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Merkinch Local Nature Reserve

Kessock Road, Inverness, IV3 8AJ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Merkinch Local Nature Reserve consists of over 50 hectares of land and foreshore. It stretches from Kessock Road at the North end, to the Caledonian Canal at the South, Carnarc Crescent playing fields on the east, to the Moray Firth shoreline to the west. It is dissected by the railway at the level crossing.
  • The Reserve is mainly owned by The Highland Council and managed by the Merkinch LNR Management Group.

Opening Times

  • The venue is open 24hrs.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Inverness.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the end of Kessock Road at the turning point.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 0 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Access Point (Kessock Road)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located at the north end of the nature reserve, at the end of Kessock Road.
    • There is not an information board/map at this access point.
    • There is step-free access at this access point.
    • There is an open gap for access.
    • The width of the gap is 98cm.

Access Point (Carnarc Crescent)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located on Carnarc Crescent, to the east side of the nature reserve.
    • There is not an information board/map at this access point.
    • There is step-free access at this access point.
    • There is no gate at this access point.
    • The width of the gap is 94cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are three other similar pedestrian entrances on Carnarc Crescent to the rear of the nature reserve.

Access Point (Caledonian Canal)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located off the Caledonian Canal towpath by Clachnaharry.
    • There is an information board/map at this access point.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this access point.
    • There is no gate at this access point.
    • The width of the gap is 120cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the towpath to the right as you face the path.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the path.
    • There is/are 15 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Level Crossing

  • Toward the south end near the Caledonian Canal the main path crosses the Inverness to Beauly railway. There is a pedestrian level crossing at this point.
  • On the canal side there is a metal gate, 88cm wide, that may be difficult to open, that opens toward you as you approach the railway. There is a similar one on the Merkinch side.
  • On the canal side there is a slight ramp up to the level crossing and a shallow step onto it. It is 135cm wide.
  • On the Merkinch side there is a steep ramp up to the level crossing and a shallow step onto it. It is 125cm wide.
  • Trains will whistle on approach but there is no visual indicator to warn of an approaching train.

Parks and Gardens (Merkinch Local Nature Reserve)

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have compact earth, gravel and muddy surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is not / are not wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are slight and moderate slopes on the paths.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • Comments View
    • There are width restrictors on the main path that are 80cm apart to prevent motorcycles from riding on the path.

The Boardwalk

  • The Boardwalk is located between Carnarc Crescent and the main path at the south end by the railway. It runs alongside one of the lagoon ponds. It is accessed from the main path by steps or by level access from Carnarc Crescent.
  • There are 15+ medium wooden steps. The tread is 30cm+. There were no handrails at the time of survey (October 2020) although repair work was in progress.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are not accessible toilet facilities within this venue.

Standard Toilet(s)