The stunningly curved Kylesku Bridge crosses over Loch a Chairn Bhain, in the beautifully scenic area of Sutherland in north west Scotland. Here is a complete guide.
How To Get To Kylesku Bridge
Kylesku Bridge is 35 miles from the village of Durness, heading south, down the west coast of Scotland.
By Car:
Drive south on the A838 for about 30 minutes until you reach Laxford Bridge.
Just after Laxford Bridge, bear right onto the A894. Follow this A road for about 20 minutes all the way to the Kylesku Bridge and over it!
There’s a free car park at both the north and south end of the bridge. However, the north end car park is said to give you better views.
Although the south end car park allows you to walk down under the bridge and to the waters edge, so worth visiting both if you have time.
By Tour:
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Kylesku Bridge Entrance Fee
It is free to visit and cross over this bridge.
Kylesku Bridge Opening Times
This bridge is open every day, all year round.
Best Time To Visit Kylesku Bridge + Tips
Stunning at any time of the year but sunsets here are said to be spectacular.
Views will obviously be better on fine days and it can often get quite misty up in the Highlands.
It’s definitely worth a stop off, even if only for a short while.
Call in at the nearby Kylesku Hotel if looking for a coffee or refreshment!
What To Pack
The History Of Kylesku Bridge
Kylesku Bridge was built to replace the ferry between the villages of Kylesku and Kylestrome in the area of Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands.
Construction of the bridge began in August 1982 and it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth on the 8th August 1984.
Measuring 275m (902ft) long with a 79m (259ft) long main span, the bridge deck is at a height of 24m (79ft) above high water to enable navigation for ships.
The bridge was designed and built to be sympathetic to the surrounding country. Hence, the approaches were chosen to minimise change to the surrounding landscape.
Subsequently, in 2019, the bridge was classified by Historic Environment Scotland as a Category A structure. Thus recognising it as ‘visually striking and technically innovative’.
In addition, it was also officially renamed to the Gaelic translation of its name, Drochaid a Chaolais Chumhaing.
A vital part of the North Coast 500 trail.
What To Expect At Kylesku Bridge
The views as you cross the bridge in either direction are beautiful, however some say that they are better as you head north in the direction of Kylestrome.
There is a pathway available that goes across the bridge. This is great if you fancy parking up and strolling safely across this amazing structure.
Furthermore, as well as being able enjoy the beautiful lochs and surrounding scenery you could also get some great photos from on the bridge.
However, there are also great views of the valleys and mountains from the parking viewpoint and sunsets here are said to be spectacular.
Also, look out for the local wildlife. Stags have been seen on the nearby hillsides and seals and otters in the water of the loch, so keep your eyes peeled!
After exploring a few places in Durness the day before, (such as Smoo Cave, Sango Sands & Balnakeil Craft Village) we headed to Kylesku Bridge in the morning.
Before moving on to Achmelvich Bay on the NC500 itinerary.
Where To Stay in Scotland
Luxury – exploreNESS Apartment
Offering free WiFi and free private parking, exploreNESS Apartment is located in Inverness, just 0.8 miles from Inverness Castle.
The property is less than 0.6 miles from Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and 1.6 miles from Caledonian Thistle.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided.
A buffet breakfast is available daily at the apartment.
Mid-Budget – Loch Earn
Located 1.7 miles from Inverness Castle, Loch Earn provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
There is also a kitchen in some of the units with a dishwasher, a fridge, and an oven.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the bed and breakfast.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Budget – Inverness Youth Hostel
Just 10 minutes’ walk from Inverness Rail Station, Inverness Youth Hostel offers free private parking and bicycle storage.
Eastgate shopping centre is a 10-minute walk from this hostel. Hootananny, a popular music venue, is just 15 minutes’ walk away.
Culloden Battlefield and its visitor centre is just a 10-minute drive away. The banks of Loch Ness and the country village of Dores are both a 20-minute drive away.
All rooms have a shared bathroom. Packed lunch and luggage storage is available on request.
For more places to stay in Scotland, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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