Official end of labour of love on popular Kingussie path is celebrated
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The heroic task of renewing and repairing the core path on Kingussie’s own hill has been very fittingly celebrated.
Volunteers from Kingussie Community Development Company’s Paths Group were joined by supporters, family, friends, and visitors on Creag Bheag to mark the project’s end.
A hardy bunch of 35 walked to the summit to cut a ceremonial ribbon and enjoy the fabulous views over Badenoch.
They returned into town, guided by Paths Group co-ordinator Sandy Maxwell, who highlighted some of the continuing work and plans for the future.
A hearty lunch was enjoyed at the newly opened restaurant The Crossing as part of the recent celebration.
Over the past year 31 volunteers invested 39 weekdays and 13 evenings in the path - scaling the equivalent of Mount Everest!
An independent assessment calculated the value of the work delivered by volunteer efforts on the top section of Creag Bheag alone to be worth £70,000.
The work was made possible by grant funding support from the Scottish Mountaineering Trust, Cairngorm National Park Authority and Kingussie Community Development Company Hydro Fund.
David Broadhead , chair of the Scottish Mountaineering Trust said "Many congratulations to the Creag Bheag team!
“Our largest current grant is going to the 'It's Up To Us' campaign to restore the footpath on An Teallach in Wester Ross, but we continue to support, and very much welcome, community-based projects like the Creag Bheag path."
Paths group spokesman Bob Kinnaird expressed warm thanks to Pitmain Estate where the relationship between the estate and the Community is both mutually supportive and strong.
He said Pitmain had greatly helped throughout, particularly with work, delivering materials and with the helicopter lift.
Mr Kinnaird said: “The renewed and repaired path is a real asset for Kingussie residents and visitors alike and the positive impact of the Paths Group is much wider.
“It’s an inclusive social and fun group, a great way to keep active and be creative in the outdoors.
“The group are delighted to see the path completed with member Bob Kinnaird commenting: “the best reward is when walkers stop to say thank you”.
Kingussie Community Development Company Paths Group meets every Thursday and always welcomes new volunteers.
