Ceremony marks opening of new Carnach bridge

The new Carnach Bridge was officially opened on 23 August 2019 by Camusrory Estate and representatives from the funding bodies. Knoydart’s lack of roads meant the guests had sailed in from Mallaig and Inverie to the Camsurory 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 part of the Cape Wrath Trail (Fort William to Cape Wrath).  

Estate owner Rupert Soames thanked everyone for their help in building the bridge. In particular, he singled out estate staff Robert Cooper and David Edwards who had constructed the bridge onsite as well as ferried all materials from Mallaig. He said, “to erect anew bridge in such a remote location and to such a high specification (which will last ageneration and longer!) is a triumph for all concerned.” 

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 thatreplaces one that was washed away.” 

The preceding bridge succumbed to the 2017 floods and left a river crossing that was dangerous or even impossible in flood conditions. The replacement 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. Further financial support came from the Donald Bennet Memorial Fund, Rv & R H Simons Trust, Tim & Patricia Stapenhurs tCharitable Trust and several private individuals.

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