Exploring GB

Devils Bridge, near Aberystwyth in Wales is three bridges built on top of each other, built in different centuries.

The first bridge (bottom) was built in Norman times, the second in the 18th century and the third in the 20th century.

The river has been bridged since at least the 12th century, with a wooden bridge built c. 1075–1200.

The Welsh name for Devil’s Bridge is Pontarfynach, meaning “Bridge over the Mynach”.

According to legend, it was built after an old woman lost her cow and saw it grazing on the other side of the river.

The Devil appeared and agreed to build a bridge in return for the soul of the first living thing to cross it.

When the bridge was finished, the old woman threw a crust of bread over the river, which her dog crossed the bridge to retrieve, thus becoming the first living thing to cross it.

The devil was left with only the soul of the dog.

The lowest arch of the current bridge is ancient, possibly medieval. It is a stone arch, and the oldest part of the structure that is still standing.

In 1753, the bridge was repaired, and a second stone arch was added when the original bridge was thought to be unstable.

The photo above was taken in the 1890s, shortly before the third deck was installed.

The builders used the original bridge to support scaffolding during construction and added a second arch.

In 1901, an iron bridge was erected above the older arches, and eliminated the slope in the roadway.

In 1971, the steelwork and railings were repaired and the bridge was strengthened.

The bridge is at a point where the River Mynach drops 90 metres (300 ft) in five steps down a steep and narrow ravine before it meets the River Rheidol.

The set of stone steps, known as Jacob’s Ladder, a circular walk for tourists, leads down to a modern metal bridge below the waterfalls.

Devil's Bridge Falls is a spectacular waterfall attraction at Devils Bridge in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.

It is one of the 'Must See' natural features in Wales, located 12 miles inland from the coastal town of Aberystwyth.

The 300ft Mynach Waterfalls are set deep withing the ancient wooded gorge and have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth who wrote about the “Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge”.

Technically, Devil's Bridge waterfalls can be classified as a segmented or tiered falls with five major drops and intervening cascades add up to a 91 m total drop, which is among the highest in Wales.

The Devil's Bridge Fall Nature Trail take approximately 45 mins and is a circular walk that takes you deep into the wooded gorge with spectacular views of the 300ft Mynach Waterfalls.

The shorter 3 Bridges & Punchbowl trail will take approximately 10 minutes.

These walks are challenging and consists of many steep steps.

The Nature Trail is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I) and is home to many types of mosses and lichens. It is also an excellent example of an ancient Sessile Oak woodland.

A guide book indicating interesting aspects of the Nature Trail is on sale at the entrance kiosk when attendant is on duty.

It’s worth mentioning that the Nature Trail Walk is a challenging walk that contains many steep steps and so is not suitable for everyone.and sensible shoes must be worn.

The village here is small but interesting.

There is a steam railway to the spot from Aberystwyth and also a hotel if you’re looking to make a weekend of it!

Fans of on-screen Celtic-noir may recognise the location from moody Welsh detective series Hinterland, which has increased international interest in this scenic spot.

The attraction has more than 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, and the majority of them are really positive.

One recent customer said: “Phenomenal rock formations and the bridge… Photos will not do the place justice!

”Walking boots are very much required and unfortunately, I didn't see the Pine Martin.
Take your time though, don't try and rush your visit.”

Another person added: “The views were stunning, the train ride up the mountain was beautiful!

”The little cafe when get to the top was lovely!

”Myself and my partner walked the long route oh boy was there a lot of steps Definitely gets your heart pumping!”

Admission to the Falls is by way of a kiosk which is manned during daylight hours but is open via a coin-operated turnstile at other times.

There are no other bridges built like this in the world, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting this part of Wales!

Check out more photos below, courtesy of the Devil's Bridge Waterfalls Facebook page:

If you’d like to visit, the address is: Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW.

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