The Goat Track leading out of Coire an t-Sneachda is 'dangerous'. Photo: Richard Webb CC-BY-SA-2.0
More problems for outdoor fans have been reported in the Highlands in the wake of the storms brought by the remnants of Hurricane Bertha.
A large rockfall on a popular Cairngorms ascent route has left the path dangerously unstable.
And the National Trust for Scotland has reported a second bridge has been washed away on its Mar Lodge estate.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland said slabs from the crags above the Goat Track in Coire an t-Sneachda have fallen across the path and surrounding areas following Monday’s torrents.
The track is one of the most popular ascent routes on to the Cairn Gorm plateau from the Northern Corries.
An MCofS spokesperson said: “The rockfall was discovered by path builders heading into Coire an t-Sneachda on Tuesday morning. They carried out an initial examination, which showed the area to be very unstable and dangerous.
“The situation is currently being discussed with Cairngorm Rangers and the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust to determine the best way forward.
“In the meantime, for safety reasons, walkers and climbers are advised to avoid the whole Goat Track area.”
The NTS reported that, in addition to the bridge across the Derry Burn at Derry Lodge that was washed away, a second bridge in Glen Quoich to the East has also been swept downstream.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Torrential rain on Sunday night brought severe flooding to the National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge Estate in Aberdeenshire.
“The River Dee and all its tributaries burst their banks leading to flooding which has destroyed at least two foot bridges, and rendered some paths and tracks impassable.
“The footbridge at Derry Lodge has been lost, which is on a major walking route leading to the Lairig Ghru. This makes access to this famous mountain pass difficult without a significant detour.
“The upper footbridge in Glen Quoich has also been lost, meaning a popular circular walking route is no longer accessible.
“The floods have also badly damaged a number of footpaths, and care needs to be taken on all routes.
Peter Holden, head ranger at Mar Lodge estate said: “While we are making every effort to maintain public access, people need to be aware that their intended route may not be viable.
“Many of the rivers are still in full spate, and people could put themselves at risk if they are tempted to ford the burns. There are nearly 300km of footpaths on the estate and it will take us some time to fully assess the damage. Meantime, the best advice we can offer is to plan your route carefully, and have a backup plan in case your intended route is impassable.”
Elsewhere on the estate, the floods also caused damage to fencing, vehicle tracks and bridges, and even to the flood defences for Mar Lodge itself.
The trust said the clean-up operation is likely to take many weeks, and replacement of the bridges even longer.
Walkers are advised to check for updates on the estate’s Facebook page, the NTS website, or by contacting the ranger base on 013397 20164 for advice.
Earlier this summer, Mar Lodge estate tackled wildfires believed to have been sparked by irresponsible campers, during very dry and warm conditions.
