Bridge of Oich
The Bridge of Oich (also known as Victoria Bridge, Aberchalder) is a taper principle suspension bridge, designed by James Dredge, across the River Oich near Aberchalder in Highland, Scotland. The bridge opened in 1854 and was used to take the main road traffic over the river until 1932.
What is the Overview?
The bridge was designed by James Dredge, an engineer from England. Dredge used his patented 'taper principle' design for the bridge. The bridge uses a double cantilever system where two opposing cantilevers are supported by suspension chains giving it the appearance of a classic suspension bridge. The span of the bridge is 155 feet 6 inches (47.40 m) and the two main chains are 17 feet (5.2 m) apart. Each of the main chains is made from a series of wrought-iron eye-rods varying in length from 6 feet (1.8 m) to 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) and with a nominal diameter of 7⁄8 inch (22 mm). The main chains hang over 18 feet (5.5 m) high granite towers and one end of each chain is anchored to the bridge at mid-span and the other ends are anchored below ground inland of the bridge. The chains consist of twelve parallel rods at the tower and progressively reduce in width by one link at each joint towards each end of the chains as they get further from the towers. The decking is of timber, supported on trussed wrought-iron transoms.
Bridge of Oich history
In 1849 an old stone bridge that spanned the River Oich near Aberchalder was destroyed by flooding. To reduce the risk of a new bridge being damaged by similar flooding, it was decided that a single-span bridge was required to replace the old bridge. English engineer James Dredge was engaged to provide such a bridge. Dredge used his patented 'taper principle' for the bridge which was opened in 1854. Dredge's bridge carried the main road traffic across the River Oich until the construction of a two-lane concrete bridge in 1932. Following its withdrawal from service, the bridge fell into disrepair and had to be closed to public use. The bridge, which is now a listed building, was renovated for Historic Scotland in 1997, and returned to use as a public footbridge.
The address for the Bridge of Oich parking, Invergarry, PH35 4HN.
Where to stay in Fort Augustus
I would recommend staying in Fort William to visit Corpach. There are lots of hotels to choose from as it’s the Capital of the Highlands.
Here are a small selection of the top recommended hotels;
Rokeby Manor – Situated in Invergarry, 41 km from Glen Nevis, Rokeby Manor features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers ski-to-door access and room service. Guests can make use of a bar. 6 min (3.7 miles) drive to Bridge of Oich. Click here for dates and rates.
Invergarry Hotel – With a peaceful position overlooking the River Garry, this friendly 4-star country inn is an ideal base from which to explore the Scottish Highlands. 4 min (2.7 miles) drive to Bridge of Oich. Click here to book.
Craigdarroch Hotel – With a tranquil location in an ancient Highland forest, Craigdarroch Hotel has panoramic views of Loch Ness. There is free WiFi, and the spacious rooms all have en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities. 32 min (17.2 miles) drive to Bridge of Oich. Click here to check rates.
Or Airbnb in the area
Here are a small selection of the top recommended Airbnb;
Beech House - A large, bright, spacious semidetached property situated in one of the most idyllic and unique locations in the Scottish Highlands you are 37 min (23.6 miles) drive to Bridge of Oich. Click here to book.
Lochside Lodge - Bright Star Lodge is a Scandinavian Lochside Lodge with a Hot Tub in the Heart of the Scottish Highlands. Nestled on the bonny banks of Loch Oich in the middle of the Great Glen, Bright Star Lodge is the ultimate idyllic getaway in the Scottish Highlands. there are a lot more lodges on site. you are 9 min (5.2 miles) drive to Bridge of Oich. Click here to book.
Wild Nurture Luxury Offgrid Eco Log Cabin - Wild Nurture is an eco luxury offgrid log cabin on a 600-acre private Highland estate with 360-degree views of the Nevis Range. This stunning whole log cabin offers natural beauty, peace, privacy, elevated and unspoilt views in a light, warm space with tasteful furnishings, powered mainly by renewable energy. you are 36 min (24.4 miles) drive to Bridge of Oich. Click here to book.
