The bridge was commissioned as part of the Highland Roads and Bridges Act of 1803.
Thomas Telford, known as the 'Colossus of Roads', included this bridge as part of his extensive Highland infrastructure expansion.
The river below, River Sligachan, originates from the heart of the Cuillin mountains.
The water under the bridge is reputed by local folklore to be 'fairy water' with enchanted properties.
It was one of the first major transport links constructed to allow coach travel into the northern parts of Skye.
The bridge's masonry was designed to withstand the volatile flash-flooding common in mountain river catchments.
Sligachan Old Bridge is a historic stone structure spanning the River Sligachan on the Isle of Skye. Constructed between 1810 and 1818, the bridge was designed by the notable Scottish engineer Thomas Telford. It sits at the intersection of the main roads leading to Portree, Dunvegan, and Broadford. The bridge serves as a primary access point for hikers heading into the Cuillin mountain range. Local legend claims that submerging one's face in the river water beneath the bridge for seven seconds grants eternal beauty. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin. The bridge remains a functional crossing for pedestrians, positioned adjacent to a modern bridge used by vehicular traffic. It is an unprotected masonry arch structure built as part of the Parliamentary Road project to improve connectivity in the Highlands.
From the riverbank on the north side, capturing the bridge arch framed by the Cuillin mountains in the background.
Wear waterproof hiking boots as the area surrounding the bridge bank can be extremely boggy even in dry weather.
Bring insect repellent, as the Isle of Skye is notorious for high concentrations of biting midges during the summer months.
Park in the designated area near the hotel rather than the roadside to avoid congestion.
Do not attempt to walk on the modern road bridge nearby, as it lacks pedestrian walkways and has heavy traffic.
Respect the surrounding natural environment and pack out all litter, as there are no bins on the bridge itself.
