Mountaineering Routes Potentially Affected by the Beauly-Denny Line Construction
Introduction
Over the past two months, the MCofS has received enquiries about access during the construction phase of the Beauly-Denny Line. As construction is anticipated to last into 2014 at some locations, we have gathered information that should help you plan your trips to the mountains. This information provides general access guidance and specific information relating to construction work in 3 areas: Highland Council, Cairngorms National Park and Perth and Kinross, together with details of who to contact in the event of any difficulties.
Access Guidance
We have been assured that there will be no stopping of access. At some locations there are preferred routes which are not significantly different from other options, but will give you a more peaceful approach to the mountains without construction traffic passing you. At other sites, there may be some temporary disruption to parking.
All construction is planned to be completed by the end of 2014. Many construction sites will have a site cabin, often staffed. We have been informed that staff and contractors have been given guidance to be positive towards access, so they should be helpful.
All drivers have been instructed that the public may be on tracks and that a 15mph speed limit is in place. We have been asked to pass on a request that all walkers should follow reasonable requests from the project workforce or on signs. This should not be of the “go away” style of information, and if you do come across this, please report such instances to the local Access Officer and copy report to the MCofS Office.
If access is required through an active construction area (where there is more than just construction traffic movements), walkers should make contact with the project workforce and may need to be escorted through the active area. The need for this should be very rare at the locations where mountaineers are likely to want access.
The sites where there may be issues have been listed according to the access authority so it is clear which Access Officer you should contact if you come across any unanticipated difficulties. At each location, all the expected destinations (Munros, Corbetts and Grahams) should still be achievable at all times.
Highland Council
Corbetts
- Carn a’ Chuillinn by the Corrieyairack route (HC NH416034) – There is no problem for access from, or parking at, Melgarve. This public road is narrow to reach Melgarve, so we have requested notification in advance if there is to be any particularly busy times on the road as this could considerably increase the drive time.
- Gairbeinn & Corrieyairack Hill (HC NN460985, NN460985) – As above.
- Meall na h-Aisre (HC NH515000) – The Garva Bridge parking area should be unaffected. The walking route crosses the construction track but there should be no access issues, but walkers need to take care as the track will be used frequently. SSE have asked that vehicles be parked beside Garva Bridge and not on the new access track 450m north of Garva Bridge where there have been problems caused by cars parked here.
Grahams
- Meall nan Eagan (CNPA & HC NN596874) – The Right of Way starting at NN636862 may offer a more enjoyable approach. The more northerly approach along the track from NN636877 has a line of pylons alongside it and therefore will be regularly used, and there will be active construction on the track until the powerline is complete. The more southerly approach car parking was opposite the start of the track, but now is being used as a quarry. There is no definite reasonable alternative and the best location for parking unfortunately is at the Crubenmore road junction some 800m along the road towards Dalwhinnie. A request was made to the Estate to use a layby on the track that forms the start of the Right of Way, but permission was denied and as this is on private land there is no right of vehicle access.
Cairngorms National Park
Munros
- Geal Charn (CNPA NN561988) – There are no difficulties with responsible access along the track. There are problems with the usual parking location at the start of the track NN584936 due to the wide swing area required for large vehicles at the 90 degree corner. Vehicles should not be parked on this corner. There may be a few verge locations just before track entrance on approach, where fishermen occasionally park. SSE has recommended an alternative at NN582934 just south of the Spey dam, beside a path leading to the dam structure. This will add a 500m walk along the road at either end of your walk. We have been informed that there is no access across the Spey Dam.
- Carn na Caim & A’Bhuidheanach Bheag (CNPA NN677822, NN661776) - There should be no interference with the customary parking area, and access should be available with care across the new track throughout construction. There may be occasions where site workers wish to escort walkers across the site, but this should be rare and only for specific reasons. Access from opposite Dalnaspidal will be unaffected as will the parking spot at the start of the short track to the mast.
Grahams
- Meall nan Eagan (CNPA & HC NN596874) – See Highland Council section.
Perth & Kinross Council
Munro
- Schiehallion (PKC NN714548) – There will be no access/parking issues on the usual route and the final approach road has had extra passing places constructed.
Corbetts
- Meall Tairneachan (PKC NN807543), Farragon Hill (PKC NN840553) – There should be no access/parking issues here on the customary approaches from the west. If approaching from the south past Clunie the track will need to be crossed, but this should never prevent access, but take care when crossing the track.
Grahams
- Beinn an Gainimh (PKC NN837344) – There should be no issues on the approach tracks from the east or north.
- Meall nan Caorach & Meall Reamhar (PKC NN928338, NN922332) - There should be no issues on the approach tracks from the northwest or southeast.
Further information and route maps are available at www.sse.com/BeaulyDenny. Any questions or concerns about the project, please contact Neil Anderson, SSE Community Liaison Manager, on 07500 912506 or by email to neil.1.anderson@sse.com
