EXMOOR National Park is working with the local community to raise funds to replace Woodside Bridge that crosses East Lyn near Lynmouth.

The bridge has provided an important crossing that has helped thousands of visitors and local people enjoy the beauty of this area, but the previous one was so well-trodden that it had to be removed in December 2016. 

Julia Bradbury, presenter of Britain’s Best Walks TV series, crossed the bridge on one of her favourite walks and she is helping to promote the campaign to replace it with the support of her free web resource The Outdoor Guide. 

“One of my favourite walks follows the East Lyn River from Lynmouth,” she said.

“The crossing at Woodside provides a great opportunity for so many to experience this wonderful location – whether as part of a short walk from the village, or a longer walk into the valley, so I really hope people can support the appeal.”

Design work for the bridge, commissioned by Exmoor National Park Authority, has just been completed. 

The new bridge will be of high quality local oak construction and more accessible than the previous one. The bridge is over more than 17 metres long and in a challenging location for the works to be carried out. 

Public donations are essential  to help cover this costly replacement. People can donate via the Exmoor National Park website.