Safety warning as Derry footbridge swept away in Cairngorms

An important footbridge for walkers in the Cairngorms has been washed away in the torrential rain and flooding.

The footbridge across the Derry Burn at the foot of Glen Derry – an essential link in the most commonly-used route through the famous Lairig Ghru Pass – was lifted from its foundations and swept downstream.

This now means that, until the rivers fall back to normal levels, the Lairig Ghru is impassable by the main Luibeg branch of the track.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland has warned that for the foreseeable future anyone considering using this route should assess the situation and be aware that, although the river is fordable at times of low water, heavy rain will make it dangerous or even impossible.

The only alternative crossing is over 2 kilometres upstream and its safety has not yet been assessed.

Head Ranger at NTS-owned Mar Lodge Estate, Peter Holden, said his team was still trying to assess the scale of damage done by the floods, with possibilities that other bridges could have been affected.

“The upper bridge over the Quoich was also swept away, and there is damage to the track up to Derry Lodge, but we have not been able yet to check bridges such as the metal bridge at Derry Dam in Glen Derry, or the wooden plank bridge leading in to Coire Etchachan. We’ll also have to check the Luibeg Bridge.”

Once the extent of damage has been assessed the estate will be in a position to start addressing the question of repair or replacement.

In the meantime, walkers heading into the Cairngorms should do what they can to check latest conditions on their route and ensure their plans are flexible.