Lions' Bridge, Downs Banks - Oulton Heath, Stone, Staffordshire, England, UK. - Hiking Path Footbridges on Waymarking.com

The wooden footbridge is located at Downs Banks, an area of open countryside owned and managed by the National Trust. Downs Banks covers an area of about 166 acres (67 ha), and consists of woodland, heath, and a glaciated valley with a stream. The bridge crosses the Downs Banks Brook, that runs the length of the property from North to South.

The site is 'open access' on foot to all and is a popular site with dog walkers. As well as footpaths there is also a waymarked bridleway which may be used with care by horse riders and cyclists.
The site is sometimes used by the Potteries Orienteering Club, and before them was used by the Walton Chasers since the 1950s.
An all-ability trail, that is suitable for rugged wheelchairs and pushchairs, is a 1½ mile route on well-surfaced paths that take you alongside Downs Banks stream. Benches are available at regular intervals on many of the longer and steeper paths.
A map located at the car park shows pathways that cross the area and it is mounted on a board that also gives some information about the location.

"In 1986 Stone Lions' Club generously donated the funds needed to put a bridge across the Downs Banks Brook.
Staff from Attingham Park in Shropshire worked with local volunteers to build what would become known as the Lions' Bridge. The bridge completed the footpath network, allowing everyone to easily cross from one side of the stream to the other.
In 2003, Stone Lions' Club renewed their relationship with Downs Banks by kindly donating a further sum to replace the bridge's railings with new ones made of locally grown oak, which was cut to size at a nearby sawmill.
They also funded new ramps onto the bridge and works to repair the eroded stream bank either side of the bridge, making it easier for people on bikes or with pushchairs to cross.
As well as being an important part of the footpath network at Downs Banks, the bridge is a favourite with children as a place to play 'pooh sticks'.
The bridge is constructed from recycled pine railway sleepers for the bridge surface and sustainably grown sessile oak for the railings.
The ramps were constructed of concrete made by mixing 40 percent recycled concrete taken from old fence posts removed from the boundary of Downs Banks itself." Source: (visit link)

Trail Name: Downs Banks footpath and bridle path walks Approximate Length of Bridge: 12 Obstacle: Downs Banks Brook Trail Type: Earthen/Packed Dirt

Visit Instructions:
Photos are encouraged, but not required.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   05/13/2021 Alancache visited it