Carved by glacial meltwater, the mile-long canyon through which the River Droma rushes is among Britain’s most spectacular gorges.
Now, a year on from a £3.1million facelift which saw the creation of 1km of new footpaths and a new 'gateway to nature' centre, visitors can discover new areas of Corrieshalloch Gorge near Braemore in the Highlands following more improvements by the National Trust for Scotland.
New views of the River Droma’s waterfalls have been opened, while new interpretation, audio descriptions and a sensory 3D orientation map of Corrieshalloch have also been introduced to share the untold stories of the gorge and how it was formed over the course of history.
The new features at Corrieshalloch Gateway to Nature, cared for and protected by the conservation charity, have been developed following feedback from visitors and locals.
Over 100 visitors were surveyed in the summer of 2023 to identify the stories of the gorge they would like to hear more of, while the flow of visitors was observed to determine the most popular areas, where they slowed down to observe their surroundings, take pictures, stop and rest.
READ MORE: New £3.1 million visitor centre will provide a gateway to Scotland's 'ugly hollow'
The information helped plan where the new viewing platform would be located, to make the most of the breathtaking views of the gorge. It also informed the placing of new information panels which share the rich tapestry of stories of the site, including its geology, flora and fauna and the history of its suspension bridge, commissioned by Sir John Fowler, owner of the Braemar estate, in 1874, 150 years ago.
Alongside this feedback, the team at Corrieshalloch worked with locals to uncover more of the fascinating history of the National Nature Reserve and site of special scientific interest (SSSI).
Martin Hughes, National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager at Corrieshalloch Gateway to Nature, said: “We teamed up with local geologist Pete Harrison of the North West Highlands Geopark whose help was invaluable in telling the story of how the gorge was formed. This story was positioned beside one of the new views, at the Eas Stapach (Stepped Falls), which can now be accessed by the new path network. This is a very popular spot to stop and take a picture.
"We then worked with Ullapool High School Gaelic teacher Lisa MacDonald who helped us explore the importance of protecting and promoting the Gaelic language and how it can help us to read the landscape.
“The view looking at the second 'new' waterfall, the Eas Creagach (Rocky Falls) was really popular with our visitors. To enable easier access, we have added a small viewing platform to allow our visitors to take in this view safely and learn all about the 'Each-Uisage', a mythical water-horse spirit from Scottish folklore that lurks in deep or fast-flowing water, which we have loads of at Corrieshalloch Gorge.
“The suspension bridge over the gorge is 150-years-old this year and is vital to a visit here. Previously the story of this bridge and this amazing feat of engineering had gone untold with many visitors astounded when they found out how old the bridge was. Our new interpretation now tells this amazing story for our visitors to read whilst waiting to cross the bridge. The viewing platform over the gorge looking back at the bridge also gave us a wonderful opportunity to tell the story of the 'Guardians of the Gorge' and the ravens that nest here.
“These stories are just a small part of this stage of the Gateway to Nature project. Visitors will also be able to experience a stunning orientation model of the gorge, learn about the sustainability features of the building, learn about our living wall and experience our interactive ranger area, designed for ranger walks and educational school visits.”
Pete Harrison, Geologist at the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark, said: “I was delighted to be asked to contribute my knowledge and expertise to help tell the story of how Corrieshalloch Gorge was formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago. Helping visitors understand how this geological wonder was created will add to their enjoyment and deepen their appreciation of this spectacular landscape, and the work of the National Trust for Scotland do to care for and protect this special place."
Lisa MacDonald, Ullapool High School Gaelic teacher, said: “I’m delighted that the Corrieshalloch Gorge project placed the Gaelic culture and heritage of this beautiful location at the heart of the development from the outset. The link between place and people is strong, and Gaelic is a crucial part of the past, present and future of those ties. It is a pleasure to work with an organisation that is keen to listen for the beating heart of the Gaelic language around us.”
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