Great Bradley Bridge opens on Exmoor Day

The celebrations were led by Robin Milton, Vice Chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA), along with ENPA staff, volunteers and many supporters of the project coming along to mark the occasion.

Construction of this important 28-metre-long bridge over the River Barle was funded by generous donors to a CareMoor for Exmoor appeal as well as the British Mountaineering Council through their 'Mend Our Mountains' campaign, the Graham Keene Foundation and the Government’s ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ programme.

Robin Milton Vice Chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority said:

“It’s great to have this section of the footpath between Tarr Steps and Withypool open. I am very proud of our incredibly high quality of access routes on Exmoor, of which this is one. Being part of the long-distance walking route the Two Moors Way, it will have an important impact for both visitors and residents in the National Park. The path was heavily eroded by flooding and Great Bradley Bridge now reroutes walkers safely to the other side. Bridleway users also benefit and can now cross the river safely all year round, joining up access to the bridleway network for riders to enjoy.”

Andrea Davis, Chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority and Cabinet member for Climate change in Devon said:

“We are delighted to officially open the new Great Bradley Bridge. It’s a crucial link along the Barle valley, making it easier for hikers and riders to explore the beautiful landscape, it will help to boost tourism in the region and support local businesses, but importantly it also protects local wildlife. The bridge will help reduce erosion and reduce disturbance to important habitats full of local wildlife from Otter to Pied Flycatchers.”

Dan Barnett, Access and Recreation Manager at Exmoor National Park said:

“We want to say thank you to all the amazing people and organisations who have supported this project including the landowners, Somerset County Council, Devon County Council and everyone who donated to the appeal. The steel support was donated by Devon County Council, from a temporary bridge structure and reused for our new bridge, and, the structure is fitted with locally grown oak, to minimise its carbon impact. Colleagues at Somerset Council have been very helpful and the structure will now be a Public Rights of Way asset for many years to come.”

More information on Great Bradley Bridge

The Two Moors Way is a 102-mile walking route that stretches across Devon and part of Somerset taking in Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. Normally it is walked from Wembury in South Devon to the Exmoor Coast at Lynmouth to make a fabulous Coast to Coast walk. The section between Tarr Steps and Withypool is one of the most popular parts of the trail.

The bridge has been designed to blend in with the local environment and reflect the natural beauty of the area. It has been built using re-purposed steel and locally sourced oak and is fully accessible.

ENPA would also like to thanks West Somerset and Exmoor Bridleways Association and the British Horse Society.

We have very limited dedication plaques available if you would still like to share a memory on the bridge you can find more info here www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor-for-exmoor

Comment from anonymous donor

“Well done on the Bradly Bridge replacement. Sadly, I can remember when it washed away in the flood. Making Exmoor more accessible to everyone in a sustainable way is the way forward. Looking forward hopefully, to using it with all the family”.