The Cinder Path Upgrade

Upgrading the Cinder Path has been an ongoing project for some time. Paths, parks, signage and general infrastructure improvements were highlighted in both the 2018 and the 2023 Community Action Plans.

The Community Council agreed that the improvement of the Cinder Path was a worthwhile project and applied and obtained planning permission in 2024 with the aid of a grant from the Ian Findlay Path Fund of Paths for All, now Walking Scotland.

Since then, the Community Trust together with Ken Gibson have been working hard to secure funding for the improvement work itself. The Ian Findlay Path Fund of Walking Scotland have offered funding for 70% of the costs with the Cairngorms National Park Authority funding the remaining 30%.

With the help of our project managers, Alan Jones Associates, the Community Trust went out to tender and have appointed CR Contracting North Ltd (CRC) of Banchory. They have a good track record and have carried out various similar projects locally.

The planning approval included necessary tree works and tree protection for tree roots that might be impacted by the upgrading of the path. Some trees will therefore be trimmed and a few dangerous trees felled before work on the path itself starts.

During the work Invercauld Estate have kindly allowed us to construct a temporary footpath immediately to the south, but this may not be suitable for cycling. We are grateful to all the landowners including Aberdeenshire Council, Invercauld Estate and Monaltrie House for their assistance and co-operation.

Set up work will begin on 7th November 2025, tree works from 10th November and path works from 14th November.

We hope that all the works, including the access between the school and the park will be completed by mid January and that the upgraded path will give Monaltrie Park a boost.