Devil’s Bridge is known in Welsh as Pontarfynach, meaning “The bridge on the Mynach,” with the word “Mynach” being Welsh for “monk.”
The river is believed to have gotten its name from land once owned by a nearby monastery. The first recorded use of the name “Devil’s Bridge” in English dates back to 1734.
Devil’s Bridge is a captivating village and community in Ceredigion, Wales, and is famous for its unique series of three bridges stacked atop one another, each built in different eras.
The Three Bridges
The village of Devil’s Bridge gets its name from the three bridges that span the Afon Mynach, a tributary of the River Rheidol.
What makes these bridges extraordinary is their unusual construction: each new bridge was built directly on top of its predecessor rather than demolishing the old structure.
1. The Oldest Bridge:
The lowest and oldest arch, possibly dating back to the medieval period, was originally constructed from stone.
According to local legend, this bridge was built by the Devil himself. The story goes that an old woman lost her cow and saw it grazing on the opposite side of the river. The Devil appeared and agreed to build a bridge in exchange for the soul of the first living being to cross it. The clever woman threw a crust of bread across the bridge, which her dog chased after, thus tricking the Devil and saving her soul. The devil was left with only the soul of the dog.
2. The Middle Bridge:
By 1753, the original stone bridge had started to show signs of instability. Instead of dismantling it, engineers used it as a foundation to build a second stone arch above it, ensuring the bridge’s continued use and safety.
3. The Newest Bridge:
In 1901, an iron bridge was constructed over the top of the previous two, making the bridge more robust and leveling out the roadway.
This iron structure has since been maintained and reinforced, most notably in 1971, to keep it in good condition for modern use.
The Scenic Surroundings
Devil’s Bridge is not just an architectural wonder; it is also surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
The River Mynach cascades down a dramatic 90-meter (300-foot) drop in a series of waterfalls before merging with the River Rheidol.
Visitors can enjoy a circular walk that includes Jacob’s Ladder, a set of stone steps that lead down to a modern metal bridge offering stunning views of the falls.