Just off the A5 in Conwy, North Wales, lies the charming village of Penmachno, famous for its historic woollen mill that produced the Penmachno rug until the 1990s.
However, tucked near the mill is a hidden treasure often hailed by visitors as the most remarkable sight in the region.
This hidden gem at Penmachno, draped in ivy and so naturally beautiful it looks like it was sculpted as part of the landscape, isn’t actually Roman.
Built in the 17th century, it’s thought to sit on the site of an older Roman bridge. Its name likely comes from a Roman road that once ran south to Tomen y Mur.
In a stunning photo taken by photographer Ian Lilley, the closer bridge visible from the Afon Machno is Pont y Pandy, a 19th-century stone bridge. Behind it, partially hidden by vines, is the Roman Bridge—its much older predecessor, long overtaken by nature.
Unlike the nearby Machno Falls, the secluded charm of these bridges leaves tourists amazed when they come across them.
Robert Williams described it perfectly: “Enchanting. You wouldn’t know it was there if not for Google Maps. It was the highlight of our trip to North Wales.”
The Roman Bridge, which spans 33 feet across the gorge below, is believed to be an old packhorse bridge, designed for horses due to its lack of parapets.
What remains is a graceful structure that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Another visitor, Tamas Gyorgy, called it: “A true hidden gem in Snowdonia. This place feels magical, like something out of a fairytale.”
Adding to its whimsical charm, tourist Gyula Brizs shared a humorous detail about the bridge. “There’s a cockerel from a nearby cottage that ‘guards’ the bridge, keeping the Roman spirit alive,” they joked.
Parking close to the bridges is limited, so many visitors suggest parking farther away and taking a scenic hike to reach them.
Perched above a gorge, the bridges offer breathtaking views of the area. Just 500 metres north of the Roman Bridge, on the west bank of the Machno, lies Machno Falls.
Where the Afon Machno meets the Conwy is another favourite spot for visitors—the striking Conwy Falls, also known as Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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