Forestry work will mean that the Ben A'an car park and footpath will be closed from 23-27 June for preparatory works for a tree-fellig programme which begins in full in September, but an alternative hill access car park and route will then be made available.
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) say that the essential improvement programme on Ben A’an in the Trossachs will conserve the landscape for walkers and other users for years to come.
The main programme, due to get underway in September, includes essential felling of trees near the popular Ben A’an hill path as well as upgrading of the path itself with a view to replanting of native species in the future. This is part of The Great Trossachs Forest Project that was launched in 2009 which aims to restore Scotland’s native woodland.
To prepare for the tree-felling work starting in September, the car park adjacent to the A821 by the shores of Loch Achray at the start of the Ben A’an hill path is being closed from 23rd to 27th June. It will reopen on 28th June 2014 before closing in September for the duration of the improvement programme. As yet the planned date of completion of the work is unknown.
During the autumn closure of the car park, an alternative hill access car park and route will be made available. at; Ben Venue, Loch Achray. Signage will also be in place to direct visitors to these alternative locations.
A spokesman for FCS said, “The improvements will make the path more user-friendly and safer by providing a better quality walking experience for both experienced visitors and newcomers to the area. FCS is committed to undertaking these essential works with the minimum of disruption and impact on both locals and tourists.”