The UK’s strangest bridge that sits on top of a bridge that is already on top of another bridge
- UK Hidden Gems
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
To cross a single river at one of Wales’ most striking tourist spots, you do not walk over just one bridge but three.
This hidden gem, set in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, offers some of the most remarkable views in the UK, along with one of the oddest sights.
Three bridges stand directly on top of each other across the River Mynach, built at different times between the 11th and 19th centuries.
Twelve miles inland from the seaside town of Aberystwyth, the 300ft Mynach Waterfalls sit deep inside an ancient wooded gorge.
Visitors can admire the dramatic scenery while following the Devil’s Bridge Falls Nature Trail.
Legend says the first bridge was built by the devil himself after an old woman spotted her cow grazing on the far side of the gorge and could not reach it.
The devil agreed to help by creating a bridge, but only if he could take the soul of the first being to cross it.
According to the tale, the old woman outsmarted him by throwing a piece of bread for her dog, which ran over the bridge first. The devil could only claim the animal’s soul and left empty handed.
Historians believe the original bridge was actually built by monks from Strata Florida in the 12th century. A second bridge was added in 1753, and the top bridge was completed in 1901.
The waterfalls, named after Devil’s Bridge, are made up of five main drops with smaller cascades between them, adding up to a total fall of 91 metres.
The trail takes around 45 minutes and loops through the gorge, giving walkers spectacular views of the towering 300ft falls.
However, the walk is classed as challenging, with many steep steps along the way.
Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes, and dogs with short legs may need to be carried in some parts, which is rather amusing given the old legend.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Absolutely breathtaking and so worth the trip! Went as a family, with two kids and a husky!
“Steps were wet as it had rained earlier but they were not too bad, only a couple were slippery. There are handrails all the way to help you. Be aware there is a steep drop of steps, so not for the faint hearted. You do need to be fairly fit to come back up again.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.
