Built in the mid 1960's, this bridge was primarily a pipebridge to supply water to the Corpach Pulp Mill at Annat, at the west end of Corpach. The water was taken from the discharge of the Lochaber Aluminium Smelter's hydro-electric scheme. The buried sections of this pipeline were 113 inches round, the pipeline was approximately 3 miles long and could convey up to 25 million gallons of water per day.
The footbridge helps to link Caol and Lochyside with Inverlochy and Fort William. It also forms part of the Great Glen Way linking Fort William with Inverness. When I was in Secondary School, it also provided a jumping point in the summer for schoolkids to cool off in the Castle Pool of the River Lochy. This is NOT recommended.
Refurbished recently to improve accessibility, the previous access was by steps at each end. Funding for the refurbishment was provided by the owners of the Aluminium Smelter and by Highland Council.