The bridge was designed to withstand the violent flooding of the River Spey, which had previously destroyed several wooden structures on the site.
During its construction, Telford used a sophisticated system of iron bracing that influenced the development of future suspension bridge designs.
The bridge underwent a significant restoration in the mid-1960s to stabilize the ironwork before it was retired from road use.
It is one of the oldest surviving cast-iron bridges in Scotland still standing in its original location.
The bridge features distinctive castellated towers at each end, which serve as decorative masonry rather than structural supports.
The Old Craigellachie Bridge is a cast-iron arch bridge spanning the River Spey, engineered by Thomas Telford and opened in 1814. It served as a vital transit point for the A941 road until it was closed to vehicular traffic in 1970. The structure is recognized as an A-listed monument due to its pioneering engineering design, which utilizes four arched ribs made of cast iron. It spans 46 meters and remains a prominent example of early 19th-century civil engineering in Scotland. The bridge is currently maintained as a pedestrian crossing, allowing visitors to walk across its original ironwork.
From the riverbank on the eastern side of the Spey, looking back toward the bridge and its iron arches.
Wear footwear with good grip as the metal surface can become slippery when damp.
Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Speyside Cooperage for a full day of industrial heritage.
Walk to the riverbank on the north side to appreciate the curvature of the iron arches from below.
Do not attempt to climb the masonry towers or descend onto the riverbed directly beneath the arches, as the banks can be unstable.
Stay within the pedestrian paths and respect the barrier limitations on the bridge deck.
