Kylesku Bridge

Kylesku Bridge is a curved concrete span crossing the narrows of Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin in Sutherland, on the North Coast 500. Opened in 1984 to replace a ferry, it won several engineering awards for its graceful shape and is now reckoned one of Scotland's most beautiful modern bridges, set against a backdrop of sea lochs and Assynt peaks.

The bridge spans the narrows between Loch Glencoul and Loch Glendhu in Sutherland, on the A894 between Ullapool and Scourie. It lies on the North Coast 500 and makes a natural stop on the wild western stretch from Lochinver to Durness, with a hotel and small harbour at its foot.

There's a pavement, so you can cross on foot, though the road gets busy in summer. The best views of the sweeping curve are from the old ferry slipway and viewpoint on the south side, or from the water below. Boat trips from the Kylesku Hotel explore the sea lochs and can take you to see Eas a' Chùal Aluinn, Britain's highest waterfall, hidden in the hills above.

The Kylesku Hotel sits right at the bridge and is known for its local seafood. Boat trips leave the jetty to view Britain's highest waterfall, Eas a' Chùal Aluinn. North of here rises the dramatic Quinag ridge and the wild country toward Scourie and Durness, while to the south lies the Assynt landscape of Lochinver and Ardvreck Castle.