20 Sept 2022

Improvements for visitors at Corrieshalloch

A pedestrian suspension bridge with a man in a white t-shirt walking across it arches over a gorge. Beyond it, the mountainous landscape is covered by a variety of trees.

The suspension bridge at Corrieshalloch Gorge

Since February 2022, work has been taking place at Corrieshalloch Gorge in Wester Ross to improve the experience for the thousands of visitors we welcome there every year.

The project is well underway to improve facilities and develop a gateway to nature at Corrieshalloch Gorge, which is due to re-open in spring 2023. One of the eight extraordinary National Nature Reserves in the Trust’s care, the gorge boasts a suspension bridge for viewing the spectacular mile-long canyon through which the River Droma rushes. Visitors can also follow trails through the woodland and look out for a nationally rare species of cranefly, which benefits from the wet dead wood found in the shaded areas of the Gorge.

Access has been improved with a new 800m path created to allow a greater number of people to visit the gorge, plus a new welcome centre – which includes toilets, a takeaway café and blue and grey waste provision for motorhomes – now nearly complete. The existing car park has been extended and can now accommodate 22 cars, 4 motorhomes or mini-buses, 6 motorcycles, and 2 coaches, as well as providing 2 electric points, and 2 disabled and parent-and-child parking bays respectively. New guided walks will also be introduced to enhance the visitor experience further.

A newly-laid grey pathway curves up a slope through a forest, thin-trunked trees lining it on either side.

A building under construction, with a roof and dome constructed from wood. A scaffolding platform stands to one side.

A new full-time ranger position has also been created at the Gorge. We’re pleased to welcome Bruce MacDonald to the Trust team! Bruce was recruited to the role in July this year, which sees him manage the on-going protection and upkeep of the National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, as well as visitor engagement, local outreach programmes, ranger tours and local career engagement. Originally hailing from the Isle of Skye, Bruce was responsible for the development of the Shinty Trail, an interactive storytelling resource and visual guide to the shinty heritage of Badenoch in the Cairngorms National Park.

Quote

“Corrieshalloch Gorge is much-loved by the community and visitors alike, and it is very exciting to see the work to improve the facilities progress.”

Clea Warner

Regional Director, Highlands & Islands

A smiling woman stands on a grassy hillside, with dramatic mountains behind her. She has shoulder-length fair hair and wears a National Trust for Scotland outdoor jacket.

The £3.1 million project has secured £1,297,071 funding from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund, which is led by NatureScot and funded through the European Regional Development Fund. It is part of an almost £9 million Scottish programme of projects to invest in the Highlands and Islands, to provide more and better-quality opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural and cultural heritage assets. In addition, work on the paths and interpretation on-site has been supported by funding raised by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, awarded by the Postcode Earth Trust, through the Love Our Nature project.