Packhorse bridges

[Ken Rennie]

As the name suggests these are bridges built to allow a horse, loaded with panniers, to cross a stream. They are widespread in the North of England although there are a few in Scotland. wide enough for a single horse with low or no parapets to allow a horse with large panniers across. This is Lingcolm Bridge in Cumbria taken 5th March. The forecast was for overcast conditions with showers, some of snow, and temperatures just above freezing. Unfortunately it was fairly warm and sunny and I was somewhat overdressed but I still enjoyed my walk into this valley full of waterfalls especially after this weeks storm. Ken

 

[AlanLichty]

Beautiful stonework. I love the view in this frame.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Agree with Alan on the stonework and a very nice image as well.

 

[JimFox]

You are definitely dressed to keep warm there! Maybe a little too warm.

This is a really cool shot Ken. I like the composition and I like the moving water.

It's interesting to see the top of the bridge too, and also the waterfalling that leads to the bridge. Lot's of possibilities there. Another interesting thing to me is that from the side like in your #1 shot, the bridge looks like it's perfectly made with the way the rocks lay out. But in #2 where you are walking on it, the top of it seems a little more haphazard as it's not the same width all the way across.

 

[Timmeh]

Hi Ken,

You captured the essence of the bridge (or at the romanticized version). It reminds me very much of Pohono Bridge at the west end of Yosemite Valley.

Tim

 

[Mike Lewis]

Very nice capture, and an interesting story behind it too. Very cool. Love the history behind stuff like this.

ML

 

[Ken Rennie]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. Packhorse bridges were built by local stone masons with whatever stones were locally available and are often far from square or even. This image is from Carrbridge in Highland Scotland of a packhorse bridge built in 1717 to allow coffins to cross the River Dulnain when it is in spate. The parapets were washed away in a storm in 1839 but the bridge still supports anyone stupid enough to ignore the warnings and climb the barriers and is a great advert for the inherent strength of the arch. Ken

 

[lionking]

Interesting story, and beautiful capture Ken, i wounder how would it look with a bit more of the sky on top...

 

[Bob Denton]

These are great.

 

[Bill Crawford]

I love these bridges Ken. Thanks for sharing. The British Iles have always been on my bucket list, and seeing your photos makes me want to jump on a plane.