Beggar's Bridge

• The high, narrow arch in sandstone, spanning roughly 15m (about 48ft), with a flagstone deck only about 2m wide and low parapets around 0.75m high.
• The carved "1619" and "TF" datestone on the downstream, south-facing side, best read from the riverbank.
• Corbels beneath the arch, most likely left from timber scaffolding used during construction.
• Cobbled ramps at each end, built for packhorses rather than carts, and open at the sides.
• An explanatory board on site fills in the story if you arrive without background.

The bridge is a **17th-century structure, a Scheduled Monument and Grade II* listed, and may reuse stonework from a medieval bridge that had collapsed by 1577. It is credited to Thomas Ferres, said to have begun as the poor son of an Egton farmer and later to have become Sheriff and Mayor of Hull. The local legend** tells that flood water stopped him crossing to say goodbye to Agnes Richardson before he went to sea; he made his fortune, returned to marry her, and built the bridge so future lovers would not be parted by the river.

Public footpaths and bridleways run through the valley, and both the Esk Valley Walk and a coast to coast route pass nearby. The classic outing is a circular walk of about five miles between Glaisdale and Egton Bridge, usually 2.5 to 3.5 hours, moderate in effort, mixing quiet lanes with rougher paths. Part of the route follows the Monks' Trod, an old line of stone slabs laid through East Arnecliff Wood.

The Esk here supports salmon and rare freshwater pearl mussels, and the valley is known for otters, kingfishers, herons and dippers, with mayflies over the water in season. Stand quietly on the bank rather than the deck for the best chance of seeing anything.

• Small and quickly seen, and partly hidden by the neighbouring road and rail bridges, so photographs take some positioning.
• Uneven cobbles and worn stone, often damp under trees, and the crossing is narrow so walkers have to give way to each other.
• The ramps have no side barriers and the river is immediately below, which needs care with children and dogs.
• No shelter or services at the bridge, so plan around the village for anything else. Sturdy footwear helps, both here and on the onward paths.