God's Bridge Explained

God's Bridge
Map:United Kingdom County Durham
Map Size:243
Relief:1
Location:MAGiC MaP
Nearest Town:Barnard Castle
Coordinates:54.5092°N -2.0672°W
Area Ha:9.3
Established:1986
Governing Body:Natural England
Website:God's Bridge SSSI

God's Bridge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the County Durham district of south-west County Durham, England. It is a natural limestone bridge over the River Greta, just over 3 km upstream from the village of Bowes.

The bridge was formed by a process of cave development in the limestone beneath the river bed and is the best example in Britain of a natural bridge formed in this way. The SSSI covers a portion of the river above and below the bridge where shallow cave development by solutional activity is still taking place.[1]

The Pennine Way crosses the River Greta at God's Bridge.

Yorkshire Dales

A similar formation on the River Doe near Chapel-le-Dale in the Yorkshire Dales has the same name.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: God's Bridge SSSI : Reasons for designating the SSSI status. Natural England . 1 March 2022.
  2. Ordnance Survey . OL2 Yorkshire Dales Southern and western areas . 1:25000 . Explorer . 3 May 2013.