EHG425 - Walkover survey - Caulfield's Military Roads

An assessment of four sections of the C18 military road network was undertaken by Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) during February and March of 1994 at the request of Strathclyde Regional Council on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage, Central Regional Council and Highland Regional Council. This assessment involved the surveying, mapping and recording of the military road, with particular reference to the areas where the West Highland Way utilised the road. The military roads of the eighteenth century Scotland offer an opportunity for research and analysis of a unique feature of Highland historical development. The establishment of military roads in the Scottish Highlands played a major role in allowing the pacification of the Highland clans in the period after the failed Jacobite uprising of 1745-6. The construction of the military road between Stirling and Fort William between 1748-53 under the direction of Major William Caulfield formed an integral link within that system. The four sections (of which C and D were within the Highland Council boundary) to be assessed were:- A. Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran (NN 2960 3970 to NN 2750 4140) B. Central/Strathclyde Regional Boundary to Auch (NN 3292 3306 to NN 3270 3575) C. Kingshouse to Altnafeadh (NN 2600 5491 to NN 2222 5632) D. Altnafeadh to Allt a' Choire Odhair Bhig [The Devil's Staircase] (NN 2222 5632 to NN 2130 5720) [Adverse weather including deep snow falls prevented section D from being considered within the available time and resources] The method of recording developed for this survey utilised a total station and computer logger, this allowed the accurate locating of not only the line of the military road but all the associated and lateral features within a 20m corridor centred on the military road itself. A second feature-specific level of recording was also employed. This consisted of a substantial programme of photographic recording supplemented by a written description of the general character of the road, as well as the specific features associated with it. The result of this work allowed a series of 1:2500 scale route maps to be developed which allowed a clearer impression of the problems associated with the roadline. This was complimented by an assessment report by P Miller, a landscape architect from City Design Co-operative, which gave a clearer understanding of the management possibilities for the future use of the military way. <1> See EHG426 for the subsequently completed assessment of Section D.