Scotlands Triple Crown
Pharaohs - Dundonnell - Valkyrie
Valkyrie
Summary
A steep and clean canyon with a mix of quality abseils and slides
Canyon Descent:
200m
Highest Drop:
30m
Canyon Length:
1290m
Minimum Ropes:
1X 70m
Flood Risk:
Moderate
Access Type:
Public
Rock Type:
Psammite
Catchment:
6.9km2
Duration: in, down and out:
IN: 40 mins DOWN: 2.5hrs OUT: 2 mins
Anchors
Bolted
Notes
Canyon name - Ardcharnich / Valkyrie. River name - Allt nan Clach Bana, Re-bolted in 2024. Low flow canyon, could be done in moderate flow, Could be descended in high flow however, wouldn't recommend a high flow attempt to anyone who hasn't descended the canyon before. Can be descended with a 60m rope however makes for a difficult pull down. A7 anchors are set far back from the edge and pull down is difficult, carefully consider how the last person leaves the pitch as even a carabiner block can get caught and this section is completely inescapable.
Description
Approach by Car: Park in the lay-by marked as a car park next to the bridge that crosses over the canyon.
Approach by foot: There is no track to get to the start of the canyon. From the car park, walk along the road away from the canyon, you'll find a small gateway you can use to access the hill. Head uphill keeping some distance from the edge of the canyon, when you reach the tributary, follow the spur uphill until you get to 200m (or when you can see a safe place to cross the tributary. Once across keep heading uphill and towards the river. Entry into the canyon is obvious, the deep walls open out and the river is flat above. get in here.
Canyon descent: A steep canyon with an alpine feel, high quality pitches throughout the descent, several impressive rooms to descend into and some deep pools for some quality jumps. Use caution as some anchors are in exposed positions. Does contain some stream scrambling however only for short periods (except for at the rockfall).
Exit: Climb out TR at the bridge.
Escapes: Possible at times however very committing in general and would require a steep climb, Low flowing in character however any injury would be very difficult to evacuate.
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Have You Descended This Canyon Recently?
If so we would love to hear from you in the comment section below! Let the whole community know more about this canyon, Information such as time taken to: approach, descend and exit are extremely helpful, as well as any new hazards you may have come across whilst canyoning at this location.
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Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability is taken for any harm, death or loss of property from using the information found on Canyon Log. Topo features, descriptions and notes may not be accurate and could be misleading. You must carry anchor building materials, be experienced and use your own judgement when canyoning. Flooding can completely change the layout, features and conditions. Insufficient experience may result in death.
![](https://i0.wp.com/canyonlog.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image.png?w=1200&ssl=1)
Descended on the 02/08/24. Team of 2. Great trip, the canyon has constant quality throughout. All anchors are new and in good position except for A6 which has a high friction pull down.