Ballachulish- slate arch

Mira Paskota, on August 14, 2008, said:

I think that I can see more than only grey here, Billy.

ACRONYM, on August 14, 2008, said:

How unusual Billy. I got here from your link on Miras' Slate roof. I am wondering what was the original purpose of this bridge I remember seeing similar structures at 'Lehcwed'? slate quarry in Wales many years ago.

It is quite clear from the damage and subsequent repair that it is much newer than the bridge itself. The distinctive lean to the left suggests that it must have been near to collapse at some point. I wonder if there are any slate quarries still operating in the UK Billy.(I'll check on the web) Cheers ____Jim_

ACRONYM, on August 14, 2008, said:

Yep Billy, you can still buy Slates and other products from at least four places.--Jim

Billy B@rk, on August 14, 2008, said:

Hi Jim. I found this information on the arch: This two hundred year old arch is nearly eighty feet high, and was built to transport the quarried slate down to the loch shore, ready to be loaded onto boats.

The loch is just across the road to the left of this shot. It looks very steep & considering the height it went to I’d imagine there would have to have been some kind of rail or guide? I’d love to know how it was done!

Billy B@rk, on August 14, 2008, said:

Yes Mira but this is an old quarry. Unfortunately most modern slates I've seen are uniform in colour.

ACRONYM, on August 14, 2008, said:

It is so steep Billy that I suspect gravity alone would be sufficient to transport the flat slate chunks between slate guides, as you said. I can't imagine trucks on rails somehow.---Jim

Mira Paskota, on August 14, 2008, said:

It does look very steep.

ACRONYM, on August 14, 2008, said:

Perhaps this is where the idea of the Roller Coaster was born He ye. :))

Billy B@rk, on August 14, 2008, said:

:D