While the Husband builds up stamina, and I try to get this knee pain under control we’ve been trying little walks locally.

We came across a suspension bridge in Doveridge.

The bridge and footpath were completed in 1901 at a cost of £6,000. Estate staff were employed to maintain the bridges along route and the footpath itself. Old railway sleepers were used on the smaller bridges in the early days. After the Doveridge estate was sold off in 1934, the local authority undertook the maintenance. But during the Second World War, any maintenance was discontinued and the suspension bridge structure in particular suffered from neglect.

In 1946, while pupils from nearby Brocksford Hall School were on the bridge, the walkway collapsed sending the pupils into the river. Rex Boulton from the Doveridge Mill, helped to rescue them. The suspension bridge was eventually rebuilt and a new company David Rowell of London employed to undertake the work. The structure was repainted and overhauled in 1999. It is a wonderful feature of the village.

Extremely lucky to have such beauty almost on our doorstep. A gentle stroll in the sunshine does wonders for your mental health as well as physical health.