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National park footbridge swept away after heavy rain

Dan Ayers
BBC News, Somerset
Exmoor National Park River flowing in amongst the trees. There's some steps on the right-hand side but no bridge.Exmoor National Park
Castle bridge over the Danesbrook collapsed in heavy rainfall

A rural footbridge in a national park has been "swept away" after heavy rainfall and flood water caused it to collapse.

Castle bridge, which links parts of Exmoor National Park in Somerset at Whiterocks Down over the Danesbrook, was damaged on Friday.

In a statement, Exmoor National Park said: "There was a 2m (6.5ft) jump in the river level at the Brushford Gauge in less than two hours.

"The bridleway remains open as the adjacent ford is still passable when conditions allow but walkers and cyclists will need to wade through the water."

Exmoor National Park Lots of trees and a gate that's being blocked by a fallen tree. There's a land rover in the distance.Exmoor National Park
Exmoor had a yellow weather warning for heavy rain last Friday

The bridge is in the Exmoor National Park area near to the village of Hawkridge and is popular for walkers and horse riders.

A spokesperson for the park added in a statement: "Please do not attempt to cross when the river is high and find an alternative route."

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