Hikers bidding to conquer one of Scotland’s most breathtaking mountains could be faced with hours of delays if they don’t plan ahead, due to a fortnight of intermittent road closures.
The only route to Glen Muick in Aberdeenshire will be shut for four hours a day during weekdays over the next two weeks.
The scenic beauty spot is the starting point for many popular walks throughout the summer months, including a circular around Loch Muick that goes past Queen Victoria’s hunting lodge, and acts as the base point for Munro baggers seeking to reach the summit of the iconic Lochnagar.
Following an assessment of one key bridge on the road, inspectors for Aberdeenshire Council found it is in urgent need of replacement.
A temporary bridge will be created while the project is carried out, meaning the sole access road for Glen Muick will be closed on weekdays from 10am to noon, and from 1pm to 3pm until June 7 as part of the replacement works.
Upper Deeside councillor Geva Blackett urged nature lovers intending to visit Glen Muick over the next fortnight to plan their journeys by vehicle in advance, because there is no diversion route.
She said: “The schedule for the work has been designed to minimise impact, because obviously we don’t want to stop people from accessing what is one of Scotland’s most beautiful sites.
“But we have to make sure the road is safe, so that future generations can continue to enjoy Loch Muick and its surroundings.
“Nobody is being prevented from going and enjoying Glen Muick, but it would be awful to not look ahead at the closure times and arrive late to find it’s closed, or get stuck on the other side on the way back when you’re soaking wet and wanting to drive home.”
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “The period when these intermittent closures may be necessary is on weekdays between May 27 and June 7, and will be implemented by barriers and a road closed sign.
“As there is no available diversion route up to the Loch Muick car park, drivers may have to wait until all works are clear of the carriageway, if access and egress is needed during the stated times.
“Aberdeenshire Council would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and would ask drivers to be extra cautious on this narrow road, and adhere to all signs and the temporary speed limits whilst these important works are underway.”