This guide book is for the Cowside and Thoragill Bridge Walk from the "One Walk, Bridge Walks in the Yorkshire Dales", series of guide books, where the route of one walk crosses the path of a number of bridges sat in a back drop of Yorkshire Dales scenic beauty formed by ice age glaciation and the deposition of carboniferous limestone scenery that attracts many visitors to the area.
This walk crosses four bridges; clapper, simple beam, elliptical and circular arched stone bridges including an arched pack horse bridge, it also scenic in that, it takes one through, a pleasant woodland walk round Malham Tarn (894 664) and Cowside valley, which is also appealing.
This book will appeal to those walk or sight see in the Yorkshire Dales. The natural erosion and glaciation has resulted in many waterfalls, streams and fast flowing rivers. This has led man ever since prehistoric (Mesolithic/Neolithic) times from his hunter gather existence and to present day to use his ingenuity to build bridges to cross such obstacles to hunt, farm, travel or move goods, minerals and thus expand agriculture, industry and commerce.
The bridges range from the prehistoric, ancient Clapper Bridge made from natural materials to that of Victorian engineered Ribblehead viaduct whilst others are more recent editions courtesy of the National Park. Consequently, in the Yorkshire Dales, these manmade structures are of varying style and construction, are often obscured by the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
The walks are varied; some are suitable for those with young families, while others are more suitable for the more active walker.
It is hoped the book will prompt one to look at mans created features of ingenuity as well hills, greenery and scenic views.