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Wynch Bridge

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Wynch Bridge is a chain suspension bridge across the river Tees. The first bridge was built in 1741, which may make it the first chain bridge in England. It was built by public subscription to allow lead miners from Holwick to reach the Middleton mines.

That first bridge was of wood supported by iron chains. It was 70 feet in length, and ran across a chasm 60 feet deep. The bridge was only 2 feet wide, and had only one hand rail. Contemporary descriptions show that it was a bridge not for the faint of heart, with inadequate planking, and the bridge swayed alarmingly in use. In 1802 a chain snapped, and the bridge collapsed under the weight of nine users. Two men were cast onto the rocks below. One survived, and the other was drowned. The bridge was strengthened following this incident, but as late as 1833 it was described as 'a trap for human life'.

In 1830 a new Wynch Bridge was built, upstream of the original site, on the orders of the Duke of Cleveland. This is the current bridge, which spans 21 metres and is built of wrought iron hangers with a timber deck. Immediately upstream of the bridge is Low Force waterfall, one of the most beautiful falls in the north of England.
Middleton-in-Teesdale, Teesdale, County Durham, England

About Wynch Bridge
Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: Access as for Low Force waterfall, from a footpath opposite Bowlees Nature Reserve visitor centre lane. There is limited parking in laybys on the B6277 road.
Location map
OS NY904279
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Low Force - 0 miles (Countryside) High Force - 1.5 miles (Countryside) Bowes Castle - 10.5 miles (Castle) Brough Castle - 11.1 miles (Castle) Barnard Castle - 11.4 miles (Castle) Egglestone Abbey - 12.5 miles (Abbey) Eden Valley - 12.8 miles (Countryside) Rokeby Park - 13.9 miles (Historic House)

Nearest Towns and Villages Appleby - 12.8 miles away Kirkby Stephen - 14.2 miles away Blanchland - 14.5 miles away Muker - 19.3 miles away Edenhall - 21 miles away Hexham - 22.2 miles away Haydon Bridge - 22.4 miles away Bywell - 22.6 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Wynch Bridge

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Burnbrae Cottage - 6.4 miles from Wynch Bridge St Johns Chapel, County Durham Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £230

Farm Cottage - 6.7 miles from Wynch Bridge Barnard Castle, County Durham Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £210

Studio Cottage - 6.7 miles from Wynch Bridge Barnard Castle, County Durham Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £185

More Self Catering near Wynch Bridge

Nearest Hotels

Strathmore Arms at Holwick - 0.6 miles from Wynch Bridge Holwick, Northumberland Stay from: £50.00

Teesdale Hotel - 3.1 miles from Wynch Bridge Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham Stay from: £105.00

Ancient Unicorn - 10.6 miles from Wynch Bridge Bowes, County Durham Stay from: £25.00

More Hotels near Wynch Bridge

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Brunswick House - 3 miles from Wynch Bridge Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham From: £40.00

Cafe 1618 - 3.1 miles from Wynch Bridge Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham From: £64.00

Hillside Cottage - 7 miles from Wynch Bridge Durham, County Durham

More bed and breakfasts near Wynch Bridge

Middleton-in-Teesdale
Tourist Information Centre
10 Market Place
Middleton-in-Teesdale
County Durham
England
DL12 0QG
Tel: 01833 641001
Fax: 01833 641001
Email: middletonplus@compuserve.com
Map