Devil's Bridge, Wales

Devil's Bridge, known in Welsh as Pontarfynach, is a village and waterfall gorge about 12 miles east of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, Wales. The site is named for three bridges stacked on top of each other across the deep gorge of the River Mynach, just above where it joins the River Rheidol. The lowest bridge is medieval in origin, the middle bridge dates from 1753, and the upper iron bridge was built in 1901. Folklore says the devil built the first bridge in return for the soul of the first creature to cross it, and an old woman tricked him by sending her dog over first. A path from the Devil's Bridge Falls entrance descends through woodland along the gorge, with steps and viewing platforms that give views of the waterfalls as they drop roughly 300 feet in a series of cascades into a rocky chasm. The classic photograph of the three bridges is taken from the lower viewing point on the Punchbowl. The walk takes between 45 minutes and an hour, and includes steep stone steps that are slippery when wet. Nearby, the Vale of Rheidol narrow gauge steam railway runs from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge in season, and the Hafod Estate and Mynach Falls offer additional woodland walks. The site is quietest on weekday mornings and outside school holidays, while summer weekends and bank holidays are the busiest. After heavy rain the waterfalls are at their most dramatic, although paths can be wet. Facilities include a car park, a cafe and a gift shop. A fee is charged for the Falls walk. Planning a visit is simple. The village sits on the A4120 and is reached by road from Aberystwyth in about 30 minutes, or by the Vale of Rheidol heritage railway in season, whose station lies close to the entrance. The Hafod Estate, with woodland trails and a ruined mansion, and the Cwm Rheidol reservoir are nearby, so the area suits a half-day or full-day outing. Dogs on leads are normally permitted.