Brig 'o' Balgownie
Brig 'o' Balgownie
4.5
Nature & Wildlife AreasBridgesCaverns & Caves
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This historic bridge has stood since the early 14th century and once served as an important line of communication between Aberdeen and other medieval coastal towns.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
75 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
27
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
0

alibatty🦇
Dundee, UK4,996 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
This lovely old arched bridge over the river Don is considered to be the oldest most historic bridge in Scotland . It’s believed to have been constructed under the orders of King Robert the Bruce in the 13th century , and for a long time was the main crossing between the city and the north. The single Gothic arch is 39 ft long, and the bridge is constructed from a mixture of granite & sandstone. In the early 17th century the bridge was rebuilt to what we see now, and is now considered a Scheduled Ancient Monument. There are scenic walks to the bridge from alongside the Bridge Of Don, and Seaton Park, and we’ve seen seals, swans & herons amongst others on the river walk there. There’s a very tranquil atmosphere around this pretty area, with the quaint old conservation buildings and cottages nearby, and you feel far from the city, even though you’re not.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

VJLee
Halifax, UK72 contributions
Jun 2021
A beautiful Gem of a bridge, not for traffic just for pedestrians.

Such a Quaint setting, love the shape and colour of stone of this special bridge.

Just feels like you are back in time to the early 14th Century when you are at this place. Quiet and serene.

This would make a great setting for a Film.

One side of the bridge was a little overgrown with random tree branches which spoilt the view of the bridge, a bit tree branch trimming is in order.

The other side is more accessible but difficult to get a really good view point for photos. My husband scrambled down to the water edge and got a nice shot of me which I love. It shows the wonderful shape of this very simple but beautiful old bridge.

A must see - after all it's the Oldest Bridge in Scotland!
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

D4937YHadamr
Aberdeen, UK33 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
If I recall this bridge was built in the 13th century, the design where it curves was apparently to allow those crossing to take cover from any archers firing on to it from above. The whole area is beautiful, all the little houses nearby are kept to a high standard making the entire walk really nice.

It is so nice to walk over the bridge, look over at the River Don and see the life around. Ducks, Swans, Seals can all be seen, I've seen deer on the banks from the bridge. Definitely worth a look.
Written September 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alan G
Aberdeenshire, UK85 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Aberdeen is a very old city which is steeped in History and this venue is one of them you shouldn’t miss but you could do if you don’t know it’s there , take a guided tour for best results
Written July 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rosired
Aberdeen, UK22 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Take a walk from Bridge of Don along the side of the river to the Brig'o Balgownie. The scenery is wild and includes roe deer, swans, and lots of birds. Also you can see seals if the tide is out lolling about on the far riverbank. Once you reach the Brig there are superb old houses and a cobbled street leading to the Bridge itself. You can follow the path along the river right to Seaton park. Beautiful in summer and winter.
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LeeKZN
Durban, South Africa295 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Take a little time out of your busy schedule to walk around this area. Although almost in the centre of Aberdeen, you will feel the peacefulness away from the hurly-burly. Stay as long or as short as you want. A lovely retreat.
Written August 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ptilotus
Bittern, Australia81 contributions
Jun 2018
There are so many bridges in Scotland but this one in Aberdeen is outstanding. Turning off a major road, you are suddenly driving through picture perfect stone cottages near the Ned’s of the bridge. Parking is not obvious, as with many wonderful sights in this part of the world but we stopped in that street and walked over this extraordinarily well preserved ancient bridge. As with all bridges, you can’t see them when you are on them, so we followed a path down to the river which took us to private property! A scramble down some old steps and a walk along the muddy bank and we had a magnificent view, complete with reflections in the still water.
Written June 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mover-watcher
Aberdeen, UK4 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
walk from Old Aberdeen, call at St Machars Cathedral, go through Seaton Park, along the side of the Don, out past attractive houses, stop and take in the view at the bridge, choose the North side to return as its more attractive because it's more open. If you're interested in history; visit the Thomas Glover house.
Written July 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PativateB
Nonthaburi Province, Thailand193 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
Honestly, this is just an old bridge crossing the Don river. If you like nature walk, this is the place. The view is very nice from the bridge on both side. Not highly recommend if you don't have spare time in the city. You won't miss much. Again it is just a bridge.
Written September 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James Hud
Leeds, UK78 contributions
May 2022
This bridge is before the river Don reaches the sea. Nice views and charming cottages nearby lead to the beach and rivers conjunction. Very scenic and embracing.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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