Closed in October 2010, the ‘White Bridge’ in Dalston, near Carlisle, has reopened following work to restore the damaged central pier.
Today on our expedition in the bright sunshine, we walked across the bridge once more following recent repairs.
Looking down through the railings it would appear that a new base for the central pier has been created using metal piles, concrete and rocks.
The bridge is a popular route for walkers and is key to the circular route alongside the river.
Nearby is a bare patch of earth leading from the road down to the river. Looking at the tracks it would appear as if some heavy caterpillar equipment has been used on the restoration work.
Small grass seeds litter the soil surface in an effort to restore the grazing land back to vegetation.
Once across the bridge we notice the small millennium park area is well overgrown to the point where the sign is obscured by foliage. Nearby paths, alongside the mill stream, also have started to become overgrown with greenery.
We hope that the rampant weed population is due to the bridge being out of action and the two leggers being unable to tend for the area easily.
With the paths not being used, nature has started to take back some of the lesser used areas with some interesting results.
Mum spotted this Turks Head lily in quite a few clumps on our walk.
Normally it would be found in gardens, however it has found it’s way into the big world.
River canoe
Our path passed alongside the old mill and down to the river edge. Here we found two humans who were floating on the water in bright coloured things they called river canoes.
They stopped and said hello and offered us a ride on the front of one of their boats.
Charlie had a good sniff around but was very unsure as they seemed to wobble around quite a bit.
Union Bridge
Heading back towards the village, we followed the river’s edge and went underneath a big stone bridge.
High above us was a oval inscription which we could not read. However, with dads image grabber gadget called a camera he was able to get really close up – It read ‘ Union Bridge 1812’.
This started a conversation with mum and dad trying to work out why it was so called.
Was it because of a nearby workhouse, had it been paid for by a Trades Union or was the Union a collection of local notable people?
White Bridge
Our circular walk returned us back to where we started over an hour earlier.
Ahead is the white bridge with a much enlarged central pier base.
Dalston crow repainted
As has become a custom with a visit to Dalston we walk to the village shops to visit the butcher. Lime and chilli sausage is just one of the specialities we send mum in for.
We wait underneath the Dalston crow. Looking up, it appears that this has had a bit of a makeover. The crow is sort of the emblem of the town along with the phrase – ‘ Whilst I Live I Crow’. We have no idea what it means:-)
All the paint looks clean and unfaded in the early afternoon sunshine.
Sausages, and bread rolls from the nearby bakers all purchased, we head back home for a bit of lunch.
Now I wonder what will be on the menu?
Until next time, keep wagging
Buster and Charlie