Six routes on this site affected by footbridge closure

Major repairs required on popular route

The footbridge along Essendon footpath 16 crossing over Wildhill Brook

Image by North Mymms News released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Hertfordshire’s Countryside Management Service (CMS) says a well-used local footpath will be closed until further notice while a footbridge along the route is totally dismantled and rebuilt.

The work is expected to take at least six months. The public right of way features on seven routes on this site. Signs are to be put up indicating the section to be closed.  

The section of Essendon footpath 16 affected by the closure of the footbridge in red

Other footpaths and byways still open in green

Graphic created on Map Hub by North Mymms News

Elements © Thunderforest © OpenStreetMap contributors

Dawn Grocock, the Access Projects Officer told this site that CMS volunteers have examined the bridge and found it to be beyond repair with the main supporting beams totally rotted through.

“Unfortunately as the bridge is also on wooden foundation blocks, I think it is beyond repair, so will require total replacement. As this water course is recorded with the Environment Agency, we will need to submit a full application and technical drawings for the replacement works and wait for approval of these.

“For approval the new bridge will require an updated design with concrete foundations and steel beams, therefore access for this work may need to wait until drier ground. Therefore unfortunately I think I will need to place a six month closure order on the route, as it may be some time before works can start.”

The footbridge along Essendon footpath 16 crossing over Wildhill Brook

Image by North Mymms News released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

The footbridge, at the junction of Wildhill Brook and Essendon Brook on Essendon footpath 16 (Grid Ref: TL 26977 07615) has to be crossed by people walking the following routes:

• Walk 2 - Camfield Place Loop (3 miles)
• Walk 11 - West End Loop (4.4 miles)
• Walk 14 - The Woodman Loop (4.8 miles)
• Walk 15 - Wildhill Figure of Eight (4 miles)
• Walk 17 - Hornbeam Lane Loop (4.1 miles)
• Walk 21 - Cucumber Lane Loop (5.8 miles)
• Walk 37: Three Ridges Loop (8.3 miles)

One of the two signs pinned to the bridge by Hertfordshire County Council reads: “Footpath closed due to dangerous bridge. Due to safety concerns, this bridge will remain closed until works to make it safe have taken place.”

Sign posted to the footbridge on Essendon footpath 16
Image by North Mymms News released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Another sign says the public is prohibited from using the bridge.

Sign posted to the footbridge on Essendon footpath 16
Image by North Mymms News released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

---

Tips for getting the most out of this site

We have a walking tips page with some suggestions for what you should take on our walks, the recommended maps you should carry, how to print the directions without destroying too many trees, and how to comment and share your experiences for the benefit of other walkers. We want this to be a mutually-beneficial community project with everyone being able to contribute.

---