Footbridges across the Irthing tend to come & go, sometimes being replaced by stepping stones. Two of these are within the Spa Hotel grounds, providing the links which complete the circuits of the Spa Walks.

The Spa Bridge

Date posted: 24 August 1907

Stamp: KEVII half penny

Postmark: Gilsland

NGR: NY6

Publisher: Lochinvar N&C

My ref. 035

This bridge is still going strong and provides a crossing from immediately below the hotel to Wardrew. The source of the sulphurous spring is 200m to the right. The buildings behind were a tearoom and a shop selling trinkets - and maybe this card. They seem to have been closed at around this time - see next card.

The Spa Bridge and the Shelters

Date posted: 9 May 1909

Stamp: KGV halfpenny

Postmark: Gilsland

Reproduction: tinted half-tone

NGR: NY6

Publisher: Nicholson & Cartner

My ref. 179

The buildings at the foot of the cliff below the Spa Hotel are sometimes referred to as "The Shelters". It was only when I came to look closely at this card that I realised why - they have ceased to be shops and have been opened up along one side.

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Poppingstone Bridge

Date posted: 25 July 1906

Stamp: KEVII halfpenny

Postmark: Gilsland

Reproduction: tinted

NGR: NY6

Publisher: Valentines/Gregg

My ref. 195

This bridge was built in 1905 by Mr W Fletcher, engineer, at a cost of £90 and dedicated to the use of the public for ever. It is still doing stirling service. The width of the paths is noteworthy, the far one seems to be heading for Green Grove and, of course, the Popping Stone. This bridge was probably a replacement for the Green Grove stepping stones.

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