Footbridge Surveys In Muncaster

Today we travelled to the parish of Muncaster to survey two more bridges & to do one on the Bootle / Muncaster parish boundary. We were unable to park near the bridge in Muncaster so travelled to the hamlet of Newbiggin just outside Waberthwaite. The walk was along the Cumbria Coastal Way & to leave the hamlet we had to cross this bridge. It isn't one we are down to survey, but it is getting quite rotten in one section & is in need of repair so have reported it back to the Ranger. Eskmeals viaduct in the distance Our first bridge was this very old stone structure crossing Broadoak Beck. It was quite a substantial bridge for relatively unused paths, we believe it is probably access for the farmer from nearby Rougholme.

As well as inspect the bridge we have to check the surrounding area for any hazards that could cause problems if the water levels rise in a flood. Upstream we could see a fallen tree across the beck.

Closer inspection shows that it is completely uprooted.

And there is debris against it suggesting the water has risen to these levels in the past. If dislodged this could cause substantial damage to the bridge & therefore needs to be removed.

The River Esk with Muncaster Fell behind

Our next "bridge" is in fact about 48m of boardwalk though a very boggy section of woodland.

Looking up to Stainton Tower which is believed to have been built as a sighting point for boats entering Ravenglass Estuary.

We retraced our steps along the green lanes back to Newbiggin

To cross the road & walk the short distance to our third bridge on the Bootle parish boundary

Looking back at the hamlet of Newbiggin

We were out for just under two hours, the timing was good as it started to rain just as we returned to the car.