Suspension

Esholt Suspension Bridge is tucked away in the woods between the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and Esholt sewage works. It is a very narrow footbridge over the River Aire with unusual castellated iron work. Given it’s elaborate design, which seems out of scale with function and location, I wonder if it was originally built by the owners of Esholt Hall, the estate that was bought by Bradford Corporation in 1904 as the site for the city’s sewage treatment. The former country bridge engineer offers some details about a more recent refurbishment of the bridge.  Another view in extras.  As I reached the middle of the bridg, a Kingfisher flew underneath, heading up river.

In a day of many bridges I walked down to Apperley Bridge and back to take in some football. Horsforth St. Margaret’s were taking on Leeds City in a Yorkshire Amateur League Supreme Division fixture. St. Margaret’s affirmed their position as champions with a 6-1 win. The league had special dispensation  to continue 20-21 fixtures into June to make up for all the Covid disruption, things will be brought to a conclusion in a week or so. Meanwhile 21-22 pre-season starts next weekend.

In wildlife news I saw my first Ringlet butterfly of the year, along with several more Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell and various whites.