WRW #20: Addingham Suspension Bridge
The cache, a camo-taped preform tube is hidden at the eastern end of the bridge. Please ensure the cache is replaced correctly and properly concealed. . . thanks!
To reach the cache location: park at or near N 53 56.701 W 1 52.485 off the north side of Bark Lane and take the Public Footpath which starts a few metres to the north and leads down steps to the bridge.
When you first see this fine suspension footbridge it’s difficult to see why it’s there. As you cross the river from Addingham all you can see are fields and it isn’t obvious who originally needed it. These days it’s mainly used by hikers, dog walkers, and those who simply want to paddle in the river.
However, 2 miles to the north is the small community of Beamsley, which is in the Parish of Addingham. Until 1895 the only way they could get to the parish church (St Peter's in Addingham) was by using a ferry, near to where the bridge is now situated. No doubt there was great excitement when the first (wooden) bridge was erected and they could get to church without having to wait for the ferry.
Disaster struck in 1935 when the original bridge was washed away in floods. The current bridge was built the following year to replace it. As its span is much greater than the river itself, hopefully, it will not be washed away again.
See here for a fine set of photos of the bridge.