Swaledale Bridges - Yorkshire Dales Finest Bridges
Looking through the many photos I have taken of the Swaledale countryside and within the Yorkshire Dales National park I seemed to have accumulated a fair number of photographs featuring bridges. So I thought it would be interesting to write a post about these and it may prove to be an inspiration for you to go and have a look and take in a walk doing so.
Surrender Bridge
I have been across Surrender Bridge so many times both walking and driving. And of course under it as well!
Going over the relatively quiet and interestingly named Mill Gill Old Gang Beck there are some good walks to be taken from here including the Surrender Bridge Circular.
Why is it called Surrender Bridge? Well a couple of theories abound one that there was once a Surrender Mine there or that mine workers carrying wares had to surrender a toll before crossing. Either of these sound plausible.
Walk options:
Great Pinseat from Surrender Bridge
Gunnerside, Old Gang Mills, Surrender Bridge and Swaledale
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SD 98857 99896
Link here: Surrender Bridge
Ivelet Bridge - Gunnerside
Probably one of the most iconic of the Swaledale Bridges Ivelet bridge is a lovely single span, single carriageway Grade 2 listed bridge dating from the 16th century and has the very interesting ‘coffin’ stone set on the North side of the bridge for pallbearers to rest the coffin on. as they made their way from Muker to Grinton. That’s a fair old hike even without a coffin!
The bridge crosses the River Swale near the hamlet of Ivelet. Its a nice walk/drive from Gunnerside to the bridge and in fact there is another wee bridge you cross as well.
The bad news is the bridge is haunted by the headless black dog. Supposedly it runs silently across the bridge and into the Swale and is a portent of death. So that’s nice.
Walk options:
Ivelet Bridge from Muker
Coast to Coast access to Ivelet bridge
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SD 93307 97804
Link here: Ivelet Bridge
Isles Bridge - Low Row & Crackpot
Located about 5 minutes walk from Swale View Isles bridge is a beauty! Crossing over the River Swale you can take a walk along the western side to Gunnerside or go East towards Reeth or pop over it to join the Swale Trail about 500 meters along the road..
The river rises really fast and often immediately after rainfall the stepping stones you see in the photo are covered so access to the Gunnerside walk means you need to navigate via the upper road.
Walk options:
Isles Bridge to Gunnerside
Reeth - River Swale - Healaugh - Isles Bridge
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SD 97725 97476
Link here: Isles Bridge
Reeth Suspension Bridge - Reeth
Originally built in the 1920’s it was rebuilt in 2002 after being washed away; the Reeth suspension bridge is a pedestrian, and dog, bridge crossing the River Swale just outside of Reeth. It can be accessed also via a walk from Grinton on the South side and also connects with the Swale Trail that was as well.
Can be a bit bouncy if you get your timing right and my dog occasionally speeds up as it makes her a tad unsure as to what is going on.
Currently, March 2022, a diversion is in place on the North side due to erosion on the way to Reeth so you now get diverted back towards Healaugh for about 200 meters before you head back towards Reeth.
Walk options:
Reeth, Grinton and Low Fremington
Reeth bridge Circuit
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SE 03188 98916
Link here: Isles Bridge
Reeth Bridge - Reeth
For me Reeth bridge always tells me I am only a couple of miles and a few minutes away from being back at Swale View. And as Reeth was the first place I stayed in visiting the Yorkshire Dales its always a happy reminder of that first time I stayed in Reeth.
As you can see there is a nice wee spot for the dog to get in the river and there is a bench and table to sit at as well to rest up or have a picnic.
Built in the 18th Century it is a Grade 2 listed structure and has 3 segmental arches separated by cutwaters forming passing places on the road - never knew what they were called so that’s interesting!
Walk options: (there are loads but here are a couple)
Reeth River Walk
Around Reeth Circuit
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SE 03188 98916
Link here: Reeth Bridge
Arkle Beck Bridge - Arkengarthdale
Not sure if that is an official name as it’s a wee bridge I happened across while doing a walk one day from Fremington, beyond Reeth towards Langthwaite below Fremington Edge and back again.
It’s a cracking wee timber slatted bridge and a really nice spot to stop and have a drink and bite to eat and for the dogs to have a dip.
Really is one of my favourites on a sunny day.
Walk options:
From Reeth to bridge circular
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: NZ 02768 00831
Link here: Arkle Beck Bridge
We will add in more bridges from Swaledale and the Yorkshire National Parks including walk options as and when we photograph them.
If you have any photos of bridges you have spotted that you want us to add let us know here.