EHG3497 - Field survey - C18 Military Road network, National Forest Estate, Inverness, Ross & Skye, Lochaber and North Highland

Forestry Commission Scotland undertook a survey and assessment of those parts of the 18th century Military Road network crossing the National Forest Estate in Inverness, Ross & Skye, Lochaber and North Highland Forest Districts. The survey was carried out by C Shepherd in 2009. All stretches were assessed in order to determine appropriate management regimes for those different sections. During the recording and assessment, a substantial number of new features were discovered – including sections of road previously unrecorded. The assessment included noting stretches of road with original features seemingly intact, such as parallel drains or areas of possible original cobbling. Where section of the road appeared well-preserved, though masked by overburdens of vegetation - such as deep turf - potential features indicated by terrain and drainage were noted to inform future management. The accurate dating of features is impossible in a monument that has been developing for a minimum of 300 years and an indeterminate period prior to the early 18th century. Earlier routeways were certainly drawn into the military network. The features noted are those of early appearance though a post-18th century date must be considered until such time as further work is carried out. <1> Selected sites only given MHG records, including those previously created from automated HES Canmore download. See report for full list of sites identified. GW 21/10/2019