Woodburn Bridge

The Woodburn footbridge is a 20 metre pedestrian bridge that spans the River Brathay near the hamlet of Skelwith Bridge. The bridge, commissioned by the Lake District National Park, was designed and built by Chris Brammall, founder of the architectural and sculptural metalwork company CB Arts, who specialise in this kind of fabrication. Lacquered steel is the main construction material and it weighs in at around 16 tonnes with price tag of £225,000 back in 2006. Intriguingly, its modern look enhances the natural beauty of the surrounding area, connecting the footpaths on opposite banks seamlessly.

Some bridges of modern design and construction can have a negative aesthetic impact on its surroundings, but this is not the case here. Oak handrails were sourced locally, the aged wood now blending in harmoniously with its woody backdrop of deciduous trees and moss-covered rocks. Each steel post has subtle differences to its neighbour, which accommodates the slight curvature of the bridge. This creates a visually pleasing profile that changes depending on where the viewer stands. At the end of the day though, it is still a bridge. It serves a purpose and provides walker and cyclist an alternative to using the stone bridge on the main road in Skelwith Bridge. Here, however, form and function work together harmoniously.

The bridge was named after Trevor Woodburn, a local man who had originally suggested the idea back in 1998. It was officially opened in July 2007.