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Old stone packhorse bridge arching over a river amid autumn trees
Cairngorms

The Old Packhorse Bridge

The oldest stone bridge in the Highlands, a thin arch over the Dulnain built in 1717 to carry coffins to Duthil Church.

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Welcome

The Old Packhorse Bridge in Carrbridge is the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands, a single high, narrow arch of rough stone over the River Dulnain, built in 1717.

It was paid for by Brigadier-General Alexander Grant of Grant, who gave the mason John Niccelsone £100 to build it, and it was made so that funeral processions could reach Duthil Church when the river was in spate, which is why it is still known as the coffin bridge.

Twice since then its parapets and side walls have been badly damaged, leaving the worn, weathered arch that stands today, its stones furred with moss above the peaty water. It stands in the middle of the village beside the main road, so it can be seen at any time.

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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.
A little further outCoffee Affair37 min by roadSee itCoffee Affair
Before you go

The bridge stands in the middle of Carrbridge beside the main road and can be seen at any time.

Carrbridge has a station on the Highland Main Line.

Where
Carrbridge village centre, off the A9.
When
Any time.

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Where it is

Carrbridge, off the A9 north of Aviemore.

Close byIn Carrbridge.
  1. CarrbridgeCarrbridgeA village on the River Dulnain with the packhorse bridge of 1717 and the Golden Spurtle porridge championship.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. The green clubhouse with its red roof above the first tee.Carrbridge Golf ClubA nine-hole course above Carrbridge, played for over a hundred years, rising to a thousand feet with views across the Cairngorms.Under a mile 1 min by road
  3. A boardwalk through the pinewood.Landmark Forest Adventure ParkAn adventure park in the pinewoods at Carrbridge, with water coasters, treetop nets, a Forest Tower and a kingdom of dinosaurs.Under a mile 2 min by road
  4. A battlemented stone mausoleum in the churchyard.Duthil Old Parish Church and ChurchyardThe old parish church at Duthil, where the coffins crossed the bridge to be buried.3 miles 4 min by road
  5. Aerial view of a red-roofed cabin on a forested loch shoreLoch VaaA secluded woodland loch between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, with an esker path, a small boathouse and trout in the water.4 miles 7 min by road
  6. The front of Andersons in Boat of Garten.Andersons RestaurantA relaxed evening restaurant in Boat of Garten cooking local Scottish produce in season, with vegan and children's menus.5 miles 9 min by road
Directions
Timber-clad lodge with balcony overlooking a loch, framed by bare branchesCarrbridgeStrathspey LodgeSleeps 8 · 2.4 miles
AttractionsBoat of Garten Golf Club5.7 miles
Two guests by the wood-burning stove.CafeFoxfire Coffee6.0 miles
The dining room at Delaneys', with dark tables laid by tall windows on Grampian Road.RestaurantsDelaneys'6.3 miles
Timber-clad building entrance with glass doors and round wooden signAttractionsThe Cairngorm Brewery6.8 miles
Fruit scones fresh from the oven.CafeRoute 7 Café6.9 miles
AttractionsPlay golf in the Cairngorms7.0 miles
Sunlight slanting across the tables and wooden chairs in the Old Bridge Inn's dining room.BarsThe Old Bridge Inn7.0 miles
Floured hands shaping dough on a dark, flour-dusted worktopRestaurantsLa Taverna7.1 miles

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Stay nearby

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

Timber-clad lodge with balcony overlooking a loch, framed by bare branchesStrathspey Lodge
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Carrbridge
  • 2 miles from the packhorse bridge
Check datesEast Dell in spring sunshine, a low stone cottage with a red door and a mossy roof beside its garden and an old oak.East Dell
  • Sleeps 5
  • In Nethy Bridge
  • 7 miles from the packhorse bridge
Check datesA wooden gate in a picket fence opens onto Little Dell's green garden, with cow parsley and a wooden bench beyond.Little Dell
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Nethy Bridge
  • 7 miles from the packhorse bridge
Check datesWest Dell, a whitewashed stone cottage with a red door and a slate roof, in low winter sun.West Dell
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Nethy Bridge
  • 7 miles from the packhorse bridge
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in the CairngormsAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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