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The old stone arches of Cramond Brig over the River Almond.
Edinburgh

Cramond Brig

A three-arched bridge of about 1500 over the River Almond, once the road west out of Edinburgh, with the dates of its repairs cut into its stones.

Welcome

Hidden among trees just below the busy road west out of Edinburgh, an old stone bridge crosses the River Almond on three arches, its piers cut into sharp points to split the water.

Cramond Brig has stood here since about 1500, and for centuries it carried the main road from the capital to the west.

It wears its history on its stones. It was rebuilt in 1617 to 1619 and repaired again and again, in 1687, 1761, 1776 and 1854, and each date is carved into the bridge itself. It also has a famous tale. Walter Scott told how King James V, riding alone in disguise, was set upon here and saved by a local farmer, Jock Howieson, who was rewarded with land on the promise that his family would always bring the king a basin and towel to wash his hands.

The bridge is a footpath now, a quiet stop on the River Almond walk.

A short drive awayCammo EstateAn 18th-century estate turned public park, with a castellated water tower.4 min by roadSee itRound stone tower with battlements standing above open farmland
Before you go

The old bridge is a footpath now, reached from Braepark Road, with the River Almond walkway running beside it.

It is open at all times.

Where
Braepark Road, Cramond Bridge, on the western edge of Edinburgh.
Where it is

Over the River Almond at Cramond Bridge, on the western edge of Edinburgh.

Close byThe Almond and Cramond.
  1. Stone-clad bar with metal stools, beer taps and chandeliers overheadThe Torfin3 miles8 min by road
  2. Stone tower and wooden bench framed by sunlit woodland leavesCorstorphine HillA wooded ridge on the west of Edinburgh with Scott's memorial tower.3 miles9 min by road
  3. Edinburgh ZooEdinburgh ZooThe Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's zoo, open since 1913 on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill, with views over the city from the top.3 miles9 min by road
  4. Cramond BeachCramond BeachThe shore at Cramond, with wide views over the Firth of Forth.5 miles13 min by road
  5. Walkers follow a causeway path between mudflats and sandy beach under grey skiesDay Trip to Cramond IslandThe tidal island off Cramond, walked out to at low water.5 miles13 min by road
Directions
Round stone tower with battlements standing above open farmlandAttractionsCammo Estate1.3 miles
Forth Bridge's red steel cantilevers seen through overhanging tree branches across the waterAttractionsForth Bridge3.8 miles over the water
Neoclassical mansion with columned entrance reflected in a curved garden pondAttractionsScottish National Gallery of Modern Art4.2 miles
Poached egg and smoked salmon on a black plate with black teapotRestaurantsThe Scran & Scallie4.4 miles
Barista steaming milk on a espresso machine beneath a black pendant lampCafeArtisan Roast4.4 miles
Wooden bar with glass shelves lined with spirits and beer tapsRestaurantsKin4.5 miles
Water of Leith winding through Dean Village, historic tenements lining both banksAttractionsDean Village4.5 miles
Gift shop interior with framed prints, greetings cards and a red armchairShoppingAn Independent Zebra4.5 miles
Corner shopfront of The Pastry Section on a quiet cobbled streetCafeThe Pastry Section4.5 miles
Stay nearby

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

West End Muse
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Edinburgh
  • 4 miles from Cramond Brig
Check datesA round table and chairs stand before tall curtained windows looking onto stone buildings, a sofa and mounted television to the right.Moment George IV Bridge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Edinburgh
  • 5 miles from Cramond Brig
Check datesA man walks past Bucken Booths entrance flanked by black lamp postsOld Town Chambers
  • To stay
  • In Edinburgh
  • 5 miles from Cramond Brig
Check datesA turreted sandstone building with conical spires catches the evening light above rooftops, a large pine tree standing beside it.The Scott Hotel
  • A hotel
  • In Edinburgh
  • 6 miles from Cramond Brig
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in EdinburghAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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