WALKERS and riders on Exmoor are being warned they may have to find an alternative route after weekend storms swept away a river footbridge.

Castle Bridge spanned Dane’s Brook, an eight-mile-long tributary of the River Barle, below Whiterocks Down, near Hawkridge.

Castle Bridge, on Exmoor, before Dane's Brook flooded and swept it away at the weekend. PHOTO: ENPA.
Castle Bridge, on Exmoor, before Dane's Brook flooded and swept it away at the weekend. PHOTO: ENPA. ( )

But floodwaters following heavy rainfall on Friday night (June 13) caused its collapse.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) said the brook rose by more than six feet in under two hours at the Brushford Gauge following the storm.

An ENPA spokesperson said: “The bridleway remains open as the adjacent ford is still passable when conditions allow.

Weekend storms saw a small Exmoor river rise by more than six feet in less than two hours and sweep away a bridge and trees. PHOTO: ENPA.
Weekend storms saw a small Exmoor river rise by more than six feet in less than two hours and sweep away a bridge and trees. PHOTO: ENPA. ( )

“But walkers/cyclists please be aware you will need to wade through the water.

“Please do not attempt to cross when the river is high, find an alternative route.”