Islandadd Bridge

Islandadd Bridge over the River Add

Islandadd Bridge carries the B8025 across the mouth of the River Add as it flows out into Loch Crinan on the coast of the low lying Moine Mor. This vast area of sometimes tidal peat land cuts deep across the head of the Knapdale and Kintyre peninsula of Argyll, and was once (an ice age or two ago) the outflow of Loch Awe. Today it is an important wetland nature reserve, surrounded by many important prehistoric sites, collectively known as Kilmartin Glen.

The bridge itself is an interesting 5 span iron girder bridge, supported by stone piers and abutments. These all rise up above the road deck to support the elegant iron railings which form the parapets. The pier are protected by semi-circular cutwaters, although for the most part the river is not particularly fast flowing at this point as it widens out at the head of Loch Crinan. The abutments are also protected, with battered faces and a stepped base along the river. The bridge was built in 1851 by a John Gardner, although little more of the history seems to be known. The bridge is now subject to a 3T weight limit, although this seems to be regularly flouted by light commercials.

Bellanoch Bridge

Bellanoch Bridge over the Canal

Immediately to the south of the bridge, the B8025 ramps up to cross the Crinan Canal on the Bellanoch Swing Bridge. The current Iron span is a replacement for the original bridge, and was put in place in 1892, seemingly using the original abutments. It rotates from the south bank and swings to the east to allow boats to pass through the canal. As with Islandadd Bridge, it carries a single traffic lane, with less than half a cars length between the bridge and the B841 on the south side of the canal. The junction, hwoever, is highly unusual for the meeting of two B roads as it features neither give way signs nor markings.