend to forget that the walk in to a climb and the walk out are part and parcel of the mountain experience and trampling over badly eroded or muddy footpaths can take the edge off that experience.

“The new path is also a fine example of the co-operation that exists between the member organisations of the Nevis Partnership as we strive to maintain the environmental qualities that have made Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis such iconic landscapes."

As well as being a direct route for climbers heading for the North Face of Ben Nevis, the path will also provide walkers with the opportunity to enjoy a low level but challenging walk that offers fantastic views of Corpach, Loch Eil and the Glenfinnan hills out to the west and - form a viewpoint at the top of the path - views into the North Face Corrie of the Ben.

Nevis Partnership manager, Brian Wilshaw, said:

“As well as being good for walkers and mountaineers, the path will also benefit other visitors, particularly those who come to Fort William to take part in the diverse range of outdoor and cultural activities the region has to offer. With Lochaber’s recently acquired Geopark status and Fort William’s established reputation as Outdoor Capital of the UK, more people are likely to be attracted to the area in the future and through The Nevis Partnership, local organisations are doing what they can to prepare for and welcome those visitors.”

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES will be available on the morning. Photographers should arrive at the FCS office in Torlundy for 10.00am, from where they will be taken by minibus to the top of the path for the 11.00am opening ceremony (Cameron McNeish presiding). This will be followed by a walk down the path for some warming soup at about 12:00.

Notes for Editors
1) Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government's forestry department. It manages 668,000 hectares of national forest land for multiple benefits, including nature conservation, public recreation, timber production, and rural and community development; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy.
2) The Nevis Partnership is a Scottish company, limited by guarantee with charitable status. It was formed in 2003 with the express intent to: 'guide future policies and actions to safeguard, manage and where appropriate enhance the environmental qualities and opportunities for visitor enjoyment and appreciation of the Nevis area'
3) The North-West Highlands area was awarded Geopark status in 2004. The Lochaber area won Geopark status in 2006.

Media enquiries to:
Paul Munro, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, 0131 314 6507