Roving Bridge Over Grand Union Canal West Of Hampstead Road Lock

The Roving Bridge over the Grand Union Canal, located west of Hampstead Road Lock, is an early to mid-19th century structure that was restored in the late 20th century. This cast-iron bridge features a single span and is designed as a skew cross-over bridge. Originally equipped with wrought-iron tension stays, it has been restored with steel tension cables, and the decking has been renewed.

Access to the bridge is provided by steep ramps on both sides, which are paved with granite setts and flanked by stone parapets that show numerous rope markings. The stone and metal approaches to the bridge bear scars from the tow ropes of barges that were drawn out of the lock and passed under the bridge, which allows the towpath to continue on the northern side of the canal. Historically, as horses descended the hill, they could return to the towpath by crossing Hampstead Road Bridge and entering via the ramp located west of the bridge, opposite the lock-keeper's cottage, which is now the Regents Canal Information Centre.