Bennerley Viaduct: The Iron Giant Awsworth Rd, Ilkeston DE7 8PX

Bennerley Viaduct: The Iron Giant
An Icon of Engineering
Bennerley Viaduct is an iconic landmark in the East Midlands. Standing 20 metres high above the valley of the River Erewash, and a quarter of a mile long, it is no surprise it is known as The Iron Giant of the Erewash Valley. Grade II* listed, this rare engineering triumph was was built in 1877-78 by the Great Northern Railway to carry the Friargate Line from Nottingham to Derby. Born from the age of steam, iron and coal, it is the longest Victorian wrought iron viaduct in the country and one of only two still standing. Connecting Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, it was described by the World Monuments Fund as “an extraordinary monument” and by Historic England as “a stunning example of the genius of British Engineering.”
A Story of Survival
Bennerley Viaduct is also the ultimate survivor: closed to trains in the 1960s, once derelict, it has found a new lease of life in the care of the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct. In 2022 it was re-opened to walkers, cyclists and heritage explorers. New visitor facilities are planned in 2024, including a second ramp, visitor centre and car park.
Beneath the viaduct we are creating a haven for wildlife, a place for people to spend time in nature.
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[@pdtech4524]

Nice walk, I've not approached the viaduct from.that side before.
I've flown my drone over that area a few times and have some videos on my channel.
I've added your channel, it's always good to connect. 👍

[@Francis-xl2gu]

Currently constructing the nottingham side, there is a way you just have to find it