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Angus

Bridge of Dun

A three-arched stone bridge of 1787 over the River South Esk near Montrose Basin, rebuilt after Storm Babet damaged it in 2023.

Welcome

West of Montrose, where the River South Esk winds through water meadows towards the tidal basin, an elegant bridge of red and grey stone carries a quiet road across it on three arches.

Visited and photographed by Simon Hird

The Bridge of Dun was built between 1785 and 1787 to the design of Alexander Stevens, and it is one of the finest of its age in Scotland.

Look at the piers: each has a pointed cutwater facing the current, and above it a cluster of columns supporting a round refuge, where walkers once stepped aside from passing carts. In October 2023 Storm Babet sent the river over its banks and partly brought down one of the bridge's relief arches; it has since been rebuilt and reopened.

The heritage trains of the Caledonian Railway run from Brechin to the station nearby, and the riverbanks make a peaceful stroll.

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The Daily for 8 November, from Scotland with love. An ivy-covered ruined tower stands on a small headland across the loch, autumn hills rising behind it through a screen of green leaves.
Before you go

Free, at any time.

A quiet road crosses the bridge; the riverbanks can be walked from either end.

Where
Over the South Esk, four miles west of Montrose, by the Bridge of Dun station.
Built
1785 to 1787, by Alexander Stevens.

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Did you know

A stone road bridge with three arches crosses a shallow river, wildflowers and long grass growing on the bank in the foreground under a blue sky with clouds.
Did you know

A refuge on every pier.

Each pier carries a round refuge, supported on columns above a pointed cutwater.

A stone road bridge with four arches crosses a wide river lined with reeds and gravel islands under a partly cloudy sky.
Did you know

Storm Babet.

The bridge was badly damaged by Storm Babet in October 2023 and has since been rebuilt.

A stone road bridge with three arches crosses a wide shallow river, grass and reeds lining the banks under a partly cloudy sky.
Did you know

A bridge of the 1780s.

The bridge was built between 1785 and 1787 by Alexander Stevens.

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Where it is

Over the River South Esk near the west end of Montrose Basin.

Close byMontrose Basin.
  1. House of DunHouse of Dun1 mile 5 min by road
  2. Rusted boat rests beneath the brick arches of a river viaductMontrose Basin3 miles 6 min by road
  3. The stone steading at Charleton Farm on a sunny morning, with planters made from old fruit crates in front of the cafe and the farm shop door at the far end.Charleton Farm4 miles as the crow flies
  4. The green and cream station building of the Caledonian Railway at Brechin.Caledonian RailwayA heritage railway from Brechin to the Bridge of Dun.5 miles 10 min by road
  5. Church nave with wooden pews facing a stained glass window and organ pipesBrechin CathedralA cathedral with a round tower of about 1100.5 miles 11 min by road
  6. Dunninald Castle, its turrets and pinnacles above a green lawn.Dunninald Castle and GardensA Gothic Revival castle of 1824 and its walled garden.5 miles 11 min by road
Directions
RAF Tornado ZD744 stored in a hangar with squadron crests on the wallAttractionsMontrose Air Station Museum4.2 miles
The River South Esk running clear over rocks between wooded banks.AttractionsRiver South Esk4.2 miles
Black Labrador carrying a stick across a bowling green near a pavilionShoppingThe Flower Pavilion4.3 miles
AttractionsMontrose Playhouse4.4 miles
The shopfront of Lilybank Bakehouse on Montrose High Street.CafeLilybank Bakehouse4.7 miles
Restaurant tables laid with cutlery beneath hanging plants, overlooking coastal dunes at duskRestaurantsRoo's Leap4.7 miles
Two golfers on a coastal tee, one mid-swing overlooking a sandy bayAttractionsMontrose Golf Links4.7 miles
The window of Tomorrow Is Another Day on George Street, Montrose.CafeTomorrow Is Another Day4.8 miles
The stone buildings and pagoda-roofed kiln of Glencadam Distillery, Brechin.AttractionsGlencadam Distillery4.9 miles

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the bridge, and when each is next free.

A stone cottage with dormer windows stands behind a low pale blue gate, a bare-branched arch over the path to the front door and frost on the lawn.Gamekeeper’s Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the Bridge of Dun
Free 10–11 NovA stone cottage with a slated roof and black stove pipe sits beside a gravel drive, foxgloves and wildflowers lining the path.No 4 Steading Cottage
  • Sleeps 7
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the Bridge of Dun
Free 12–13 NovA green sitting room with a blue sofa, a leather and sheepskin armchair and a rustic coffee table before a tall window with red curtains, looking out to pine forest and a valley.The Hay Loft at Glendye
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the Bridge of Dun
Free 16–17 NovA stone steading with a slated pyramid roof and a chimney stands behind a green nameplate sign, a chair visible through the window.No 2 Steading Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the Bridge of Dun
Free 12–13 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in AngusAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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What we have written about it and more in Angus.

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