Stirling, Old Bridge

Stirling Old Bridge is a stone crossing with four arches spanning the River Forth to link both sides of the town. The structure features thick stonework and wide supporting pillars typical of medieval construction techniques.

The bridge was built in the 1400s to replace an earlier wooden structure that had become inadequate for the town's needs. It became a strategic crossing point during conflicts between Scotland and England in the medieval period.

The bridge serves as a focal point in how locals and visitors think about Stirling's connection to the river and its past. People still cross it daily, keeping the medieval pathway alive as an active part of the community.

The crossing is open daily for pedestrians and offers clear views of the river and old town. The stone surface can be slippery when wet, so suitable footwear is advisable.

Below the water surface are hidden stone reinforcements protecting the foundations from strong river currents. This hidden engineering detail reveals how medieval builders understood water dynamics.