We started to encounter these Swing Bridges quite often on the Llangollan Canal and I have posted some photos of a different one a while back but this one is right next to where we are moored and seems to be permanently open.
Most of the Swing Bridges have a sign telling you to be sure to lower tham after you’ve passed through as they are rights of way for roads and footpaths but this one is permanently raised. I think it is for the farmer to access his field and is no doubt an historical legacy from when the canals were originally built.
If the land owner didn’t want to sell or the canal company really didn’t need to be buying the large amount of land on the other side, then a right of way access agreement would have come into play. Hence the swing bridge and hence why it is still maintained by the Canal and River Trust that are now maintaining the canal network.
They do slow you down a bit on journeys on the boat but like I always say, “if you’re in a hurry then a narrowboat probably isn’t the best choice of transport” and I like the character the add the the canals. Mind you the canals are oozing with character with all the nature, fields, industrial history, boats and locks.
They do make a nice backdrop to my wood chopping shot too. Swing Bridge, swing the axe!
