While talking about the last blog (about the birds of Scotland) my friend Dave asked when I was going to do one about bridges. I want to thank Dave for making that suggestion. It’s been fun to put this together—looking through trip albums, selecting photos, gathering information, the whole process. With everything that’s been going on, it’s taken longer than it should have, but I’m finally ready to put the post together.
Being a country with over 900 offshore islands, numerous major rivers, and uncountable burns, the countryside is replete with bridges. Some are small and inconsequential, others are majestic and iconic (like the Forth Rail Bridge), but almost all are picturesque and many have interesting histories. I’m choosing to present those photos from our trips which I like the best and I think would be interesting to many of you.
I’ll start the show with a type of bridge that sells the best when I take my photos to Highland games or Scottish festivals.
PACKHORSE BRIDGES
Carrbridge Packhorse Bridge, Carrbridge, Highlands. The bridge across the River Dulnain is one of the most visited attractions in the Cairngorm mountains. Built in 1717, it’s purpose was to allow funeral processions to access Duthil Church when the river was in spate—the bridge became locally know as the “coffin bridge.” The parapets were washed away by floods in 1839.
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| The current road bridge is behind the packhorse bridge from this view. |
The Glenlivet Packhorse Bridge, near the Glenlivet Distillery, Highlands. This bridge is the oldest surviving structure spanning the River Livet. It was originally a three arch bridge, but the southern arch was swept away in floods of 1829.
The Roman Bridge, Glen Lyon, Perthshire. The bridge just below Allt da Ghob waterfall in Scotland’s longest glen is not really Roman at all—the Romans left Britain just after the 4th century—and the bridge was built in the 1600s or 1700s.
The Wee Bridge near Crieff, central Scotland. This bridge is one of hundreds throughout Scotland built to serve the same function, this one is just more accessible than some others.
OTHER SCOTTISH BRIDGES
Craigellachie (craig-al-akey) Bridge is a cast iron arch bridge over the River Spey near Aberlour in the heart of whisky and castle country. Designed by Thomas Telford (famous for the Caledonian Canal), this bridge was built between 1812 and 1814 and is a span of 151 feet.
Telford Bridge (1813) spans the River Moriston near Invermoriston village in the west highlands. Designed and constructed by civil engineer Thomas Telford during a busy time in his career.
River Tay Bridge in Dunkeld at the southern edge of the Highlands. The Tay is the longest river in Scotland and is one of the best salmon rivers in the UK. Next to the bridge over the river and into the village is Dunkeld Cathedral, once the capital of Scotland.
Skye Bridge connects the village of Kyle of Lochalsh (the mainland) to Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye (Scotland’s largest island). Before the 1640 foot bridge was built in 1995, the only way to reach Skye was by ferry from Kyle of Lochalsh or Mallaig.
General Wade’s Bridge spans the River Tay at Aberfeldy. It ws built in 1733 by Lt General George Wade as part of the Highland Military Road meant to allow quick English troop movement to control rebellious Scottish Highlanders.
The Bridge to Nowhere, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides. Also known as the Gerry Bridge, this bridge spans a deep gorge overlooking Gerry Beach—one of the loveliest in the Outer Hebrides—and is 50 ft high and 100 feet long. It does lead somewhere—a parking lot.
Glen Ogle extends seven miles from Lochearnhead to Glen Dochart. The Glen Ogle Viaduct, built in 1870, was closed by Scotsrail in 1965. The twelve arch, 139 foot bridge runs along the steep eastern side of Meall Reamher and Scorrch Nuadh.
The Fairy Bridge, Isle of Skye. This bridge by Sligachan on the Isle of Skye is one of many bridges said to be a portal of the wee folk (the fairy folk) who can trick you with magic spells or reward you by granting special wishes. This particular bridge was popularized by writer Sir Walter Scott and is a favorite of clan McLeod whose home castle, Duvevan Castle, is nearby.
A FEW OTHER SCOTTISH BRIDGES
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| A couple of the fourteen pedestrian bridges across the River Dee between Braemar and Aberdeen. |
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| Footbridge in the Birds of Aberfeldy. |
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| One of the most photographed bridges in Scotland is the bridge over to Eilean Donan Castle, seen in many movies and TV shows. |
Loved these Bob! We've been over a few!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Any favorites.
ReplyDeleteWith a bridge like the Carrbridge Packhorse Bridge, is it safe to say that what we're seeing now is just a relatively small part of the bridge that's left? In other words, it's just the arch we're seeing that would've supported a more flat structure that would not have have required the skills of a mountain goat to get over. Hence your comment about the parapets. Or, are those bridges really a) not as steep as they look, b) people were just thankful to have a bridge of any kind so get over it lazy boy and work to get across the water since it's better than wading, or c) none of the above?
ReplyDeleteThe ramps to the bridges have almost all worn away--originally they would have had easier access and egress. The only one that is still walkable is the Roman bridge. All others should not be climbed on, although we seen several people climb at Carrbidge for the tourist photo.
ReplyDelete