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An Socach - current state of Baddoch Burn crossings

PostPosted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 5:52 pm
by tombombadilio
Greetings, fellow walkers!

This is just a brief one which I thought might be useful for informing peeps about the current state of crossings over the Baddoch Burn.

Based on GillC's 2013 post of 'An Socach, Munro No. 57, and a wee neighbour'. Thanks.

This is what transpired...


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Baddoch farmhouse.jpg
Baddoch farmhouse.


Baddoch Burn bridge.jpg
Baddoch Burn bridge at NO129823. As noted in WH route description, washed away in 2016 new year floods. Reconstruction seems to be underway. Walked here first to recce it, wanted to avoid the footbridge or wading across if possible, but this ain't happening.


Baddoch Burn potential crossing.jpg
Potential crossing point of Baddoch Burn. Made it tantalisingly to the second island through shallow water, but beyond there, water just a smidge too deep for boots and gaiters to withstand. It'll have to be the rickety footbridge.


Footbridge.jpg
Footbridge at NO131828. Hands and knees, it'll have to be. Can see where (possibly) GillC dislodged a plank. The steel girder to the left of the footbridge seems to be not supporting anything, just for decorative effect. There is a perceptible sag in the otherwise timber structure of it, with the upper planks rotten in places. No idea about state of the supporting timber underneath. Cross at own risk.


Footbridge markings.jpg
Footbridge markings left by my desperate crawl to try and spread the weight, done while holding onto steel girder with one hand, should the timber fail.


Glen Baddoch.jpg
Breath again… blue sky over Glen Clunie.


Socach Mor cairn.jpg
Socach Mor cairn. Bitter, bitter wind. Deep snow. Ice axe and crampons for steep walk up to start of ridge walk to An Socach summit.


An Socach summit.jpg
An Socach summit. Strong, bitter wind. Did I mention it was bitter?


SE view from An Socach ridge.jpg
Break in clag - SE view from An Socach ridge. Cue celebratory singing.


Return to glen floor.jpg
Return to glen floor. Warm sunshine. Feel safe and human again. Moments like this make you appreciate why we used to worship the sun.


Remnants of Baddoch Burn Bridge.jpg
Remnants of Baddoch Burn bridge caught in tree fencing. Amazing how high the burn must've been flowing and how far it carried the debris.


Footbridge on return.jpg
Footbridge return. Less death-trap looking, but still hands and knees.


Weird horses.jpg
Weird horses. They were quite starey and one started following me. Like Horses of the Corn. But maybe they were just lonely.


That's all. Hope this was of some use for planning your route.

Re: An Socach - current state of Baddoch Burn crossings

PostPosted: Sun Feb 14, 2016 3:02 am
by DaveH82
This is a walk I was hoping to do this winter, but wasn't sure I'd be able to after the New year flood damage to the bridge. Thanks for reporting on the current state of the crossings, very useful information for me.

Re: An Socach - current state of Baddoch Burn crossings

PostPosted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 8:32 pm
by tombombadilio
DaveH82 wrote:This is a walk I was hoping to do this winter, but wasn't sure I'd be able to after the New year flood damage to the bridge. Thanks for reporting on the current state of the crossings, very useful information for me.


Glad to help. Hopefully the repairs will be finished soon and you won't be faced with the dilemma of a rotting footbridge or wading across!

Re: An Socach - current state of Baddoch Burn crossings

PostPosted: Wed Feb 17, 2016 7:06 am
by Keefers
Update:

Walked up yesterday. Bridge now complete. Followed path to end in perfect winter conditions before returning back via Socach Mor. Great winter option.

Re: An Socach - current state of Baddoch Burn crossings

PostPosted: Wed Feb 17, 2016 8:37 pm
by dogjake
Keefers wrote:Update:

Walked up yesterday. Bridge now complete. Followed path to end in perfect winter conditions before returning back via Socach Mor. Great winter option.


Thanks for the update guys, perfect timing as I intend doing this one on Friday and didn't fancy the rickety bridge. I'm happy now that the bridge has been repaired and I can look forward to a good day, although the weather looks decidedly iffy.