Parkswatch readers will know that the Allt Coire na Ciste bridge was taken out of service in March 2021.

CairnGorm Mountain Scotland Ltd (CMSL) cited winter storm damage as being the reason for its dilapidated and unsafe condition. There’s no doubt that there was storm damage caused during the preceding winter but the bridge had been in a damaged condition since at least 2018.

An attempt had been made to strengthen the fractured bearer but the ‘bow’ shape of the bridge is clearly evident.

Perhaps if it had been repaired several years earlier it would not have got to the point where it had to be replaced.

However, it is pleasing to be able to report that the bridge has now been replaced with a much stronger design and it incorporates a handrail which the old one did not have in place.

Very few people appear to know about this and I can find no information about exactly when the bridge was replaced and who paid for it. If it was CMSL they have missed a trick.  It is to be hoped that some publicity will help to let people know that the east Ciste path can once again be safely and easily accessed.