Bridges, they cross rivers, roads, railways, and valleys and borders. They can be built of stone, wood, rope and metal. Their symbolism is vast, at birth as we separate from mother, as transition points throughout life, and into the unknown of death
‘That is the road we all have to take, over the bridge of sighs into eternity’ Soren Kierkegaard.
We speak of building bridges instead of walls when relationships have broken down .
We all have favourite bridges don’t we? this is one of mine. It’s a Clapper bridge and if you’ve ever travelled across Dartmoor in Devon there’s a fair chance that you’ve stopped and admired it.
It’s believed that it dates back to the 13th century to enable pack horses to cross the river Dart. Personally it symbolizes a connection with that distant past, a walk back in time. How many feet have walked across it since those ancestors laboured over its construction – from slabs of granite? How much or little has that landscape changed since then?
How would you photograph a symbol that has meaning for you? that’s this week’s photo challenge, perhaps you’ll join in.
Lucid Gypsy 
A beautiful bridge, Gilly, with its history and personal symbolism. I’d love an aerial view too, to see the actual surface those feet have trodden. If I were taking part in this challenge, I think I’d choose something vast – wild ocean or monumental tree or anything that dwarfed a person – to symbolise the insignificance of a human being.
It is incredible to think of the generations of feet that have crossed it, these days lots of tourists and it really is striking!
Beautiful bridge and symbolism!
Thanks Cindy, its a really special place.
What a great take on the challenge Gilly. I must say this one has me thinking. Love the bridge. Can you still walk over it? Though I’m not sure I’d want to given there are no railings! My sense of balance isn;t all that good these days.
Yes you can walk across and paddle under it, I don’t think you’d have any trouble! the nicest road across Dartmoor is right next to it and several walks begin nearby!
Oh, lovely choice for the challenge, Gilly. I recall seeing a clapper bridge on Dartmoor years ago….
There are quite a few Sue this is one of the biggest and best known, probably the one you saw 🙂
Probably!
Great interpretation of the theme Gilly. Can you still walk on the bridge. It looks very narrow for pack horses to cross…
You can walk across, but I don’t think I’d want to lead a pack horse over. Centuries ago it would have been better than the river especially in winter!
“Personally it symbolizes a connection with that distant past, a walk back in time. ” = I felt like you described when I walked over the Limes path made by Caesar and his soldiers…
That’s exactly it Frizztext, a link with the people of the past!
A wonderful choice for the challenge, rich with history and meaning. Good one!
Thanks Ruth, it’s a lovely place!
What a lovely bridge, Gilly! I’d like to see that one in person. 🙂
Its beside one of the nicest roads crossing Dartmoor Jo, you’d love it – lots of good walks too 🙂
Dartmoor! I can’t remember the last time I was down that way, Gilly 😦 I’ll have to peer awful hard next time I fly to Algarve 🙂
What a picturesque bridge, Gilly. I’m not sure I’d want to cross it, but just looking is awesome. 🙂 I’ll not dwell on the thought of the final Bridge of Sighs on this bright summer’s afternoon. 😕
It’s easy to cross honestly 🙂
You’d have to hold my hand. 🙂
Then we’d have to walk sideways!
👯😃
A great description for your bridge photo. And, a perfect entry for the challenge. I’m with Sylvia on – ‘That is the road we all have to take, over the bridge of sighs into eternity’ Soren Kierkegaard. – especially during this healing time for me, but, a lovely quote none-the-less.
Have a GREAT weekend, Gilly.
Issy 😊
Thanks my dear, another weekend is coming – enjoy x:-)x
There’s something fundamental and mysterious about a rough-stone bridge. Lovely photo.
Thank you so much 🙂
What a stunning bridge Gilly! Great shot as well. Love the way you described it. 😀 ♥
Thank you, I hope you’re well 🙂
All well thanks Gilly. Hope to hear the same. 😀
Love this ancient, functional bridge, Gilly ~ I’m sure I have stopped by it on Dartmoor. Great article about the symbolism and significance of bridges too! 🙂
I’m sure you would have seen this one in the past, its very well known 🙂
such history where you are…indeed, great place for photo ops, love that bridge. Those guys could do wonders with stones!
Yes, I have no idea how they managed it!
Humans have been doing the same thing for thousands of years…there really is nothing new. It’s just that things are easier to do now, maybe?
Interesting!
Beautiful!! I love bridges and I think this one could stand up to its modern and iconic counterparts!
Thanks Madhu, it does and will keep on doing so 🙂
Love this! That bridgebis so simple yet so evocative! I agree with you that bridges are so full of symbolism. In a way they are a sign of hope. They will always take us somewhere, even when the destination is unknown!