Devil's Bridge (Welsh Pontarfynach) is a village in Ceredigion, Wales. Its main feature is the bridge of the same name which spans the Mynach, a tributary of the Rheidol. It consists of three bridges built above each other. The most recently built was an iron bridge in 1901 which was built over a stone bridge constructed in 1753 when the original bridge was thought to be unstable, using the original bridge built (1075 - 1200) to support the scaffolding.

The bridge is at a point where the Mynach falls around 90 metres (300 ft) and meets the Rheidol.

Legend says that the bridge was built by the Devil as it was too difficult for people to build. One version of the tale presents the bridge builder and the Devil as adversaries. This reflects the fact that in many cases these bridges were built under such challenging conditions that successful completion of the bridge required a heroic effort on the part of the builders and the community, ensuring its legendary status.

Other versions of the legend feature an old lady or a simple herder who makes a pact with the Devil. In this version the devil agreed to build the bridge, and in return he was to receive the first soul to cross it. After building the bridge overnight, the devil was outwitted by his adversary, who threw bread onto the bridge. A dog followed, thus becoming the first life to cross the new bridge. The Devil, cheated, is last seen descending into the water, bringing peace to the community.

The bridge is a tourist attraction; turnstiles control access (in 2005, at ￡1 a person) to a view of the bridges, as shown in the picture. Over the other side of the road, ￡2.50 grants a longer walk to view the Mynach falls.

Devil's Bridge is served by Devil's Bridge railway station on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which opened between Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge in 1902.


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