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Bridge of Feugh and Falls of Feugh

A historic stone bridge over the Water of Feugh, offering front-row views of the dramatic Falls of Feugh and the famous salmon leap in Royal Deeside.

Spanning the Water of Feugh just outside Banchory, the historic Bridge of Feugh offers front-row views of the dramatic Falls of Feugh, where salmon leap upstream in a powerful natural spectacle. A stone-built road bridge and adjacent footbridge provide safe, scenic vantage points over the rushing river, surrounded by lush woodland and the rolling hills of Royal Deeside. It’s a favourite local beauty spot, especially during the salmon run from autumn through early spring.

A brief summary to Bridge of Feugh

  • Banchory, AB31 6NH, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit between September–November or February–March to see salmon leaping upstream at the falls; higher water levels after rain also improve the spectacle.
  • Use the free car park nearby and walk to the bridge; wear sturdy footwear as paths can be muddy, especially after rain.
  • Bring binoculars to better see the salmon leap from the footbridge, and a camera for the rushing water and surrounding woodland scenery.
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Getting There

  • By car

    From Banchory, follow the B974 south for about 800 metres to the Bridge of Feugh. There is a free car park immediately to the east of the bridge, with a short, level path leading to the viewing area and footbridge.

  • On foot from Banchory

    From Banchory town centre, walk south along the Fettercairn Road (B974) for about 800 metres to the Bridge of Feugh. The path is well-maintained and takes roughly 10–15 minutes, with clear signage to the falls and viewing area.

  • Public transport

    Take the 201 bus service to Banchory, which runs regularly from Aberdeen. From the town centre, follow the Fettercairn Road south for about 800 metres to the Bridge of Feugh and Falls of Feugh viewing area.

Bridge of Feugh location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Bridge of Feugh

Where River Meets Rock

Just south of Banchory, the Water of Feugh plunges over a natural staircase of boulders and rock steps before joining the River Dee, creating the Falls of Feugh. The falls are not a single towering drop but a lively cascade of rapids and chutes, where the river churns and foams as it forces its way downstream. The sound of rushing water fills the air, especially after rain, and the spray catches the light in fleeting rainbows. The surrounding woodland cloaks the banks in green, with trees leaning over the water and roots gripping the rocky edges, framing the falls in a wild, natural amphitheatre.

The Bridge and the Salmon Run

The stone-built Bridge of Feugh carries the B974 road across the river, its solid arches and traditional masonry reflecting the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Beside it, an old footbridge offers the best views of the falls and the famous salmon leap. During the spawning season, Atlantic salmon battle their way upstream, launching themselves over the natural obstacles in the falls. The best months to witness this are September to November and February to March, when the river is high and the fish are most active. Watching them leap is a thrilling reminder of nature’s power and persistence, and the bridge becomes a quiet theatre for this seasonal drama.

A Riverside Beauty Spot

This stretch of the Water of Feugh has long been a cherished local beauty spot, drawing walkers, photographers, and nature lovers from Banchory and beyond. The area around the bridge is well used but retains a sense of wildness, with the river’s energy balanced by the calm of the surrounding trees. Informational plaques along the path explain the geology, ecology, and salmon life cycle, enriching the visit without overwhelming the natural setting. The nearby Falls of Feugh Tearooms adds a touch of comfort, making it easy to combine a walk with coffee and cake by the river.

What to Expect on a Visit

Visitors typically arrive by car or on foot from Banchory, following a well-maintained path that leads directly to the bridge and viewing area. The main viewing is from the footbridge, where the falls are seen from above and slightly to the side. While the banks immediately beside the falls are largely private and fenced, the bridge provides a safe, traffic-free platform to linger and watch the water and fish. The site is free to visit and open year-round, making it a flexible stop whether you’re passing through Royal Deeside or making a dedicated trip to see the salmon run.

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