As a first-timer, and one-time historian, after Torgyle Bridge I thought I would follow as far as possible the roads left by the C18th jack-booted oppressors. Unfortunately, to go from Achlain to Ft.Augustus it appears I need to cross the Allt Phocaichain, which, according to my information, becomes impassible in spate. An FWA would appear to involve a yomp up the A82 to Invermoriston and then back down the Great Glen Way, which could play havoc with any subsequent B&B bookings I might make. Have I missed an alternative crossing or shorter FWA?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Hi Chris

Don't worry about that river crossing. I've been that way, in both directions, in torrential rain and don't recall having difficulties crossing a stream.

You won't need to go all the way to Achlain either as after a short while you can join the newish pylon tracks.

I suppose if it looks really dreadful weather you could follow the path up from Inverwick and avoid the crossing altogether.

Hope this helps.

Hi Chris,

I don't know when Alan went that way but I went up there this year. The Monday after the storm and it was still raining. I was not looking forward to the crossing and had spent the previous day cursing the weather and all the damage Balfour Beattie were doing in building this new power line.

The bad news is that I would say that the stream was close to impassible at that time, but the weather had been exceptional. The good news is that Balfour Beattie (bless them) have built a bridge over the Allt Phocaichain.

I think it is at approximately NH324113. But there is a bloody great new track that leads straight to it.

Colin.

Colin, Alan,

Thank you both - is there anything to which the Message Board can't provide the answer?

That takes care of the last of my concerns really. Now I'm worried that I've failed to enter into the spirit of the Challenge and have made it too easy for myself (apart from the little matter of actually putting in the daily mileage).

I'm looking forward to meeting other Challengers - this does really seem to be something special.

Chris

Ah, Colin, that'll be down to my fine long legs then!



Hmmm: If Balfour Beattie have got their hands on that route it'll be a fine old mess. There'll soon be a new wind farm above Inverwick too, as they have just put in for planning for three wind masts. Handy for the pylon route connection too...