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A white suspension footbridge crossing a calm river bordered by conifers and yellow broom
Aberdeenshire

Cambus o’ May Suspension Bridge

A white Edwardian suspension footbridge over the Dee between Ballater and Dinnet, given in 1905 by Alexander Gordon of Southwood, and reopened in 2021 after the floods of 2015.

Welcome

Four miles east of Ballater, where the Dee runs broad and shallow between banks of birch, pine and yellow broom, a slender white suspension bridge swings across the water on cables hung from two iron towers.

Visited and photographed by Simon Hird

It is one of the prettiest sights on Deeside.

The bridge was the gift of Alexander Gordon, a native of Glen Girnock who made his fortune in brewing in London. As a boy he had seen someone drown at the ferry here, and in 1905 he paid for a bridge in its place; a plaque on the tower still records that it was presented to the public by Mr Alexander Gordon of Southwood.

It was rebuilt to the same design in 1988, and when the floods of Storm Frank twisted it in December 2015, the valley raised the money to mend it, and it reopened in 2021. Paths run from it along the river and into the woods of the Muir of Dinnet.

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Before you go

Free, at any time.

There is parking by the old station on the A93 at Cambus o' May. Turnstiles at each end keep out bicycles, wheelchairs and prams.

Where
Cambus o' May, on the A93 four miles east of Ballater.
Built
1905; rebuilt 1988; reopened 2021.

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Did you know

A plaque reading This bridge was presented to the public by Mr Alexander Gordon Southwood, mounted on a white lattice tower
Did you know

A brewer's gift.

The bridge was paid for by Alexander Gordon, from Glen Girnock, who made his fortune brewing in London.

A white suspension footbridge crossing a river bordered by conifers, cables rising to twin towers
Did you know

Made in Aberdeen.

Its plaque names the engineers: James Abernethy and Co of Aberdeen, 1905.

A white suspension footbridge crossing a river, a distant figure crossing near its centre
Did you know

Opened twice.

The bridge was rebuilt to its original design in 1988 and opened by the Queen Mother.

01 / 04
Where it is

At Cambus o' May on Deeside, on the A93 four miles east of Ballater.

Close byDeeside.
  1. Burn O’Vat, AboyneBurn o’ Vat2 miles 2 min by road
  2. Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, AboyneMuir of Dinnet National Nature ReserveBirchwoods, lochs and the Burn o' Vat.2 miles 2 min by road
  3. Kinord Cross Pictish StoneKinord Cross Pictish Stone2 miles 3 min by road
  4. Old gravestones in the round kirkyard at Tullich among trees, the ruined kirk wall behind.Tullich Kirkyard and its carved stonesTwenty-seven early carved stones in the old kirkyard at Tullich, east of Ballater.2 miles 4 min by road
  5. The Albert Memorial Hall, with a red telephone box outside its turreted stone facadeLunch and a Wander in BallaterThe road west follows the River Dee closely now, with woodland and heather rising on either side.4 miles 6 min by road
  6. Loch KinordLoch KinordA loch of islands and old stones in the Muir of Dinnet.4 miles 8 min by road
Directions
The Strong Water Co, AberdeenshireShoppingThe Strong Water Co3.9 miles
ÖSLEY's granite front on Bridge Street, Ballater, a navy sign above the door.ShoppingÖSLEY3.9 miles
Cappuccino and sliced cake on a wooden table in a caféCafeBridge House Café3.9 miles
Fish Shop Restaurant, AberdeenshireRestaurantsFish Shop Restaurant4.0 miles
The granite front of the Deeside Deli on Bridge Street, Ballater, flowers hanging by its windows.ShoppingDeeside Deli & Garden Shop4.0 miles
Stone arched bridge crossing a river below forested hills in autumnAttractionsBallater4.0 miles
The Balmoral Arms' dining room, dark walls hung with pictures above tartan banquettes.RestaurantsBalmoral Arms4.0 miles
Ballater Golf Course, AberdeenshireAttractionsBallater Golf Course4.2 miles
Darroch Learg, AberdeenshireBallaterDarroch LeargPlace to stay · 4.6 miles

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Stay nearby

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

Darroch Learg, AberdeenshireDarroch Learg
  • A hotel
  • In Ballater
  • 4 miles from the Cambus o' May bridge
Check datesWoodend
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Glen Tanar
  • 4 miles from the Cambus o' May bridge
Free 11–14 NovWest Millfield
  • Sleeps 5
  • In Glen Tanar
  • 4 miles from the Cambus o' May bridge
Free 1–4 NovA stone gate lodge with steep gables and green-framed windows sits beside a stone boundary wall, a planter of flowers by the green door.Joiner’s Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Aboyne
  • 4 miles from the Cambus o' May bridge
Free 11–14 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in AberdeenshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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