Path problem resolved in Blackmount

Quick action has resolved an access problem in the Blackmount.

The path by the Abhainn Shira between Victoria Bridge and Loch Dochard had been eroded, blocking access on the marked route to Glen Kinglass for all but those agile enough to traverse a deer fence by the water.

However after the matter was reported to Mountaineering Scotland and referred to Argyll and Bute Council’s access officer, action was quickly taken by Bidwells, the factor for Blackmount Estate, to restore access.

The path, which leads through to Glen Kinglass and Loch Etive, is a popular and well-used one.

After being contacted, Bidwells quickly took action to restore the way in the short term.

The deer fence has been cut to allow walkers to by-pass the section where the river is eroding the bank and the path. However there is a small bridge along the same path which is unsafe at present.  The estate will post a notice at either end of this section of path recommending people use the path via Clashgour Farm and will replace the bridge to make it safe for walkers and other users in the near future.

There is a deer gate at the southern end of the track leading up to Clashgour at NN 238 421 and although there is a padlocked chain around the post it is not locked.

In the long term the path along the river is the route preferred by the estate because it is more direct and means that people do not need to walk through the farm yard at Clashgour.

Mountaineering Scotland Access & Conservation Officer Davie Black said: “This might have gone unnoticed but for the action of the walker who reported it to us. The swift response by the Access Officer and the Estate responding positively to maintain safe and secure access showed how the whole system works when everyone works together.

Jolyon Gritten, the Argyll & Bute Access Manager, added: “I would like to thank Bidwells for attending to this matter quickly and the Blackmount Estate Staff for their work to reopen the route.

“Hopefully this route is now open and safe for all walkers to use.”

Photo by Rob Woodall