An early masonry span and later timber trestles preserve two distinct phases of a now-closed crossing over the River Oich.
Quick facts
- Date
- Earlier 18th-century masonry; 19th-century timber reconstruction
- Architect / designer
- Unknown
- Type
- Masonry arch linked to a four-span timber trestle bridge
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB1865)
- OS grid reference
- NH 38074 09375
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
A surviving rubble arch springs from a low pier strengthened by substantial triangular ashlar cutwaters. A four-span nineteenth-century timber trestle section completes the route to the opposite bank, making the bridge's repair history unusually visible.
Its story
The full masonry bridge appears on eighteenth-century mapping and the first Ordnance Survey. Loss or failure of several spans led to their replacement in timber during the nineteenth century. The crossing was later superseded and is now closed to all traffic.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises a rare composite bridge whose masonry, cutwaters and timber trestles document adaptation rather than complete replacement.
What to notice
- The surviving segmental masonry arch.
- Triangular cutwaters rising as heavy buttresses.
- The change from stone span to timber trestles from a safe viewpoint.
Reading the surroundings
The bridge is closed to all traffic. Do not cross it, pass barriers or approach unstable riverbanks; view only from safe lawful public positions and heed local notices.
Timeline
- Earlier 18th century A multi-span masonry bridge crossed the River Oich.
- 1776 Taylor and Skinner's road survey depicted the complete crossing.
- 19th century Timber trestles replaced lost masonry spans.
- 20th century The historic crossing closed to all traffic.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The precise construction date, cause of lost spans and date of timber replacement are not fixed by the accessible sources.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Old Bridge over the River Oich, LB1865 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Highland Historic Environment Record: Old Bridge over River Oich — Local archaeological record and historical context for the composite bridge.
Location
OS grid reference NH 38074 09375 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.