inspired by woodshavings

We were in Staveley today and had nearly an hour to wait for the bus so we wandered along a walled pathway leading to the river Kent where we came across this bridge. It was only opened last year as part of the 'Miles Without Stiles' scheme. It is just one of a series of walks created specifically for people with limited mobility and those pushing buggies or wheelchairs.

Chris Brammall, a local designer, wanted the bridge to commemorate the wood turning history of Staveley Mill Yard and so the archway and railings reflect brilliantly the curled form of a wood shaving. The mill itself had been constructed in about 1820, soon after the Kendal to Preston canal had been built. With a plentiful supply of fast flowing water and local timber, bobbins and reels could be easily manufactured and transported to the cotton mills of Lancashire.

The Mill itself has been converted into the renowned 'Wilf's Cafe' and other buildings on the site are home to a brewery, and a variety of small industries including Waters and Acland, designers and makers of the most exquisite high quality hand crafted furniture.

It was truly an inspirational morning. Just a shame we missed the bus!