Kintraw Bridge

Kintraw Bridge from the south west

Kintraw Bridge carries the A816 across the diminutive Kintraw Burn at the head of Loch Craignish. It is a surprising bridge, about which little seems to be known. It is thought to be late 18th Century in date, making it one of the oldest bridges in the area, and is certainly detailed in a manner which would support the date. The single semi-circular arch stands high above the burn, supported by tall abutments with slender buttressing. Across the spandrels and piers, a peaked string course adds a little Georgian flare, while the bridge itself is built from finer coursed stone than the long rubble retaining wing walls to either side.

The bridge sits at the bottom of the steep climb up from the shores of Loch Craignish as the road climbs southwards through the Bealach More. Although never excessively steep, the climb perhaps averages 1:10, there are a number of tight bends, not least the sharp right angle on the south side of the bridge, which along with the narrow carriageway means that southbound traffic is given priority across it.

A short distance below the bridge, the burn is crossed by a small stone arch in the farm yard. There is no reason to believe that this was ever anything other than a farm bridge.