Bridge on eroding Fisherman’s Walk in danger

‘If the bridge goes, that’s the end of the walk.’

There are growing fears that the bridge over the Glencloy Water at the Fisherman’s Walk in Brodick could be completely washed away in a severe winter storm.

The loss of the bridge would be a huge blow to the many dog walkers, hikers, runners and cyclists who daily use the popular coastal route to Cladach.

But erosion of the banks of the Glencloy Water have become so serious at the far end of Brodick beach that it has already seriously undermined the foundations of the bridge, and as one dog walker told the Banner: ‘If the bridge goes, that’s the end of the walk.’

The situation became so bad in October that North Ayrshire Council was forced to erect a fence after cones and other temporary measures were damaged. However, it said its hands were tied awaiting on permissions from Marine Scotland to carry out work on the foreshore.

Following further pressure from Brodick Improvements Committee, which has been working hard behind the scenes to secure urgent action, the council confirmed this week it was to carry out some temporary remedial works – hopefully before Christmas.

A supply of rock was delivered to the site last weekend.

The plight of the long term future of the Fisherman's Walk, part of the Arran Coastal Trail, has been a concern for a number of years but in recent years there has been a huge change with winter storms, particularly east winds, causing major erosion damage.

In August the Banner highlighted that part of the path at Brodick Golf Club was already under water at high tide and a large section of path beyond the boardwalk, coming from the Brodick end, had all but been washed away.

One persistent difficulty has always been that while North Ayrshire Council maintains the path it does not own the land, which belongs to Arran Estates.

Another problem is that debris from the historical coup under the green at Brodick

beach is now leaching from the banks of the Glencloy Water and being washed out to sea.

A council spokesman the Banner: ‘We are aware of the issues and have submitted an application for a licence to carry out repairs with Marine Scotland.

‘This is currently under consideration but, in the meantime, we are hopeful Marine Scotland will allow us to carry out some temporary remedial works.

‘We would hope to carry these out before Christmas.’

01_B51walk03 There is serious concern about the foundations of the bridge.

01_B51walk07 A wider view of the bank of the burn showing the debris from the coup.

01_B51walk08 The bridge and a recently installed culvert aimed at diverting the water.

01_B51walk02 The footbridge which marks the start of the the Fisherman’s Walk is under threat.

01_B51walk06 The section of the walk which has been fenced off for safety.

01_B51walk09 Some of the rock armour Murchie Sand and Gravel have delivered to carry out emergency work at the bridge.

01_B51walk04 The ever widening Glencloy Water as seen from the bridge at low tide.

01_B51walk01 The extent of the erosion can be seen on both sides of the Glencloy Water near the footbridge.

01_B51walk05 Debris leaching from the former coup.