A baffling bridge that appeared one day on north Norfolk marshland now has a new mystery - who installed the second handrail? 

The bridge was first seen in a popular, but isolated walking spot in Stiffkey marshes on July 21.

Now a second handrail has been added to the makeshift structure, but nobody seems to have any idea about who installed it.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Ian Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner, shared an image of the bridge with the group showing the new handrail at the Mystery Stiffkey bridgeIan Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner, shared an image of the bridge with the group showing the new handrail at the Mystery Stiffkey bridge (Image: Ian Curtis)

Ian Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner, said: “After it was mentioned I rushed down there to get a look.

"I think people, like me, are pleased to see something installed which makes the bridge even more accessible."

It comes amid a long-running row between Stiffkey locals and the National Trust, which owns the land, over replacing a bridge that was removed in March last year after being deemed structurally unsafe.

Mr Curtis said: “This bridge has given access to the marsh again, and this rail makes it less dangerous than before, in fact, it makes it even better.

“It's something for everyone, even fairies, to hold onto when walking across.”

READ MORE: Mystery Stiffkey bridge closed off by National Trust

Fakenham & Wells Times: Ian Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaignerIan Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner (Image: Ian Curtis)

Mr Curtis earlier said he thought fairies might be responsible for the mysterious structure, and he has now taken to calling it the 'fairy bridge'.

The National Trust has tried to deter walkers from using the crossing by taping it off and putting up a sign that says: “We do not know who built this bridge and cannot vouch for its construction.

"Please do not cross the channel here for your safety and do not rely on this crossing to escape from the salt marsh at high tide”.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The National Trust sign left at the mystery Stiffkey bridgeThe National Trust sign left at the mystery Stiffkey bridge (Image: Ian Curtis)

The National Trust has said it is working on a project to build a new bridge, which it said could cost up to £250,000.

The charity dismantled the previous bridge in March 2022 due to erosion.

It is still unknown when a new bridge might appear, with MP for North Norfolk, Duncan Baker, saying Stiffkey residents could have to wait until 2024.