Yorkshire Dales: Volunteers rebuild washed away river crossing

The crossing at Slei Gill in the Yorkshire Dales has been restored

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Slei Gill in the Yorkshire Dales — The crossing at Slei Gill in the Yorkshire Dales has been restored

A river crossing in the Yorkshire Dales has been restored after it was washed away in a storm.

A total of 13 crossings in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale were destroyed during downpours in summer 2019.

Under the supervision of park rangers, a dozen volunteers spent six weeks repairing the bridge at Slei Gill.

It is the last significant piece of the park's infrastructure to be restored, according to Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Rangers said the repair would benefit hikers, cyclists and horse riders.

Lizzie Bushby, from Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: "The Slei Gill bridge and ford make possible a circular walk or ride from Fremington and Reeth up to Langthwaite."

'Satisfying'

Ms Bushby thanked the volunteers for their work.

She said: "Many hands made light work, especially when gathering stone from the beck to face the bridge abutments. The ford is now easier for riders to cross than it was before the floods.

"It's really satisfying this last link has been restored."

The work was paid for by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.