Devil's Bridge Wales - Phantom Monk
Three bridges stacked upon each other, the oldest built by monks in medieval times, now haunted by a hooded figure who watches over the gorge.
Devil’s Bridge in Wales is actually three bridges built one on top of another across the Mynach Falls gorge. The oldest and lowest bridge, dating from the 11th or 12th century, is attributed to the monks of Strata Florida Abbey, though legend says it was built by the Devil himself in exchange for the first soul to cross it. According to folklore, an old woman tricked Satan by sending her dog across first, and the furious Devil left claw marks on the stones. However, the true haunting of Devil’s Bridge has nothing to do with demons and everything to do with the phantom monk who has been seen there for centuries.
The apparition of a hooded monk in brown or grey robes is frequently reported standing on or near the ancient stone bridge, often appearing to be watching the waterfall or examining the structure as if ensuring its integrity. Witnesses describe the figure as solid and real until approached, at which point it either fades away or simply vanishes. Some believe the monk is one of the original Cistercian builders from Strata Florida Abbey, returning to check on his centuries-old handiwork. Others suggest he may be a monk who fell to his death during construction or was murdered and thrown into the gorge. The apparition is most commonly seen in the early morning mist or at dusk, when the three bridges create confusing shadows and the roar of the waterfall masks other sounds.
Visitors to the bridge complex report experiencing sudden cold spots, the smell of incense with no obvious source, and the sensation of being watched from the shadows. Some have heard chanting in Latin echoing through the gorge, though no source can be found. Photographers have captured strange figures in their images of the bridges, particularly near the oldest medieval structure. The area around Devil’s Bridge has long been considered a thin place in Celtic tradition, where the boundary between worlds is permeable. The combination of ancient construction, dramatic natural beauty, devil legends, and monastic history has created a location rich with supernatural reports. The phantom monk appears to be a guardian spirit, forever watching over the medieval bridge and the spectacular gorge it spans.