Like the eerie skeleton of an old bridge, the stone arch spans the River Dulnain. A wonderful sight for travellers.
Peaty water flows through grey-red rocks beneath the Old Packhorse Bridge in Carrbridge. The bridge has no side walls, and so it seems to be nothing more than a footbridge for the brave or for fairies. Yet the sight of it has now become one of the iconic photo opportunities of the Highlands.
The Old Packhorse Bridge dates back to 1717. Before that, the local inhabitants had no bridge here. They were therefore unable to cross the river when the water was too turbulent.
It even happened that funerals were postponed because some of the mourners, or even the deceased themselves, could not cross the river to reach the church. It is from this story that the nickname ‘Coffin Bridge’ originates.
In 1716, Alexander Grant took over the Strathspey region as clan chief from his father. It was he who, in 1717, commissioned and paid for the construction of a crossing. The result was a stone bridge that spanned the Dulnain in a high arch.
But the river was treacherous. Time and again, flash floods occurred, damaging the bridge. In 1829, there was a particularly severe flood. It tore away the bridge’s side walls and railings. The bridge has remained in this condition ever since.
Alexander Grant, the builder, was not able to enjoy the bridge for long himself. He died childless as early as 1719. It is said that in his final days he was even an inmate at London’s notorious psychiatric institution ‘Bedlam’, the Bethlem Royal Hospital.
The stone arch can now be admired from the modern road bridge. Visitors can also walk to the viewing platform at the rear, though unfortunately this is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
The Old Packhorse Bridge in Carrbridge is situated not far from the A9 towards Inverness. It is well worth a short trip there. In the village, alongside a hotel with a restaurant, there is also “The Old Bakery” arts and crafts shop, which also serves snacks.
Directions
With satnav: “PH23 3AS” will take you to Carrbridge.
Without sat-nav: Coming from Edinburgh on the A9, after the junction for Grantown-on-Spey, take the junction for Carrbridge onto the A938. Simply follow the road and drive past the bridge in Carrbridge. There is a public car park to the left after the Cairn Hotel. You can park your car here without disturbing the locals.