“The restoration work included replacing some of the cross frame members and bolts on the bridge, together with routine annual maintenance,” explained the Trust’s lead surveyor Angus Jack. “These parts had been there since the bridge was built in 1874 and they were simply being worn away with age, combined with the inevitable movement of the suspension bridge. We also carried out some bolting of the rock below the bridge abutments to secure the main supporting structure.” This was one of the biggest overhauls of the bridge since 1977 when cracks in the natural stone anchorage saw a switch to concrete anchoring. The only other major overhauls in the period in-between have concentrated on deck planking and mesh safety panels.
Major tourist attraction
Corrieshalloch has long been a major tourist attraction for the area, so the bridge revamp will be much appreciated locally. For all the bridge is deeply impressive, the site was designated for its natural features. So special is the natural heritage here that in 1984 it was declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
As well as the dramatic suspension bridge, the reserve is home to an impressive range of ferns, mosses and grasses. These have been protected from the ravages of grazing or burning because they’ve survived in the deep ravine. Recent years have also seen ongoing work to restore native woodland and clear invasive rhododendron. A National Nature Reserve since 1967, Corrieshalloch Gorge is managed under an agreement between the Trust and SNH, who also part-funded the project. “The suspension bridge may not quite match the scale of the mighty Forth Rail Bridge,” commented Angus, “but for many visitors to Corrieshalloch it delivers the same feelings of awe and excitement.”
Did you know?
Corrieshalloch Gorge was created by glacial meltwater over 10,000 years ago.
The Gaelic translation of the word Corrieshalloch is roughly – the filthy hollow.
Sir John Fowler tested many of his engineering ideas around Braemore Estate. Examples were the tunnel- section byre near Braemore Lodge, which helped him with plans for the London Underground, and the iron bridge at Auchindrean, downstream from Corrieshalloch Gorge.
Fowler invested huge resources in improving the grounds of his Braemore Estate which ran to well over 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres).
The gorge is a classic of its kind, incredibly narrow, steep sided, and difficult to precisely measure. An iconic part of the Wester Ross landscape, it has fascinated visitors since Victorian times.
Amongst the trees present in the gorge are birch, hazel, and wych elm.
The gorge is famed for its ferns, mosses and liverworts – including Britain’s smallest fern – Wilson’s filmy fern.
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Occasionally visitors ask about Lady Fowler’s fern walk. This circular walk used to run from Braemore Lodge along Corrieshalloch Gorge, and the Cuileig River Gorge, into Braemore Square and back up to the lodge.
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The scale of the wonderful Falls of Measach as seen from the ever popular viewing platform.
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Corrieshalloch Gorge is both steep and narrow; a classic box-canyon.
14 The Nature of Scotland
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