SIX new bridleways across the North York Moors National Park have been created thanks to a project re-establishing missing routes in the Esk Valley.

The opening of a new bridge over the Murk Esk in the National Park brought an end to the three-year Missing Links Project, funded by the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

The six bridleways connect with public transport and the new bridge restores an historic bridleway connection between the hamlets of the Esk Valley and Green End.

Lady Elizabeth Kirk, a founder trustee of the Byways and Bridleway Trust and former North York Moors National Park member, officially opened the bridge.

She said: “Getting this new bridge, in place was not a simple operation and many hands were involved.

“Please spread the word to all your friends; here is the best missing link, we gain a beautiful ride away from road traffic and an unrivalled experience of our local history.”

The bridge sits on the historic abutment of the former tramway bridge which was built in the 1830s to transport whinstone from the mines to the Whitby and Pickering Railway.