Cantlop Bridge

Cantlop Bridge is a single-span cast-iron bridge built in 1813 as part of Shropshire's expanding road network. Thomas Telford certainly approved its design and may have designed it, with a light iron frame supporting a flat deck without a central river pier. Unlike earlier iron bridges that copied timber construction, its structure made more deliberate use of the material's strengths. Road traffic moved to the adjacent concrete bridge in the 1970s, leaving the old crossing as a compact piece of engineering history beside the lane. Reviewers generally recommend it as a short stop while travelling through the area, rather than a destination needing a full afternoon. Pause to look beneath the deck as well as across it to appreciate the ironwork. English Heritage identifies a layby just beyond the newer bridge for parking. Dogs on leads are welcome, and care is needed beside the live road.