Bridge of Gairn

Bridge of Gairn is a small settlement about a mile to the west of Ballater, which is clustered around the bridge over the River Gairn, just above its confluence with the Dee. The village is little more than a couple of farms and a handful of houses around the bridge and the junction immediately to the west. This is where the A939 comes to an end on the A93.

The bridge itself is a single stone arch which has been widened by cantilevering concrete pavements out over the old structure, with the original parapets removed. The roadway itself, therefore, now takes the full width of the original bridge, with paved pavements to either side, and metal railings. This gives the impression of a modern bridge from the road, but if you can find a way down to the river, all is revealed!

Junctions

As noted above, a short distance to the west of the bridge, the A939 comes to an end after its spectacular journey south through the mountains from Grantown on Spey and Nairn beyond. This may not be a particulalry useful route from end to end, but it is well worth the drive for some stunning scenery and amazing roads. After such an amazing journey, the end is a bit of a let down, being a rather ordinary give way T junction, but if you want the adventure to continue, turn right and take the A93 south to Perth for another stunning drive through the mountains!

A similar distance to the east of the bridge, and just before Ballater is reached, the B972 branches off the A93 and climbs through the Pass of Ballater, an effective is no quicker bypass of the town. This junction is also a simple give way, although the acuteness of the fork has been lessened with improved visibility splays, and the B road has been slightly turned to give better visibility for traffic exiting the junction.

Routes

Route	To	Notes
A93	Aberdeen, Ballater
A93	Braemar
A939	Tomintoul 22	Former B972
B972	Aberdeen (A93)