River Eamont (Part 3)

As we were in Penrith this morning, I decided to brave the snow showers and go down to Pooley Bridge for another picture. This one is the bridge itself, the one on which I was standing to take yesterday’s picture. Then, we were watching Ullswater channel out into the River Eamont and flow under the bridge. This time we can see the river on the other side, as it flows away from the bridge.

The water levels are very high and have broken the banks, as can be seen by the ‘floating’ trees. The water was flowing very fast, which was disturbing the ducks somewhat. Watching them paddling against the tide was interesting. But they seem to have found some ‘new’ pools out of the way.
 
Pooley Bridge was once an important market town, with a trade based on fish. There is a millennium fish monument in the middle of the village, a testament to its fish trading history. As nearby Penrith developed, presumably with the coming of the railway, Pooley Bridge declined as a market centre and it is now a very popular and busy visitor hub, with lots of cafes, gift shops, car parks, etc.
  
The bridge itself is a 16th century stone bridge with three arches. It has stood the test of time, but was not made for today’s traffic. It is very narrow and has lights to control the single file traffic. Good fun in the summer!