Clapper Bridges are primitive man-made crossings dating back to ancient times. They use long flags of local rock to span the noisy streams, often supported on boulders or stone pillars. There are two places along this trail where you cross Clapper bridges. The first is in Whitestone Lane in Crummackdale where there are two bridges crossing Austwick Beck at a ford.

The bridges were erected to give a dry crossing for travellers on foot and are constructed from flagstones quarried nearby. The second place that you cross a Clapper bridge is also beside a ford. This is the Flascoe Bridge near Austwick. Take extra care when the flagstones are wet and slippery, and especially if the beck is in spate. Be prepared to turn back and follow an alternate route if necessary.