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From Achnasheen the main A832 road follows the shores of Loch a' Chroisg then climbs to the head of Glen Docherty, and shortly after beginning the descent down this dramatic Glen, the most fantastically beautiful view presents itself. This view, stretching 28 kilometres from the head of Glen Docherty to the hills at Tollie not far from Poolewe, is one of the finest views of the area. For those driving, there is a viewpont where one can pull off the road to relax and enjoy the view.
The West Highlands were subject to much volcanic activity. This ceased about 50 million years ago and the landscape was subsequently carved by glaciation from around 1.8 million years ago to the end of the last ice age 10,000 years ago. Glen Docherty's 'U' shaped glen is typical of a glen created by glaciation.
The twisting single-track road in this photograph, a route followed by travellers through this glen for centuries required drivers to drive at slower pace here. Why should anyone want to hurry through such a glorious setting! This road has been replaced in 2007 by a modern road which has been sympathetically contoured into the glen and carefully landscaped. I had been concerned that it would be a gash running straight through the glen, but I have to say that the new road blends in well with the landscape. A new photograph with the modern road will be added to this gallery once the vegetation has had time to grow some more.
On the far right at the top of this photograph the snow-capped peak of Slioch can just be seen, then further north there is snow-capped Beinn Airigh Charr's peak . At the far end of the loch, Isle Maree is clearly visible.
Copyright © 2001 Gordon C Harrison All Rights Reserved