Chia Aig Bridge

Looking across the bridge

Chia Aig Bridge carries the B8005 across the Abhainn Chia Aig near the foot of Loch Arkaig, and the end of the B8005. The bridge is a single stone arch carrying a single track road, and was built by Thomas Telford as part of his commission on Highland Roads and Bridges. The design of the bridge dates it to the early years of Telfords work in the Highlands, before he had devised his standardised bridge designs. As such it has plain abutments, and while the parapets curve down into the ground at either end, they also flare out considerably. The whole structure also has a slightly humped profile, with the roadway having been flattened out over the years compared to the curvature of the parapets.

The bridge was built as part of a proposed route west along the shores of Loch Arkaig and on to the coast, and while there is now a road along the lochside, it is not clear how far along the loch Telford's work progressed. Immediately above the bridge are the dramatic and picturesque Eas Chia Aig waterfalls, with a small car park and forestry walks alongside.