I have got passed the bronze beast bit I need a bridge handle to get to next area. (up the ladder after the fast stream. Where do I find it.

Did you explore all of the cave on the other side of the river - there is a bit at the end where you climb up - don't go back down the same way - leap the hole - there are more passages over there. I can't remember, but I think the bridge crank was in a chest in the first spider nest (near a charred something).