Connel Bridge

The village of Connel near Oban is divided by Loch Etive. At one of the loch's narrowest points stands the landmark Connel Bridge, joining the two halves of the village and carrying the A828. It was built in 1903 as a railway bridge; a roadway was added alongside the railway line in 1914.

Then came dear old Mr Beeching and the branch line to Ballachulish was closed [some say axed] in 1966, along with many others like it. The bridge was converted to vehicle and pedestrian use, but although the railway track was removed, it was not quite wide enough for two cars to pass. It also has a height restriction for the same reason, today's lorries were never meant to use it. Traffic lights maintain single flow traffic.

Beside the bridge are the sometimes spectacular Falls of Lora where a rocky shelf causes rapids during the ebb and flow of the tide. A Beep in the Forest blipped the Falls in full flow today and Feorlean blipped nearby Dunstaffnage.

Just beyond the bridge, Loch Etive joins the Firth of Lorn and the open sea. From its quiet and secluded beginnings up near Glencoe [Glen Etive] to the busy-ness of Connel and the bridge, the loch somehow retains an aura of peace and tranquility.

There are tea rooms in the vicinity of course, a favourite being the Robin's Nest just off the main road at Taynuilt. Follow the sign for delicious home baking and a friendly atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.