C1223 (Highland)
C1223 | ||||
Location Map ( geo) | ||||
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From: | Shiel Bridge (NG934188) | |||
To: | Corran (NG849093) | |||
Via: | Glenelg, Arnisdale | |||
Distance: | 20.2 miles (32.5 km) | |||
Meets: | A87, C1224 | |||
Highway Authorities | ||||
Traditional Counties | ||||
Route outline (key) | ||||
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For other roads numbered C1223, see C1223.
The C1223 is a famous route which crosses the Mam Ratagan Pass from Shiel Bridge to Glenelg. This pass was first built by Major Caulfeild in the 1760s as part of the military road network, running out to the barracks at Bernera. It is a steep climb from Shiel Bridge, but the descent to Glenelg is somewhat easier. At the bottom of the pass, the road forks, and the C1224 heads west out to the Glenelg - Kylerhea Ferry, whilst the C1223 TOTSOs left through the village. After passing between some houses, it reaches the shore, and passes the substantial war memorial sitting on a rock above the beach.
The road briefly curves inland to cross the Amhainn a Ghlinn Beag, with a side road following the stream inland past the famous Glenelg Brochs. The C1223 then starts climbing away from the shore, up to Sandaig, beyond which is the summit. The long descent runs down through woodland back down to the shore about a mile before Arnisdale. This pretty village is strung along the coast below Beinn Sgritheall, a lonely Munro. The road continues beyond Arnisdale and comes to an end at a parking area just before Corran, a small settlement where only residents can take their cars over the wee bridge into the village.