Biblins Bridge Explained

Biblins Bridge
Coordinates:51.8264°N -2.6552°W
Carries:Pedestrians
Crosses:River Wye
Locale:Wye Valley
Starts:Monmouthshire
Ends:Herefordshire
Owner:Forestry Commission
Upstream:-->
Downstream:-->
Material:wood/steel
Length:57.9m
Built:1957
Cost:£2,500
Open:-->
Dedicated:-->

Biblins Bridge is a footbridge which crosses the River Wye between England and Wales, near Symonds Yat. The present structure dates from 1957, although there has been a crossing at this point since the early 20th century.

History and description

A crossing at the point on the River Wye where Biblins Bridge now stands existed in the early 20th century and was used for the transportation of logs across the river. In 1924, this crossing point was replaced with a footbridge.[1] In 1957 the Forestry Commission rebuilt the footbridge and this replacement is largely what stands today, although it has twice been the subject of major restoration, firstly in the 1990s, and again in 2020, after damage caused by Storm Desmond.[2] Land slippage due to flooding again impacted the bridge in 2021.[3]

The bridge is constructed primarily of timber, with a steel walkway.[4] The walkway is strung between two wooden towers, and has a distinct sway. The bridge is popular with walkers exploring the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean.[5] [6] There is a limit of six pedestrians using the bridge at any one time.[6] The bridge is the only crossing point for a 7miles stretch of the Wye, between Huntsham in Herefordshire to the north, and the Wye Bridge at Monmouth to the south.[1]

Sources

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Biblins Bridge. Forestry England. 31 January 2024.
  2. Web site: Gloucestershire's own Indiana Jones style bridge re-opens. Janet. Hughes. 29 July 2020. Gloucestershire Live. 31 January 2024.
  3. Web site: Bridge over river Wye at risk of closure as water levels rise. James. Thomas. 24 May 2021. Hereford Times. 31 January 2024.
  4. Web site: Symonds Yat Rock Walks. Visit Dean Wye. 31 January 2024.
  5. Web site: The Little Doward and Yat Rock. Ramblers Association. 2 December 2023. 31 January 2024.
  6. Web site: The Doward - Biblins - Symonds Yat East - The Doward. walks.walkingworld.com. 31 January 2024.