JPG Magazine: Stories: Photo Essay: Highland Walk

Highland Walk

By Gary Fudge

30 April 2008

In July 1724 General George Wade was sent to Scotland on a military mission for King George I. In the continuing uncertainty after the Jacobite Risings, he was to 'inspect the present situation of the Highlanders' and to 'make strict inquiry into the last law for disarming the Highlanders'.

Wade's report back to the King was to the effect that the Highlanders were capable and ready to bear arms against him. With this news the King instructed Wade to mobilize an Army and in order to do so, Wade had to construct roads.

The first into the Highlands.

You can still walk along the original routes today, one of the most famous being along the Corrieyairack pass, as it was the highest road ever built in Britain.

Little remains now, but the mountain still bears the scar as it zig-zags it's way down it.

This pass would be relatively obscure were it not for the military road built over it in 1731.

As such, it is a quiet route today, with few people. Lottie and I met no one. Wonderful!!

Wildlife thrives along its route, with such creatures as Red Deer and Grouse to name but two, but the land is full of life.

Old buildings dot the landscape here and there, some reminiscent of the clearances and others abandoned more recently.

The path is steep and harsh, but the views rewarding. Flasks of hot coffee a must.

Then as the day draws to a close, a spectacular light show over the Laggan is must see show that tops any you can book in London, Vegas or New York.