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