EHG4832 - Walkover Survey - Kinlochleven, Lochaber

An archaeological field survey, consisting of a combination of desk-based research and rapid walkover survey, was carried out on part of Alcan Highland Estates, Kinlochleven, Lochaber, Highland Region in advance of the proposed Kinlochleven Wind and Hydropower Project, which consists of hydro schemes at Loch Eilde Mor and Allt Nathrach and a wind farm development on Meall an Doire Dharaich and Meall na Duibhe. The survey area is situated around the East end of Loch Leven, on the slopes above the village of Kinlochleven. The area lies in the foothills of the Mamore range and is overlooked by at least nine Munros. The archaeological survey, therefore, concentrated on seven separate, occasionally overlapping, areas. The desk-based research was followed by a rapid walkover survey, which was undertaken by Jennifer G. Robertson in late December 2003 and early January 2004. The fieldwork took place in mostly dry weather, though encountered some thick mist in December and some rain and snow in January. Survey was hampered in places by dense vegetation, notably the impenetrable rhododendron within the fenced enclosure around Mamore Lodge and the thick bracken at the foot of the penstock pipeline. Survey was also affected by a light cover of snow in Coire na Duibhe, though all but the lowest remains should still have been visible. <1>