Morning Light on Reeth Swing Bridge
Photographed on a dog walk by the River Swale
This morning’s dog walk was meant to be a quick stretch of the legs… but as often happens, I got sidetracked by the view. And when you’ve got a camera in hand and light like this over the valley, well — how could I not linger?
The Reeth Swing Bridge looked especially lovely this morning. I’ve walked past it countless times over the years, but there’s something about that first golden light touching the cables and wooden walkway that makes you stop and appreciate the simple beauty of the place. It’s one of those local landmarks that blends into the landscape so well — until the light shifts and suddenly it becomes the centre of the whole scene.
The bridge sits just a short walk outside the village, tucked between sheep meadows and dry stone walls, spanning the River Swale. If you’ve never crossed it, you might assume the name “Swing Bridge” means it opens or pivots — but it doesn’t. The ‘swing’ comes from the gentle movement you feel underfoot as you walk across. It’s a suspension bridge, so it naturally gives a little — and if you’ve got a dog like mine, it becomes a bit of a bouncy adventure every time.
There’s some history here too. The original bridge was built in the 1920s and served the community for decades before it was tragically swept away by floods in the late 1990s. The current bridge was rebuilt in 2002, staying true to the spirit of the original design but with stronger materials and a sturdier structure. It now stands as a small but mighty reminder of how quickly the landscape can change — and how much local people care about preserving what connects us.
For me, photographing the bridge is about more than just a nice composition (though I do love the lines of the cables against the layered fields beyond). It’s about documenting the little things that make this part of Swaledale so special — the quiet places where history and nature meet, and where life just gently rolls on.
I’ve shared a few photos from this morning below. All taken with the early light coming in soft and warm — that perfect kind of light that seems to make everything glow from within.
If you’re ever in Reeth and fancy a walk, I highly recommend heading down to the bridge. Bring your camera, bring your dog, and give the cables a little bounce as you go.
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