EHG4901 - DBA and walkover survey - A830 Upgrading, Loch Nan Uamh to Arisaig, Lochaber

A desk-based assessment and walk-over survey were undertaken by CFA Archaeology in May and June 2005 in advance of proposed improvements to the A830 road along a c. 7.5 km stretch between Arisaig and Loch Nan Uamh, Lochaber. The walk-over survey took place on the 1st and 2nd June 2005. Ground conditions were very difficult. There was almost constant rain and midges. Rivers and streams were swollen and peaty areas were soft and waterlogged. Many trees along the route had been blown down in the gales of January 2005 and they impeded progress. Ongoing tree felling and logging operations between Carnach CH13+500 and Borrodale CH14+900 had left the wayleave covered with brash, obscuring any archaeological remains. Operating GPS equipment proved difficult near tree cover and was not possible within it. The only notable change to the route from Revision D/E to Revision F was between Larichmore and Carnach (CH12+600 and Ch 14+500). This part of the revised route was not walked during the survey. It was recommended that additional field survey would be required along the Revision F road corridor, between CH12+600 and CH14+500, in some parts once the felled trees and brash are cleared. This would concentrate on the blackhouses (Site 61) in the area around the Brunery Burn. Survey work would also be required to the north of Quality Cottages, and would aim to ascertain the presence or absence of earlier structures in this location as suggested in the Project Outline. Recommendations were also made for mitigation works for sites that were likely to be affected by the road's construction. <1>