Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Saturday 12 February 2011

Port na Craig - Tummel Ferry



The suspension bridge across the River Tummel


On our recent outings to Pitlochry Festival Theatre (see post 1 February) we had a bit of time to spare so wandered down to the 'Historic Hamlet' of Port na Craig on the banks of the Tummel.

In the 12th century, monks from Coupar Angus were given the lands of Fonab as a gift and established a ferry here, the last crossing taking place on Empire Day 1913 when the new suspension bridge was opened by the Duchess of Atholl. Made by the Lanarkshire Steel Company Ltd, it is now a Listed Grade B building.

 A sign asks that people do not cycle - or swing on the bridge!


Ferry rates


Further upstream is the Coronation Bridge (also listed), a similar suspension bridge built in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V.


Ferryman's Cottage from the suspension bridge


An interesting diversion on what was a bittery cold day, but only a few minutes away hot coffee awaited in the theatre.

8 comments:

AlanR said...

Hi Gibson,
I remember this spot well. Its where we finished the Rob Roy way last year. Its a good spot to spend an hour or two. Interesting site.

afootinthehills said...

Hi Alan

A nice place to finish your walk, and the beer garden looked an appealing place for a summer pint!

-maria- said...

A very nice picture of the bridge - and the scenery behind it!

afootinthehills said...

Thanks Maria. Getting photographs from the bridge presents problems - being a suspension bridge it bounces a bit!

Alan Sloman said...

I remember the suspension bridges between Mar Lodge and the Linn of Dee when I was a yoof of eighteen... they used to swing mightily after a night in the back bar at the Lodge. The foundations on the banks are still there. I wonder if the NT could be persuaded to replace them?

afootinthehills said...

I remember the bridges too. As for the NT replacing them-

" ....they used to swing mightily after a night in the back bar at the Lodge." Perhaps not if they read this Alan!

Anonymous said...

I saw my first ever Red-throated Diver from that bridge (although I didn't actually know what I was looking at until I'd got the 'AA Book of birds' from the boot of the car).

We used to regularly buy fish and chips in Pitlochry and eat them sat by a small pool on the road up towards the golf course. Scottish haddock, deep-fried chips, cuppa from the flask; better than any Michelin-starred meal.

afootinthehills said...

Two lovely images. The last time I had fish and chips was in Mallaig. We sat eating them overlooking the harbour and like everyone else we were, unsurpisingly, besieged by gulls.