Dochfour Causeway

The causeway which carries the A82 across the little Loch Dochfour at the northern end of Loch Ness is a curious crossing with an uncertain history. It is known that Loch Dochfour was largely created by the construction of the Caledonian Canal, when the water level in Loch Ness was lifted by a few feet causing the area now occupied by Loch Dochfour to flood. As far as can be ascertained from old maps, the road was embanked prior to the water level rising to ensure there would be a causeway across the new loch, the works on the project carried out under the direction of Thomas Telford and his commission on Highland Roads and Bridges. This is despite the apparent presence of an alternative route passing through the grounds of Dochfour Castle - there is no evidence that this was ever the line of the road.

The causeway itself extends for just under half a mile, with just a single bridge connecting the two parts of the loch. At either end the road continues along the bank of the canal / loch for some distance, with a similar structure to the proper causeway. It is likely that the causeway is constructed from material excavated nearby for the construction of the canal, and there is no obvious evidence that it has been widened at any point in time. Due to the narrowness of the structure and the growth of vegetation along the banks it is difficult to get close up and inspect the causeway, unless out on the canal in a canoe or small boat.