Feasibility study & Planning application

Philip Thompson Ltd was engaged by SSE to undertake a feasibility study to establish a preferred route to divert the Great Glen Way out with the Coire Glas hydro pumped storage scheme area for the duration of the construction works.

The main objective of the feasibility study was to determine a route which can be set against the following criteria

• Safety in use
• Fit for purpose
• Accessibility
• Sustainability

It was envisaged the route would be used predominantly by walkers, cyclists and to a lesser degree equestrian use. The route was not be designed to sustain any form of motorised vehicle.

At the outset, a number of issues were identified as key constraints to the path diversion works, these include

• Existing terrain on a slope varying from 19 to 34 degrees
• A number of watercourses need to be traversed.
• Two watercourses will be subject CAR registration with SEPA
• Forest planted area to be traversed
• Vertical alignment of path to be graded “moderate” or easier
• Maintenance during the lifespan of the path

A non-topographical “amber” survey was undertaken on 19 th May 2021. From this survey a preferred route was developed as shown in image below.

Budget Costs

Using the initial information gained during the site visit combined with the expectation of utilising the PathsforAll specification the likely construction costs were also identified within the feasibility study document. This budget included costs for

• Mobilise resources to site
• Site strip
• Tree felling
• Earthworks
• Off line ditching
• Path side ditching & cross path culverts
• Larger culverts over watercourses
• Path Formation using “as dug “ material
• Sub bases
• Surface dust
• Landscaping
• Preparation of viewing / rest areas

The final part of the report provided information on a proposed Maintenance regime plus the construction time line.

Following on from this the Company was subsequently engaged to develop a final design and submit a Planning Application to Highland Council.

The Planning Application was approved in December 2021 and this allowed construction to proceed in the early part of 2022.