Work nearing completion on bridge for Dales bridleway

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders can use the bridge on Conistone Moor in Wharfedale thanks to a partnership between the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA), the Kettelshiel estate and other local businesses.

For years progress along the bridleway has come to a halt at Mossdale Beck after periods of heavy rainfall made it impassable. But now work is coming to an end on the new crossing.

The YDNPA’s area ranger for Upper Wharfedale, Michael Briggs, said: “It’s not very often we get to build an entirely new bridge on the rights of way network so I’ve been really keen to see this project through. It will provide access for people who had been turned back in the past when the beck was high.

“This bridge has been a year in the making – there have been so many people to work with and several potential problems. My great grandad built the bridge in Kettlewell so I also have a bit of family pride invested too.”

The YDNPA, which is responsible for the maintenance of river crossings on behalf of North Yorkshire County Council, contracted local firms to design, build and construct the various parts of the scheme. The remainder of the work was done by national park authority rangers and Dales volunteers to keep costs to a minimum.

The bridge was built in kit form and transported to the remote site for construction.

Local representatives of the British Horse Society were also consulted on the design of the bridge to ensure its suitability.