Floating Log Road Construction in the Cairngorms National Park

Building Access Without Damaging the Landscape

At Caledon Contractors, we believe that great construction isn't just about what you build – it's about how you build it.

We're proud to be working on an extraordinary project in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, constructing a floating access road that will lead to a stunning riverside cabin. This isn't an ordinary road. It's an engineering solution designed to work with the environment rather than against it.

Why a Floating Road?

The site sits on between 2 and 4 metres of deep peat. Traditional road construction would require excavating huge quantities of peat and importing large amounts of aggregate, permanently altering this sensitive landscape.

Instead, we're using a proven floating road construction method.

Large timber logs are carefully laid across the peat, creating a stable platform that spreads the load over a much wider area. This allows the road to "float" on the peat rather than cutting through it, helping to preserve the natural ground beneath.

By keeping the peat in place, we minimise disturbance to one of Scotland's most important natural carbon stores.

A Plastic-Free Approach

Environmental considerations have shaped every stage of this project.

Rather than using conventional plastic geotextiles, we're installing biodegradable geotextile material beneath the timber structure. This natural solution provides the separation required during construction while avoiding unnecessary plastics within a protected landscape.

It's an approach that reflects the unique environmental sensitivity of the National Park and the long-term vision for the site.

Creating Access to an Exclusive Riverside Cabin

The floating road will provide construction access to a beautifully designed riverside cabin, where guests will enjoy a truly unique Highland experience.

Once completed, visitors won't be driving directly to the accommodation. Instead, they'll leave their vehicle behind and enjoy a short walk through the surrounding landscape to reach the cabin, preserving the peaceful atmosphere and exclusive feel of the location.

It's a fantastic example of balancing practical construction with sustainable tourism.

Specialist Groundworks for Challenging Terrain

Projects like this demand careful planning, specialist equipment and experienced operators who understand how to work in environmentally sensitive locations.

From challenging peatland conditions and remote access routes to sustainable construction methods, our team has the expertise to deliver groundworks that respect both the landscape and our clients' ambitions.

Whether you're planning a self-build, creating access across difficult ground or undertaking a specialist groundwork project, Caledon Contractors can provide practical, innovative solutions tailored to your site.

Thank You

We're delighted to be involved in this remarkable project and would like to extend our thanks to KABN for giving us the opportunity to help bring their vision to life.

We look forward to sharing more progress as construction continues over the coming weeks.