Overtoun House, Victorian bridge near Dumbarton, Scotland
Overtoun House is a Victorian estate in West Dunbartonshire with an adjoining stone bridge over a deep gorge. The property includes maintained gardens and wooded paths that lead from the main building to the crossing.
Lord Overtoun commissioned the bridge in 1895 to connect to his estate. The structure follows the Scottish baronial style of that period.
Local accounts tell of dogs leaping from the parapet, giving rise to myths and research projects. Travelers visit from around the world to see where these puzzling events unfolded.
Marked walking routes from Dumbarton through Milton lead to the grounds, and parking is near the estate entrance. The bridge remains accessible year-round but can become slippery in wet conditions.
Researchers attribute the dog incidents to mink scents below the span, which provoke strong reactions in some breeds. Studies focused on how smells can influence animal behavior from a distance.
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