The majority of the 33 miles of the existing NCN route 78 between Oban and Ballachulish was on a high-quality, traffic-free path or on minor road, however, there were two remaining sections around Ledaig (1.8 miles/1.8km) and south of Duror (3km/ 1.9 miles), which required path users to join the main trunk road (A828) to complete the onward journeys.

Following lengthy consultation, the proposed new cycleway sections were agreed in order to
provide a safer and more attractive routes through scenic rural areas for the local communities, and tourists. McGowan were awarded the projects to construct a new 3km sealed asphalt surface between Dalnatrat and Duror and 1.8km between Ledaig to Benderloch for the Client SUSTRANS Scotland.

Finished route width was 3m, with areas requiring benchcutting and use of zig-zag alignment in places to negotiate and lessen site gradients. Full reinstatement to the new cycleway surrounds was undertaken to ensure the new route blended naturally into the surrounding landscape.

Three pedestrian bridges were also constructed along the new Duror routeas part of the same project, the largest bridge being 24mt long which span the Salachan Burn. A 250ton crane was used in the final placement of the partial pre-fabricated bridge structure onto the new mass concrete abutments thereafter allowing the remaining fabrication to be undertaken.

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