Richmond Falls, Swaledale, Richmond
More Articles in the Richmond to Danby Wiske subsection
Richmond Castle and the River Swale
Richmond Falls, Swaledale, Coast to Coast
Between Richmond Bridge, or the Green Bridge as it is otherwise known, and Mercury Bridge, this stretch of river is spanned by two separate waterfalls, together known as Richmond Falls. When in spate the two falls often appear as one. Between Richmond Bridge and the Falls is a small dam, which slows the flow of water somewhat before it reaches the Falls.
This stretch of the River Swale is also located just below the steep northern riverbank that rises to Richmond Castle. From Mercury Bridge the River is somewhat tamer, and changes direction from north-east to south east and flows more gently in the direction of Easby Abbey.
The bend at which the river turns, opposite Clink Bank Wood, has a deep pool which is known as the Clink Pool, once used by husbands to punish their wives by ducking.
Richmond Falls Dry Weather
The River Swale descends over a series of wide rocky steps resulting in a long sequence of waterfalls and cascades as Swaledale peters out and the River Swale reaches Richmond town. In very dry weather the rocky ledges are exposed.
Richmond Falls Wet Weather
In wet weather the River Swale is transformed into a maelstrom of swirling, bubbling water moving at an incredible speed as it passes by Richmond between the Green Bridge (Richmond Bridge) and Mercury Bridge.
Richmond Dam Swale in spate
When the River Swale is in spate the dam above the Falls slows the water as the River enters Richmond town. Below the dam are two large, wide waterfalls which take up the entire breadth of the River.
Richmond Falls
Richmond Falls are located at the foot of the steep cliffs housing Richmond Castle. The sheer volume of water thundering below the Castle is startling. The air around its vicinity is saturated with spray and the roaring noise of the water is deafening.
Green Bridge River Swale
The triple arched Richmond Bridge (aka the Green Bridge) spans the River Swale at the south west part of Richmond, providing access to Holly Hill suburb and Catterick Garrison. From the bridge there are extensive views along the Swale and Richmond Castle.
Mercury Bridge River Swale
The four arched Mercury Bridge spans the River Swale near the town centre and provides access to the former Richmond Railway, now transformed into a modern leisure area.
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