The preceding bridge succumbed to the 2017 floods and left a river crossing that was dangerous or even impossible in flood conditions.
The new Carnach Bridge was officially opened on 23 August 2019 by Camusrory Estate and representatives from funding bodies. Knoydart’s lack of roads meant the guests had sailed in from Mallaig and Inverie to the Camusrory pier at the head of Loch Nevis, then walked up to the new bridge below the deserted settlement of Carnoch.
Nestled between Meall Buidhe and Sgurr Na Ciche in Knoydart, the new bridge crosses the River Carnach, and forms part of the Inverie to Glen Dessary Path, the main route for walkers into Knoydart from the south. It is also part of the Cape Wrath Trail (Fort William to Cape Wrath). Each year it gets regular use by people on the cross-country TGO Challenge.
The new bridge was designed by David Narro Associates, fabricated by NEWCo Ltd of Fort William with the support of the outdoor community including the Mountain Bothies Association, Scottish Mountaineering Trust, Mountaineering Scotland and ScotWays.
David Langworth, a ScotWays Director said: “With all the recent bad news about bridges being damaged by the floods, it is fantastic to be at the opening of a new bridge that replaces one that was washed away.”
Further financial support came from the Donald Bennet Memorial Fund, Rv & R H Simons Trust, Tim & Patricia Stapenhurst Charitable Trust and several private individuals.
Stuart Younie CEO of Mountaineering Scotland said: “Mountaineering Scotland is delighted to have been able to support this project. It is great news for the outdoor community and will ensure an important access point is maintained for climbers and hillwalkers looking to experience one of Scotland’s wildest and most beautiful areas with its challenging and iconic mountains. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The total cost of the bridge construction project was over £62,000, the bridge alone costing £32,000.
More information can be found at scotways.com
Photograph © RKAB Works
