Loch Cuaich aqueduct path

[Old Bill]

Hi all,

Quick yes & no question (I hope!).

Is the path alongside the aqueduct from Loch Cuaich publicly accessible along the whole length? (Or at least down to the A9?) I can't really tell from maps or the internet, and it'd nice to know before I get there!

Also, as a non-walking aside - what's it for? Is the flow too great for the Allt Cuaich or is a salmon thing...?

ta!
OB

[jmarkb]

It’s used as the usual approach to Meall Chuaich: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/meall-chuaich.shtml
Does that answer your question?

It’s a hydro power thing: it feeds into Loch Ericht and thence into the Loch Rannoch scheme. Not sure why it was built as an open aqueduct instead of the more usual buried pipeline though.

[gaffr]

Yes, I have used the track beside the 'canal' to get most of the way for an approach on a round trip in winter ....broad shoulder between Coires Uilleim and Bhathaich...there is a fence for most of the way to get to Carn na Caim and the other tops for a round trip from the Cuaich settlement.

[Old Bill]

It’s used as the usual approach to Meall Chuaich: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/meall-chuaich.shtml
Does that answer your question?

It’s a hydro power thing: it feeds into Loch Ericht and thence into the Loch Rannoch scheme. Not sure why it was built as an open aqueduct instead of the more usual buried pipeline though.

I knew that much but I was hoping to walk it all the way from Dalwhinnie / the Truim rather than further up the glen. Not a huge deal but would make the start of a long day a bit easier!

And secondly, just wondering why they didn't use the Cuach / Truim to feed Loch Etrict. There can't be more water flowing than used to flow from loch to loch naturally can there?

[Old Bill]

Yes, I have used the track beside the 'canal' to get most of the way for an approach on a round trip in winter ....broad shoulder between Coires Uilleim and Bhathaich...there is a fence for most of the way to get to Carn na Caim and the other tops for a round trip from the Cuaich settlement.

Cheers Gaffr. Is there access from the A9? Or just involve a cheeky clamber over a roadside fence...?

[malky_c]

And secondly, just wondering why they didn't use the Cuach / Truim to feed Loch Etrict. There can't be more water flowing than used to flow from loch to loch naturally can there?

If you look closely, you'll see that the Truim doesn't actually flow into Loch Ericht - it's part of a completely different catchment. I don't think it could be diverted into Loch Ericht as the level was raised when the reservoir was built, so it is probably higher than the river. That is why there is a small dam at Dalwhinnie, even though the main dam and loch outflow are actually at the other end.

[prog99]

Simplified schematic here - http://sse.com/media/87078/powerfromtheglens.pdf (page 19)

Or get hold of "The Dambuilders" (isbn:1841582255)

[gaffr]

Yes...easy step-over fences and also I have been in by the 'recessed gate' that the estate folks use to get at their terrain on the boundary between Cuaich and Drumochter....the fence.

[Grahame37]

Hi Old Bill

A few years back I did Meall Chuaich by train from Dalwhinnie accessing the path at the south end of Dalwhinnie, on the left just after the garage, where it led under the A9 if it is of any help.

Cheers
Grahame

[al78]

Is the track up to the loch doable on a bicycle?

[Clamberer]

Yes definitely bikeable- I wish I'd taken my bike yesterday when I did Meall Chuaich. It's a boring slog on foot!

[Old Bill]

Thanks for the track info Gaffr and Graham. Very helpful

As for the aqueduct I'm still bemused... the Power from the Glens document says it does flow into the Etrict, The OS map does show it not connecting to the Truim, although other maps do and it does seem to be 10m or so higher than the dam so it could.I can't see any other reason for the canal though than to take it to Etrict other wise the Allt Cuaich surely would suffice to drain it into the Truim further downstream. Anyways, it was just an aside - not important!

[jmarkb]

You can see the pipeline carrying the water from the aqueduct across the Truim here: https://goo.gl/maps/jPNDvErkvpp

[Giant Stoneater]

Meall Chuaich from Glen Tromie would be a nicer way to access the hill.

[Old Bill]

You can see the pipeline carrying the water from the aqueduct across the Truim here: https://goo.gl/maps/jPNDvErkvpp

Ah interesting! That explains that then, and my path up along the canal up the hill just to the south