Oldest man to conquer Everest backs appeal for new River Barle bridge on Exmoor

FUND-RAISING for a new Exmoor bridge to cross the River Barle near Tarr Steps has been boosted by a £10,000 pledge from mountaineer Graham Keene.

The proposed bridge at Great Bradley will not only create new access opportunities for walkers and riders, but also help to protect high value conservation areas and secure the popular Two Moors Way walking route.

Devon-based Mr Keene last year became the oldest British climber to summit the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, at the age of 68.

The record was previously held by Exmoor-based adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who was 65 at the time.

Mr Keene is giving the money through a foundation he set up to support young entrepreneurs in the Westcountry by investing in their businesses, with the dividends received from successful enterprises providing funds to support good causes.

He said: “I was eager to support the Great Bradley bridge appeal through my foundation given the access and wildlife benefits it will bring.

“I have a deep love of Exmoor and like to encourage as many people as possible to explore and benefit from our wonderful National Parks.

“You do not have to go to the Himalayas or the South Pole to be an explorer and I did a lot of my training for Everest on Exmoor, including walking the Two Moors Way several times.

“Crossing the River Barle in spate was harder than negotiating the notorious Everest Khumbu Icefall with ladders.

“The new bridge will be very well received by walkers and I hope that the benefits it brings will have a lasting and positive impact, not only on Exmoor but in the lives of those who live on and visit the moor.”

Exmoor National Park Authority is hoping the award will help inspire others to donate, matching the foundation’s sum to help bridge the funding gap.

Park authority rural enterprise manager Dan James said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Graham Keene Foundation.

“This generous support takes us much closer to our goal of getting a new structure in place for many years to come.

“We really hope that Graham’s support will inspire others to donate to this CareMoor appeal, with any amount taking us closer to the overall goal and realisation of this ambitious project.

“We also hope that Graham’s story will inspire young and old alike to explore our wonderful landscapes.”

The Great Bradley Appeal was launched in July to raise money for the £120,000 bridge project, which will see an old structure from a Devon County Council temporary road scheme refurbished and upcycled.

Exmoor recreation and access manager Dan Barnett said: “This is a challenging project.

“It is a remote location, and while we have the bridge already, the costs of refurbishing and adapting the structure for this location, and installing it, are significant.

“However, it is great to be able to repurpose an existing structure.

“The benefits will be great and long lasting, fulfilling a long-term ambition of the national park authority to support walkers, riders, local businesses, and wildlife, which will all benefit from this project.

“The current footpath makes up part of the long-distance walking route the Two Moors Way, but has always followed a permitted path in this location generously granted by the landowners.

“Unfortunately, the current path here is deteriorating due to heavy erosion caused by flooding over the last 10 years.

“The new bridge will allow this route to use an existing bridleway which will secure a public route for people to enjoy for years to come.

“If the public fund-raiser is successful, we are on track to complete works next spring.”

Anybody who wants to support the initiative can do so by making a donation, buying a raffle ticket with prizes donated by the Exmoor business community, or purchasing a dedication plaque to remember or celebrate a significant person or event on the new bridge.

The details can be found here.