WRW #6: Ilkley Suspension Bridge Multi
This short multi which can be done in under 10 minutes introduces you to this wonderful and historic structure. Please take care to a) watch out for muggles when searching for, retrieving & replacing the cache - a small magnetic camo-taped sample tube.
To reach the cache location: park across the road @ N 53 55.954 W 1 48.876
Step 1: at N 53 55.952 W 1 48.892 on the end of the bridge is a stamped metal plaque identifying the engineers. The date on this plaque is 193A
Step 2: cross the bridge as far as N 53 55.940 W 1 48.896 near the middle. There you will see a horizontal metal connection plate which on the east side of the bridge has 12 bolts. On the west side, the number of bolts is only B
Step 3: at the same location, facing west and looking up to you right, you will see a metal tag attached to one of the vertical stays of the bridge. The number stamped on this is 8C1.
Update 26/3/24: tag confirmed missing, so use C=3)
Step 4: again whilst on the bridge, count the number of vertical rods (suspenders) supporting the deck from the two main suspension cables. You will note that there are 2D on each side
Step 5: complete your crossing to N 53 55.925 W 1 48.903 where you will find a post with two signs on it. The top sign lists E prohibitions and the lower sign F Golden Rules (don't include 'Love Your Park!)
Note of 16/7/23: as it seems this sign has been removed, use E=9 and F=5
N 53 55.(B-2)D(B-E) W 1 48.(C+D)(A+D)(F-2)
This iron footbridge over the River Wharfe at Ilkley was built in 1934. It was constructed by David Rowell & Co.- an engineering company based in Westminster, London (established in 1850 and closed in 1970) that fabricated wrought iron and wire rope, built suspension footbridges, and structural steel frame buildings. It is jointly owned by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and Yorkshire Water.
Its finials were removed in 1972 when it was discovered that condensation below them was corroding the bridge cables. It was refurbished in April 2001. Scour protection (see here) work on the bridge was carried out in 2015.
See here for a comprehensive set of photos of the bridge.
See here for a video of the floods of 2015 when the Wharfe burst its banks. The volume and speed of the water passing under the bridge is pretty impressive!