Work starts on the new Carnach Bridge in Knoydart, but it’ll be a while before it’s open yet.
Back in February, we reported that the Carnach Bridge – a vital link for stravaigers in the rough bounds of Knoydart – was closed, having fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years.
Yesterday, the Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society posted an update saying that work has now begun:
“We’ve just heard that the materials for the replacement bridge have been ordered and it is under construction in a yard in Fort William, from where it will be transported to Mallaig. Meantime, the estate has been taking advantage of the good weather and low water levels to reinforce the piers.
“The plan is for it to be in by winter – hopefully October, but November at the latest.  However, the timescales for transporting the bridge up the loch and installing it are dependent upon having a good weather window.
“Our thanks to all who have contributed.”
The Carnach Bridge is a vital link for many completing the TGO Challenge, as well as the Knoydart variant of the Cape Wrath Trail. In normal conditions the river is very deep at this point and there have been drownings here in the past; however, in this year’s unusually dry conditions, crossings are possible with care further upstream.