Had an absolutely terrific morning walk in Glen Etive today. Parked opposite the bridge at 7:45 am and was walking before full daylight cam in. The gate on the bridge is indeed unlocked as reported here some months ago by Duncan Gray and others. Interestingly enough there are then 3 locked gates before you clear the lodge. The first two locked gates are simple vehicle gates on the track and are easy to get over. The third gate is at the back of the lodge just before the footpath begins and is again an aluminium or cast gate but with a good metre or sot of wooden extension on top of it. This makes it quite a scramble to get over the 2 metres or so and any walker who is not quite fully able would struggle to get over this gate. I am sure you could work your way round the whole lodge area but can't help thinking that less damage would be done to the gates if simply left closed but not locked or a basic style provided. Anyway the walk up beside the Allt a'Chaorainn is superb on a slabby path. the water was in god flow and one waterfall was spectacular in the half light with the water being almost fluorescent and with a mist over the waterfall catching the last of the full moonlight it was very atmospheric indeed. we soon crossed the stream on the single plank bridge as described in the Corbett book and followed the track the gorge which is also superb. we soon recrossed the stream and took the steep pull up the eastern side of the open gully on BMC. as we were climbing this slope the sun started to catch the very top of Stob Dubh opposite really highlighting the cap of snow in the early sun, quite beautiful. we summitted out at 10 am to a fantastic 360 view of the Etive and Glencoe hills. Visibility and air clarity was something special with the low sun showing the hills to their very best. All too soon back down hill by the upward route and into the Kings House just before 12 for a well deserved Brie and Cranberry Baguette ! this was one of those absolutely perfect walking days with freezing temperatures, a bit of snow on top, stunning views and no wind. Brilliant !
I actually sent an e-mail to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland advising them of this obstruction mainly for their information as it was only recently that the gate on the bridge was unlocked and the barbed wire removed.
May be worth while mentioning your objection to the large locked gate as the more objections they get they can take the matter up with Highland Council again.
I actually sent an e-mail to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland advising them of this obstruction mainly for their information as it was only recently that the gate on the bridge was unlocked and the barbed wire removed.
May be worth while mentioning your objection to the large locked
gate
Quoted message said:
as the more objections they get they can take the matter up with Highland Council again.
Lindsay, will do as I do feel the estate is perhaps keeping the letter of the law but certainly not the spirit of it. an elderly or perhaps slightly infirm walker would struggle to gain access. The easy sloutions are to leave the deer fence gate the height it is but sipmply remove the padlock. another alternative would be as you say to create a footpath round the buildings. these buildings seemed to be unoccupied when we left and starting to show signs of disrepair so i am not sure if they are still in use ?
Enjoyed your pics and often look at your site ( and Richard Webbs ) for inspiration and trip reports / pics. graet stuff
I also thought that the house was unoccupied when I passed ,although there was a light on. I thought he might have been away during the festive season.
