Brig o' Doon, Medieval footbridge in South Ayrshire, Scotland.
Brig o' Doon is a medieval stone arch footbridge in South Ayrshire that crosses the River Doon with a single elegant arch. The surface is paved with cobblestones, and the slightly curved deck guides pedestrians between low stone parapets, with the structure marking a quiet spot along the riverbank.
James Kennedy commissioned the structure in the early 15th century to create a safe crossing over the river. The first entry in official records dates from 1512 and confirms the long use of the construction.
The stone structure takes its name from the nearby river and became famous worldwide through a poem by Robert Burns, in which a rider narrowly escapes witches. Today many visitors come here to see the place from the poem, and some walk across the old stones while thinking about the tale.
Access is free for pedestrians, and the cobblestones can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is helpful. The structure lies close to a park, so visitors can combine the crossing with a walk along the riverbank.
The cobblestones follow a special pattern that, according to local tradition, was meant to prevent witches from crossing the structure. Some visitors still look for this pattern today when walking across the stones, trying to make out the old lines.
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