Bridge of Oich
Victorian engineering marvel: a rare surviving taper-principle suspension bridge from 1854.
A remarkable Victorian-era suspension bridge spanning the River Oich near Invergarry in the Scottish Highlands. Built in 1854 using engineer James Dredge's innovative taper principle design, this 46-metre wrought-iron structure replaced a stone bridge destroyed by catastrophic flooding. Once the main road crossing, it was bypassed in 1932 and restored as a pedestrian footbridge in 1997. Today it stands as a listed building and engineering marvel, offering visitors a unique walk across elegantly engineered chains and timber decking with views of the Great Glen.
A brief summary to Bridge of Oich
- Invergarry, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- The timber deck bounces slightly as you walk—this is normal and part of Dredge's design. The sensation adds to the authentic Victorian engineering experience.
- Visit in clear weather to fully appreciate the wrought-iron chains and the engineering details. The bridge's elegance is best seen when light plays across the metal work.
- Allow time to examine the progressive tapering of the chains as they extend from the towers toward mid-span—this visual feature illustrates Dredge's innovative principle.
- The nearby Aberchalder Swing Bridge offers a striking contrast; viewing both structures together illustrates the evolution of bridge design across nearly a century.
- The small car park is clearly marked with a brown heritage sign just off the A82. Arrive early in peak season to secure parking.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
From Invergarry town centre, follow the A82 southbound toward Fort William for approximately 5 kilometres. The Bridge of Oich is clearly signposted with a brown heritage marker on the right side of the road near Aberchalder. A small dedicated car park is located just off the A82 before the modern bridge. The drive takes approximately 10 minutes from Invergarry. Parking is free and typically available year-round, though it may fill during peak summer months.
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Walking
From Invergarry, the Great Glen Way long-distance footpath passes near the Bridge of Oich. The walk from Invergarry town centre to the bridge is approximately 8 kilometres and takes 2 to 2.5 hours on well-maintained trail. The route follows the Great Glen Way southbound, offering scenic views of the landscape. The final approach to the bridge involves a short descent to the river level. This option is suitable for those with moderate fitness; terrain is generally accessible but can be muddy after rain.
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Bus
Local bus services operate along the A82 corridor between Fort William and Inverness, passing near Invergarry. Services are infrequent (typically 2 to 4 services daily depending on season) and journey times from Invergarry are approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Passengers should request to be dropped at the Aberchalder stop near the brown heritage sign. From the bus stop, a short walk of approximately 200 metres leads to the bridge car park. Confirm current timetables locally, as services may be reduced in winter months.
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Bicycle
The Great Glen Way is also open to cyclists and provides a scenic route from Invergarry toward the Bridge of Oich. The distance is approximately 8 kilometres and takes 25 to 35 minutes depending on fitness and terrain conditions. Alternatively, the A82 has a narrow verge; cycling is possible but requires caution due to traffic. The route is suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes; road bikes may find the terrain challenging after wet weather. Secure bike parking is not formally provided at the site.
Bridge of Oich location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Bridge of Oich
A Bridge Born from Disaster
In 1849, devastating floods swept through the Great Glen, destroying the stone bridge that had crossed the River Oich near Aberchalder. The catastrophe prompted a bold decision: rather than rebuild with traditional masonry, engineers would commission an innovative single-span structure to withstand future flooding. English engineer James Dredge, a brewer-turned-innovator, was selected to design the replacement. Dredge brought with him a revolutionary concept—his patented taper principle—a design philosophy that would define the bridge's character and ensure its survival as a Victorian engineering triumph.Revolutionary Engineering and Design Innovation
Completed in 1854, the Bridge of Oich represents a departure from conventional suspension bridge design. Rather than employing the standard vertical suspension rods found in traditional bridges, Dredge's taper principle uses angled tie rods that emanate from the main chains and towers at prescribed angles, becoming increasingly acute toward the centre of the span. This geometry induces compression in the deck, creating a structure that is simultaneously lighter, more economical to construct, and more structurally resilient than comparable designs. The bridge spans 46 metres and comprises three essential components: arched granite pylons set on granite piers with earthen embankments, a wrought-iron superstructure anchored into the embankments, and a timber deck supported on trussed wrought-iron transoms. The two main chains, separated by 5.2 metres, are composed of wrought-iron eye-rods varying in length from 1.8 to 2.29 metres, with a nominal diameter of 22 millimetres. At the towers, each chain consists of twelve parallel rods; this number progressively reduces by one link at each joint as the chains extend toward mid-span, creating the visual taper that gives the design its name. The result is an elegant and economical structure that proved faster and cheaper to build than traditional stone bridges.From Main Road to Historic Footbridge
For nearly eight decades, the Bridge of Oich served as the primary road crossing over the River Oich, carrying traffic along the main route through the Great Glen. This role continued until 1932, when a modern two-lane concrete bridge was constructed nearby, rendering the historic structure obsolete. Following its withdrawal from service, the bridge deteriorated significantly and eventually closed to public access. However, recognition of its historical and engineering significance led to its designation as a listed building. In the 1990s, Historic Scotland undertook a comprehensive restoration programme, returning the bridge to public use in 1997—this time exclusively as a pedestrian footbridge. The restoration preserved the bridge's authentic character while ensuring its structural integrity for future generations.The Dredge Legacy and Rarity
James Dredge's innovative design proved influential, and approximately 30 to 36 bridges employing his taper principle were constructed across the British Isles, with additional examples built in Jamaica and India. Today, only seven of these bridges survive, making the Bridge of Oich one of an increasingly rare group of intact examples of Dredge's engineering vision. The bridge's survival is particularly significant because it represents not merely a functional structure, but a tangible record of Victorian engineering experimentation and the creative problem-solving that characterised the era. Visitors who cross the timber deck experience a subtle but distinctive sensation—the decking bounces slightly underfoot, a characteristic feature of Dredge's design that adds an element of physical engagement to the crossing.Setting and Visitor Experience
Located near Aberchalder in the Great Glen, the Bridge of Oich occupies a scenic position within the Highland landscape. The bridge sits just off the A82 road, with a small car park marked by a brown heritage sign providing convenient access. The nearby Aberchalder Swing Bridge, which carries modern traffic across the Caledonian Canal, offers a striking contrast to the historic structure. Walking across the Bridge of Oich provides not only a connection between riverbanks but also a tangible link to Victorian engineering achievement. The timber deck, supported by the elegantly tapered wrought-iron chains, creates an intimate experience of 19th-century craftsmanship and innovation. The bridge's position within the Great Glen, a landscape shaped by geological forces and human history alike, enhances its significance as both a functional monument and a window into the technical ambitions of the industrial age.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bridge of Oich
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Victorian engineering marvel: a rare surviving taper-principle suspension bridge from 1854.
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Great War Memorial
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Unmissable attractions to see
Invergarry Castle
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The Well of Seven Heads
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Loch Ness South shore
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General Wade's Military Rd
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Highland Hideout
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Fort Augustus
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The Clansman Centre
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Fort Augustus Abbey
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Loch Ness View Point Fort Augustus
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Caledonian Canal
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Allt na Criche
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Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
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Summer House
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The Clog & Craft Shop
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Essential places to dine
Emily's Byre
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The Lock Inn
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The Moorings Restaurant
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The Boathouse Restaurant
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The Lochside Brasserie
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Spean Bridge Mill Restaurant
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Old Station Restaurant
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Cluanie Bar & Kitchen
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The Lewiston
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Fiddlers Highland Restaurant
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Nevis Range Restaurant
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The Struy Inn (Casa Mia)
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The Dores Inn
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Downright Gabbler
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The Boathouse Restaurant Loch Insh
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Charming Highland dining with stunning Loch Insh views and hearty Scottish fare at the heart of the Cairngorms outdoor centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
That Cute Little Highland Shop
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Loch Ness Gifts
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Great Glen Gifts
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The Hairy Coo Shop
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Discover authentic Scottish charm and unique Highland gifts at The Hairy Coo Shop, a cozy Newtonmore treasure with warm welcomes and fresh sandwiches.
Loch Ness Nessie Shop
36.9 km
Discover authentic Scottish gifts and Nessie souvenirs in a friendly, family-run shop near Loch Ness in Inverness.
Ness Gifts
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Discover authentic Scottish crafts and souvenirs at Ness Gifts, a charming boutique in Dores near Loch Ness.
James Pringle Weavers
50.6 km
Discover authentic Scottish weaving heritage and quality textiles at James Pringle Weavers in the historic Holm Woollen Mills, Inverness.
Dalneigh Stores
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The Merchant
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Highland House of Fraser
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James Pringle Weavers of Inverness
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Discover authentic Scottish woollens and heritage craftsmanship at James Pringle Weavers in the heart of Inverness.
Rouge Boutiques
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The Whisky Shop
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Judith Glue
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar
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SUIE BAR
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Three Witches
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Dows Bar
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The Piano and Whisky Bar Inverness
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The Wee Bar
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Glenalbyn Bar
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Clachnaharry Inn
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Gellions Bar
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Revolution Inverness
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The Botanic House
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Lauders
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Caledonian
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The Auctioneers
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Roobarb
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Private Eyes Inverness
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The King Haakon Bar
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The Pine Marten Bar
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Bar Am Praban
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Gabbro Bar
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Xplosive Discos
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Uncle Bob's Bar
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Aido's bar
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The Play House
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Seaforth Club
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Jackos Bar & Diner
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Industrial
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
