A SCOTTISH contractor conducting major maintenance on Errigal mountain is using local resources to build a footpath that leads straight to the summit.
McGowan Environmental Engineering, based in the North of Scotland in Abbeymore was contracted to build the path in a bid to protect the mountain’s habitat.
With the project split into two phases, work began on the mountain last year when 1.4km of path was constructed from the car park.
With conditions on the mountain quite boggy, Kyle McGowan, founder of McGowan Environmental Engineering, said many struggled to get onto the hill to enjoy the benefits of the scenery.
Returning in June this year to continue the work, Kyle said it will result in Errigal Mountain being more accessible to walkers of all abilities.
“The path also gives everything a chance to grow back as walkers are just walking on the footpath instead of all over the mountain. It lets the natural healing process of the surrounding mountain come back to its natural self,” he said.
Linking last year’s work, Kyle and his team are constructing 340 metres of a path and 170 metres of stone pitching (stone steps).
Last week, hikers were urged to avoid the area as the team began laying a base of stone transported to the mountain by a Scottish helicopter company.
The stone was filled into concrete skips before being flown from the car park to the top of the mountain.
The team will then be topping the base with 25mm of dust gravel excavated from Gillespie’s Quarry in Gaoth Dobhair. Using natural stone from the hillside itself to build the stone steps, Kyle said drainage features will also be constructed from the natural stone on site.
“This will keep the water off the path which keeps it nice and dry and low maintenance,” he said.
Subcontracting local men to help with the project, Kyle wanted to teach them the trade while also bringing a bit of work into the community.
With their eyes set on a completion date at the end of August/start of September, the crew will be soaking up the magnificent views for another few months.
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