Chollerford Bridge

Chollerford Bridge stands over the River North Tyne at Humshaugh in Northumberland. The present stone bridge dates from 1785 and was designed by Robert Mylne after floods destroyed its medieval predecessor in 1771. It carries the modern road while preserving the crossing place used for centuries. A Grade II listed building, the bridge is built of local stone and follows the line of earlier bridges. Hadrian’s Wall once crossed the river nearby at Chesters Roman Fort. The bridge is worth the journey for its engineering and its place in local history. Robert Mylne was a noted Scottish architect and engineer who also designed Blackfriars Bridge in London. The floods of 1771 were severe enough to destroy the old bridge and prompt a new design. Hadrian’s Wall ran through this area in the 2nd century AD, linking forts and milecastles across northern Britain. The bridge now links modern Northumberland with the remains of that Roman frontier. Visitors find a sturdy stone bridge with wide arches spanning the river. The riverbank below shows the force of past floods in the worn stones and deep pools. A short walk southwest leads to the remains of Chesters Bridge, where Hadrian’s Wall once crossed on multi-arched stonework. The surrounding countryside is quiet farmland with views toward the Simonside Hills. The bridge itself is a calm place to stand and watch the water flow beneath.