Cambus O' May Suspension Bridge

Cambus O' May Suspension Bridge

The suspension bridge at Cambus O' May was built in 1905 to replace a ferry that helped passengers cross the River Dee just east of Ballater. The lovely iron bridge was financed by Alexander Gordon, a native of Glen Girnock who had moved to London and made a fortune in the brewing trade.

History

The story goes that when Gordon was a boy he had witnessed a drowning accident at this spot on the Dee, and he vowed that if he got the chance he would build a bridge so that people could cross safely.

In 1988 the bridge had to be rebuilt for safety reasons, but the new bridge was constructed to the exact same design as the original, maintaining a real Victorian feel. It was opened by The Queen Mother in 1988.

Looking along the bridge facade

Visiting

The suspension bridge is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Victorian sites on Royal Deeside. There is a signed parking area off the A93 a few miles east of Ballater and a very short walk to the bridge.

You can cross the bridge and join up with a network of public footpaths through the Torphantrick Wood and along the banks of the Dee, including walks to Ballater itself. From Cambus O' May there are also walks into the nature reserve at the Muir of Dinnet. There is a hotel and restaurant at the bridge, but no other facilities.

The bridge was badly damaged during Storm Frank in December 2015. It was repaired at a cost of £400,000 and reopened in 2021. Note that there are metal turnstiles at each end of the span, making access impossible for wheelchair and pram users and difficult for anyone with limited mobility.