III. The Parallel Roads of Lochaber; the Problem, its Conditions and Solutions

Abstract

The author thought the subject of perennial interest to all geologists, on account of both its intrinsic importance and the eminent men who had written of it. The true solution could not yet be said to have been finally established, and elaborate papers were still appearing at intervals, advocating rival theories. His aim was to state the problem, explain the solutions offered, give its bibliography, criticise the theories, and develop more fully the one he adopted. He first described the locality of the Roads in Glen Roy, Glen Spean, Glen Gluoy, and Glen Laggan, all at the south end of the Great Glen. Their unique and striking aspect was such as to draw the attention of the primitive Celts. They had received several names. They were known in Gaelic as Na Casan, literally The Feet, hence Footpaths, of which the English Roads was a literal translation. Campbell of Islay’s rendering, “The Bends,” the late Rev. Mr. McGregor, the Gaelic scholar, of Inverness, thought fanciful, and without foundation. They were also variously called “roads,” “lines,” “shelves,” “parallels,” etc. The highest of those recognized is in Glen Gluoy, at 1,172 feet, another existing there at 964; the three chief in Glen Roy stand at 1,148, 1,067, and 855; the lowest sweeping round into Glen Spean at the same level. A possible Road, discovered by Darwin in 1838, in Glen Laggan, above the Loch Laggan Locks, is 1,300 feet high. Their breadth varies from 40 to 70 feet, giving an average of 60.