This guide book is for the Gordale Scar Bridge walk from the "One Walk, Bridge Walks in the Yorkshire Dales", series of guide books, where the route of one walk crosses the path of a number of bridges sat in a back drop of Yorkshire Dales scenic beauty formed by ice age glaciation and the deposition of carboniferous limestone scenery that attracts many visitors to the area.
This walk follows a variation of the Malham Classic circular route and crosses four bridges; clapper, simple beam, elliptical and circular arched stone bridges that encompasses views of Malham Cove (897 641), Malham Tarn (894 664) The Water Sinks (894 656), Gordale Scar (915 641). This walk is popular with the general public, school outings and other student field trips.
This guide will appeal to those walk or sight see in the Yorkshire Dales. The natural erosion and glaciation has resulted in many waterfalls, streams and fast flowing rivers. This has led man ever since prehistoric (Mesolithic/Neolithic) times from his hunter gather existence and to present day to use his ingenuity to build bridges to cross such obstacles to hunt, farm, travel or move goods, minerals and thus expand agriculture, industry and commerce.
The bridges range from the prehistoric, ancient Clapper Bridge made from natural materials to that of picturesque stone engineered arched bridges whilst others are more recent editions courtesy of the National Park. Consequently, in the Yorkshire Dales, these manmade structures are of varying style and construction, are often obscured by the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
It is hoped the book will prompt one to look at man's ingenuity as well hills, greenery and scenic views.