Highlight • Historical Site
Road cycling
4.9
(46)
Cycling
4.6
(21)
Brunel's Three Bridges, formally known as Windmill Bridge, is a remarkable historical site in Southall, West London, England. This unique engineering marvel, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, stands at an elevation of 17 metres and features a three-tiered crossing where a road, the Grand Union Canal, and a railway line intersect. It is recognized as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is a testament to Victorian ingenuity, situated near the impressive Hanwell Flight of locks.
Visitors consistently praise the site for…
Tips
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Brunel's Three Bridges
3.7
(3)
43
riders
80.8km
03:20
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2.9
(8)
49
riders
69.8km
02:47
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(1)
57
riders
47.5km
02:08
130m
130m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Details
Informations
Elevation 20 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Monday 16 March
12°C
4°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Brunel's Three Bridges is well-connected by public transport. You can reach it via train to Hanwell Station, which is a short walk away. Several bus routes also serve the area, with stops conveniently located near Windmill Lane. Planning your journey using a local transport app is recommended for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Brunel's Three Bridges can be visited year-round. While the site itself is an engineering marvel, the surrounding canal paths can be muddy or slippery in wet or icy winter conditions. Comfortable, waterproof footwear is highly recommended if you plan to explore the towpaths during winter months.
Yes, the Grand Union Canal towpath, which runs alongside Brunel's Three Bridges, is very popular with dog walkers. Dogs are generally welcome on the towpaths, but please keep them on a lead, especially near the canal, and be mindful of other walkers, cyclists, and wildlife. Three Bridges Park also offers green space for dogs.
Most walks directly from Brunel's Three Bridges along the Grand Union Canal towpath are considered easy to moderate. The terrain is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Longer routes that incorporate the Hanwell Flight of locks or extend further along the canal may involve more distance but typically remain accessible.
Yes, there are several amenities in the vicinity. The area around Hanwell and Southall offers various local pubs and cafes where you can grab refreshments or a meal. It's a good idea to check opening times, especially if visiting during off-peak hours.
The immediate area around the bridges and Three Bridges Park offers some accessibility. The Grand Union Canal towpath is generally flat, but its surface can be uneven or muddy in places, which might pose challenges for some wheelchairs or strollers, especially after rain. Access to the top road bridge is via a paved path.
As a popular historical site and starting point for canal walks, Brunel's Three Bridges can get quite busy, particularly on sunny weekends and public holidays. Arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid peak crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Brunel's Three Bridges, particularly on Windmill Lane, can be limited due to its urban setting. There may be some on-street parking available, but it's often restricted or metered. Visitors might find more success with nearby residential streets or public car parks a short walk away. Always check local signage for restrictions.
Absolutely! Look closely at the two bridges that make up the 'Three Bridges': the cast-iron arch road bridge over the canal and the cast-iron trough aqueduct carrying the canal over the railway. These cast-iron elements were innovative for their time. Information boards in Three Bridges Park provide excellent context on Brunel's design and the site's history, including how the railway was strategically placed in a cutting to avoid obstructing views of Osterley Park.
While there isn't one single official 'trail map' specifically for Brunel's Three Bridges, the Grand Union Canal towpath is well-signposted. You can find detailed route suggestions and maps for walks and cycles along the canal, including those incorporating the Hanwell Flight of locks and the Wharncliffe Viaduct, through various online outdoor platforms and local council websites. The Ealing Council information leaflet also provides a useful overview.
Beyond the bridges themselves, you can explore the impressive Hanwell Flight of six locks on the Grand Union Canal, a significant feat of canal engineering. Further along the canal, you'll encounter the magnificent Wharncliffe Viaduct, another Brunel masterpiece. Three Bridges Park, adjacent to the site, offers green space and historical information.