A New Bridge Across Mossdale Beck

A new bridge has been erected across Mossdale Beck Walkers, cyclists and horse riders can use a new 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 have made it impassable. But all this is in the past as work comes to an end on the new crossing.

Michael Briggs, the YDNPA’s Area Ranger for Upper Wharfedale, 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 New Bridge in Kettlewell so I also have a bit of family pride invested too."

In these difficult financial times 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.

Local firm Hartlington Fencing Supplies built the bridge in kit form and transported it to the remote site for construction with the help of Walmsleys Agricultural Contractors of Grassington and Hall Rural Services. Local representatives of the British Horse Society were also consulted on the design of the bridge to ensure its suitability. Dr Malcolm Petyt, the YDNPA’s Member Champion for Recreation Management, said: “It will be interesting to see how involved we can become in these types of projects in the future and, indeed, with general enhancements to the Public Rights of Way network as a whole. These are truly challenging times for us and all public sector bodies. The public footpaths and bridleways of the Dales are so important in allowing people to experience the special qualities of the National Park and the local economy. This project shows what can be done if everyone is prepared to join in.“ Reproduced from Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority web site: Photos by Mick Melvin