Does anyone know if the pylon tracks, that were constructed a few years ago for the new powerline, are still in place through the Corrieyairack Pass? I am trying to plan a route from the Great Glen over to Corrieyairack Pass.

Hi
The pylon tracks ran in parallel with the old military road which being a protected monument in its own right they couldn't use. As I remember the pylon tracks were restored to some extent back to their natural state but I could be wrong on that. However the military road is still there and is more interesting to walk. It mostly follows the line of the pylons and would be the track you see marked on the OS maps.

Colin

Hi Colin, on the OS Maps digital version, it shows both the original military road and the pylon road. That is what I find confusing - unless the digital version hasn't been updated recently. I walked up the military road in 2015, but haven't been that way since then. I did hear that the estate were trying to have the pylon road remain in situ - for shooting purposes - but I don't know if that was allowed. Thanks for your help and information.

We walked the Corrieyarrick last year, there were a few people who accidentally took the pylon track and missed Blackburn Bothy, but if you're careful it shouldn't be an issue. The military road has been repaired a couple of times in recent years, it was in not too bad condition last year. Certainly vastly improved on the last time I walked it in 2011!

Thank you Louise, I was planning on coming over from the Thistle cafe, near Aberchalder, and then using the pylon track to get near Blackburn bothy. Then on to the military road. Other possibilty would be to follow the pylon road all the way to its junction with the military road. Haven't decided yet?

That should work, I've previously planned something similar. I read someone's account somewhere...if I find it I'll let you know!