Willowford Footbridge

This footbridge forms part of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail, bridging the River Irthing and connecting our farm with the Birdoswald Estate. It was airlifted into position in 1999 and was one of the final bits of the Trail to be opened - now you can walk from coast to coast - apparently about 16,000 people per year walk over it.

I'm told that many years ago, when the now derelict farm over the river was worked, children would cross the river at this point on their way to school in Gilsland using a small boat and a piece of rope stretched from bank to bank. At the minute, that would be unnecessary as the water level is so low - the driest half year since the 1920s, apparently.