Loose / Missing Anchors
14/08/2024 - Multiple bolts are loose or missing, canyon can still be descend however check anchors carefully prior to use.
Ben Nevis Gorge
Summary
Fully featured canyon with sliding and jumping options. Lots of low angled abseils, some of which can get down climbed. Additional anchors may be required for descent in high water.
Canyon Descent:
200m
Highest Drop:
17m
Canyon Length:
900m
Minimum Ropes:
1X 40m
Flood Risk:
Low
Access Type:
Public
Rock Type:
Quartz diorite
Catchment:
10km2
Duration: in, down and out:
IN: 45 mins DOWN: 2.5hrs OUT: 15 mins
Anchors
Mixed
Notes
A small dam is present just above the start point. Here a water intake, takes a significant proportion of the water leaving a very small shoot for the canyon. If this intake is closed by the hydro company or blocked up then you can expect a surge of water to descend the canyon. In low flow this is unlikely to be significant, but in moderate to high flow this could be deadly for anyone in a difficult position despite the canyon is easily escapable. River name - Allt a Mhuilinn.
Description
Getting In - When walking up the path towards the Ben theres a bench with a view. Obvious as this is the only bench you go past on walk up, at this point you can find a small track which goes straight down towards the canyon, when you reach the mountain bike trail turn left, after you cross the tributary start heading down towards the river. this allows you to get in a bit lower without missing any of the main features so saves you walking further and then gorge scrambling down bits. - Andy Coultherd. just below the dam/ bridge at NN 146 752. The descent involves lots of scrambling intermixed with numerous abseils, some compulsary, some you can down climb. Various sliding and jumping options. You may need additional rope/ tape to replace anchors and additional bolts, if you want 2 bolts for abseils or for high water anchors. Usual exit point is either above or below the footbridge at grid reference too NN 140 756. Ascent: Follow the footpath/ fire roads up from the north face car park to the dam/ fire road bridge (towards the CIC hut).
Descent: Follow the East Highland Way - east back to the footpath you approached the canyon, descend to car park. Page information: Sol Armer
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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.
If any information on this page is missing, incorrect or out of date, please get in contact with us directly so we can rectify as soon as possible.
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.
Low flow slippy ‘adventure’ canyon. A good option when the nearby canyons are too high and has some interesting features, in particular the first ab/slide and final jump pool. Some slippy down climbs and not very well bolted, a few natural anchors or single bolts. A2 chain has a completely loose lower p bolt on the chain hangar.
Descended on 14/08/24. Team of 2, (In 25mins / Down 2hrs / Out 10mins) usual low flow. The canyon is quite interesting in places, the biggest issue is the water quality, as it’s barely flowing the water was very dark and smelt a little boggy, this did reduce the desire to jump. Be very cautious if planning to jump or slide, most of the pools were below knee deep despite looking deep from above. One of the glue in bolts at a two bolt anchor station is completely loose, we also choose to use the trees rather than some of the tat that was left in the canyon. If water was clear, the canyon would get more stars!