The bridge had provided the only river crossing of the River Swale at this location and is on a very popular circular walk, starting from the village of Reeth.

While the bridge links two public rights of way, the actual bridge, when it was washed away, was not a public right of way. As such the National Park Authority had no statutory obligation to re-build the bridge, though it has been used by the public for many years. The NPA has now confirmed a Map Modification Order which has put the public right of way over the bridge.