Cramond Old Bridge

Cramond Old Bridge is a historic stone bridge over the River Almond in the old coastal village of Cramond, on the north-western edge of Edinburgh. Today it carries walkers and cyclists, and it makes a pleasant stop on a stroll along the Firth of Forth shoreline.

Where is Cramond Old Bridge and how do you get there?

The bridge sits in Cramond, within Edinburgh, Scotland, close to where the River Almond reaches the Firth of Forth. National Cycle Route 1, National Cycle Route 76 and the John Muir Way all cross it, so it is easy to fit into a longer bike ride or a coastal walk.

How old is the bridge?

The structure dates back to around 1500, although it is not known exactly when it was first built. Part of it collapsed before 1587, and by 1607 it was ruinous and impassable. That same year an Act of the Scottish Parliament ordered its rebuilding, and the work was completed between 1617 and 1619. The western arch is the oldest surviving part.

Repairs continued over the following centuries. Robert Mylne carried out work between 1687 and 1691, with further repairs in 1761, 1776 and 1854. These dates are inscribed on the structure itself, so a careful visitor can look for them.

What does it look like?

It is a three-arched stone bridge with gently pointed arches. For centuries it carried the main road from Edinburgh towards Stirling. Once motor traffic moved to the nearby Cramond New Bridge, the old crossing became a route for people on foot and on bikes, which has helped preserve its historic character. It is a listed structure.

The legend of King James V

A traditional story, recorded by Sir Walter Scott in Tales of a Grandfather, says King James V (1512-1542) was attacked while crossing the bridge and was rescued by a local farmer, who was later rewarded with land nearby. This is folklore rather than documented history, but it adds colour to a visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk across Cramond Old Bridge? Yes. It is used by pedestrians and cyclists, and the John Muir Way runs over it.

Which cycle routes use the bridge? National Cycle Route 1 and National Cycle Route 76.

Is the bridge still the original 16th-century structure? Not entirely. The first bridge dates from around 1500, but it was rebuilt in 1617-1619 after falling into ruin and repaired several times since. The western arch is the oldest part.

Is it a good short trip from central Edinburgh? Yes. Cramond is within the city, so the bridge suits a half-day outing combining history, a riverside walk and views over the estuary.

Is there an entry fee? No. It is an open public crossing on a walking and cycling route.

Who is it for?

History and architecture fans, cyclists following National Cycle Route 1, walkers on the John Muir Way, and photographers who enjoy old stone arches over calm water. Leave time for the village of Cramond and its waterfront too, as the area is one of the nicest corners of north Edinburgh.