The ford was very dangerous

Following the River Ribble 

It was back in July last year that we were last by the River Ribble - that was at Helwith Bridge. 

A little further on and we are at a very different kind of bridge - Stainforth Packhorse Bridge. 

Stainforth is composed of two settlements, separated by the Ribble. Little Stainforth is to the west and Stainforth itself, developed by monks from Sawley Abbey, near Clitheroe, is to the east. The name Stainforth comes from the stony ford, which was the only way to get across the river, until in 1675 Samuel Watson, who owned Knight Stainforth Hall nearby, built the current bridge. 

The bridge carries a minor road Dog Hill Brow over the river and is very narrow (see extra). A few years ago we tried to get to the bridge by taking this road - the memory of our car only just getting through is etched in Gordon’s memory. Today we parked in Stainforth and walked down to the bridge - much more sensible! It is interesting to think of this important east/west route being one taken since medieval times by people on foot and with carts and cattle. The bridge was privately owned until 1931 when it went into the care of the National Trust. 

Today down by the river is a lovely place, very popular on sunny weekends with families and swimmers (actually there were two swimmers there today - they didn’t stay in the water long!). There is a little further on from the bridge a pretty waterfall - Stainforth Force. 

Of course we ended up in Settle and had fish and chips (the best) and then called in at the Courtyard Dairy for cheese.