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Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)


Postby Essan » Thu Mar 05, 2020 12:06 pm

Ben Alder Estate have advised that the footbridge across the Chaoil Reidhe, where it enters Loch Pattack, has been wrecked by winter floods and can no longer be used. It may be a while before the Estate can get it replaced.

However, the bridge further upsteam, near the former Culra bothy is still in place and now the only safe crossing point when the river is in spate, for access to Carn Dearg etc
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby Graeme D » Thu Mar 05, 2020 12:22 pm

No!!!!!!!!!!!!! That bridge was great fun, especially when Culra was not a known death trap and you were en route in the dark with a heavy pack full of beer and coal! :lol:
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby Sunset tripper » Thu Mar 05, 2020 1:47 pm

I have generally used the other bridge as it is a quicker route in and better for cycling. At least the bridge being down wont affect access very much if at all. Be interesting to see what sort of bridge it is replaced with if any.
The Ben Alder estate seems to be helpful and friendly towards walkers and cyclists but no progress with the bothy situation. Even if they just removed it, it would be progress. :?
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby Lightfoot2017 » Fri Mar 06, 2020 2:35 pm

Be interesting to see some photos of what's left of the bridge.

Anyone?

I have fond memories of trying to cycle across the Allt there just a few feet up from the bridge and collapsing into the water as my bike slid away from under me on the riverbed boulders. :lol: A great fun day out bagging Ben's Alder and Bheoil with Fife Flyer :D
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby Jaxter » Fri Mar 06, 2020 2:39 pm

Someone posted this one on Facebook:
88261143_10157877412793536_5197532584237596672_o.jpg


Challenge accepted :lol: :lol:
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby geocaching » Fri Mar 06, 2020 2:59 pm

Jaxter wrote:Someone posted this one on Facebook:
88261143_10157877412793536_5197532584237596672_o.jpg


Challenge accepted :lol: :lol:

Seen worse in Scotland :lol:
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby geocaching » Fri Mar 06, 2020 3:09 pm

Sunset tripper wrote:I The Ben Alder estate seems to be helpful and friendly towards walkers and cyclists but no progress with the bothy situation. Even if they just removed it, it would be progress. :?


The problem with the removal is the costs. An espensive operation nowadays
Is the old SYHA still standing in Cannich? That hadn't been removed a few years ago for the same reason. Costs.
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby BlackPanther » Fri Mar 06, 2020 3:23 pm

geocaching wrote:Is the old SYHA still standing in Cannich? That hadn't been removed a few years ago for the same reason. Costs.


No, it's gone. Demolished last autumn. And just as well. It was far beyond saving. The last owner attempted to repair some damage, but gave up eventually.
This article gives more info:
https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/ambitious-plans-lodged-for-eyesore-hotel-in-cannich-135551/
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby prog99 » Fri Mar 06, 2020 4:01 pm

The hotel isn’t the old syha which is in the old prefab buildings next to the campsite (originally used for the dam builders)
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby prog99 » Fri Mar 06, 2020 4:02 pm

geocaching wrote:
Sunset tripper wrote:I The Ben Alder estate seems to be helpful and friendly towards walkers and cyclists but no progress with the bothy situation. Even if they just removed it, it would be progress. :?


The problem with the removal is the costs. An espensive operation nowadays
Is the old SYHA still standing in Cannich? That hadn't been removed a few years ago for the same reason. Costs.

If it’s one the estate need then I’m guessing it will be fixed. At the moment it looks like a new highlands via Ferratta as been created.
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby Graeme D » Fri Mar 06, 2020 4:28 pm

There doesn't appear to be much wrong with that bridge. Bit of superficial damage will not keep the hardcore brigade from crossing! :lol:
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby walkingpoles » Fri Mar 06, 2020 4:47 pm

It got a bit harder now to take a bike over it. :)
The bridge looks stunning, though.
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby Essan » Fri Mar 06, 2020 5:07 pm

The Estate would rather people didn't try and cross it in its current condition as doing may well cause further damage - at present it's repairable.
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby geocaching » Fri Mar 06, 2020 5:16 pm

BlackPanther wrote:
geocaching wrote:Is the old SYHA still standing in Cannich? That hadn't been removed a few years ago for the same reason. Costs.


No, it's gone. Demolished last autumn. And just as well. It was far beyond saving. The last owner attempted to repair some damage, but gave up eventually.
/


No that's not what I meant :wink:
I was there when that "hotel" was eventually due to be pulled down due to ts condition.
The old hostel was still there and derelict but due to the amount asbestos used it had not been demolished. An eyesore very much like the hotel.
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Re: Loch Pattack Bridge Destroyed (Ben Alder Estate)

Postby geocaching » Fri Mar 06, 2020 5:18 pm

prog99 wrote:The hotel isn’t the old syha which is in the old prefab buildings next to the campsite (originally used for the dam builders)


Is it still standing?
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