Old Bridge Of Awe, Stone arch road bridge in Argyll and Bute, Scotland
The Old Bridge of Awe is a stone arch crossing over the River Awe, featuring three segmental arches supported by triangular cutwaters built from rubble stone. The structure spans a considerable width and shows the typical construction methods used in the 18th century.
Construction of the bridge began in 1756 as part of a military road project leading to Bonawe Iron Furnace and reached completion in 1779. The lengthy project took over two decades to finish with funding from local landowners in the area.
The bridge served as a vital connection point for residents who would otherwise have struggled to reach neighboring communities and travel routes. It represented an important link that shaped how people in this valley moved and interacted with the wider region.
The bridge today stands partially ruined with only one arch remaining intact from the original structure. Visitors should approach carefully and view the remains from a safe distance, particularly near the riverbank.
A small island upstream from the bridge connects to the riverbank during low water periods, having altered the river's flow since the 1992 flood destroyed two arches. This natural shift reveals how the waterway reorganized itself after the structure was damaged.
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