River Allan
Bridge works ongoing as at 9 January 2012 - There are ropes suspended at the Mill O Keir Viaduct which is a grid NS 784 997.
"We are carrying out masonry repairs including; drilling; jet-washing; de-veging; pointing etc.. to the structure for Network Rail. The ropes are part of an IRATA Rope Access System.
We have been working on the bridge for a couple of months now and the rising water has obviously trimmed the gap between the rope kit and the water.
SEPA, SNH, the Council, neighbours and the Landowner are all aware of the project. River users have obviously been a slight oversight and I apologise for any incovenience this may have caused to you and other users.
On Monday our crew will be back in working on the structure, they have been instructed to ensure that (as far as reasonably practicable) no ropes foul the river, particularly at the end of their shifts when all rope kit will be hoisted up out of the way. I am sure that you will understand that given the nature of the work, whilst they are working ropes may drop down to water level but we will try to ensure that they are tails rather than loops.
As discussed, I will get a sign made up on Monday in red and white and install it on the upstream side of Kippenross Viaduct (1000mtr up the river) notifying river users of a potential 'snag risk' at Mill O Keir, this should give them time to beach and check safe passage. The sign will be installed some time next week.
If you could post the hazard on your website I would be grateful.
We will ensure that any future bridge projects undertaken by QTS take cognicense of river users and seek advice from you and the SCA as required."
River Eas Gobhain
‘Scottish Canoe Touring Guidebook'
Additional Information
Route 108
Pages 189/190
Between Loch Venacher and Callander
The River Eas Gobhain leaves Loch Venachar (at 10 miles) as described. However, downstream from the road bridge (at 11 miles) is a section of Grade 2-3, with rocky ledges. This was missed out from the original description.
Apologies to anyone inconvenienced by this. The section should be inspected by novice open canoeists, though is no problem for intermediate kayak paddlers. Open canoes can usually be lined down, or portaged down the road
Eddie Palmer, Editor
Gartmorn Dam.
Water access is permitted to Gartmorn Dam, but we are keen to limit the spread of lice to other water bodies and to this end would urge all access takers to the water to:
- Drain and/or sponge all water from your boat before leaving the site.
- Remove any plant or animal material, as well as mud and grit, from boats, paddles and equipment before leaving the site.
- Dry all your gear whenever possible. For example, dry your buoyancy aid, spraydeck, throwlines and sponges, as well as your waterproofs and wet clothing, because drying is a good way of killing anything that might be living in the water that is trapped in your equipment.
- Don't take wet gear to other freshwater sites without using disinfectant / saline solution.
Loch Katrine
The SCA has developed special guidelines for paddlers planning to canoe or kayak on Loch Katrine. We recommend all paddlers read these guidelines before setting off.
River Eas Gobhain - ‘Scottish Canoe Touring Guidebook' - Additional Information, Route 108, Pages 189/190
Between Loch Venacher and Callander
The River Eas Gobhain leaves Loch Venacher (at 10 miles) as described. However, downstream from the road bridge (at 11 miles) is a section of Grade 2-3, with rocky ledges. This was missed out from the original description.
Apologies to anyone inconvenienced by this. The section should be inspected by novice open canoeists, though is no problem for intermediate kayak paddlers. Open canoes can usually be lined down, or portaged down the road
Eddie Palmer, Editor
Tree Hazard
Paddlers should use the main car park half way down the river or the car parking in the laybys above the top bridge, which allows for a warm up first. Try to avoid the Ben Ledi car park which causes congestion.
River Adviser: Dave Rossetter - Tel: 01786 464 777 or 07769 677 824
Tree in river - September 11
Dave Rossetter, river adviser has updated this report.
The tree reported across the left hand channel at the first island below Callendar (recognised by very prominant rock immediately upstream of the island in the river) has now gone. The channel is clear both sides of the island.