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.
To find out more about our news, events, and activities see our Latest News page or subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Where to Find Us
Nottinghamshire Access Ramp Delay
Construction work on a new access ramp on the Nottinghamshire side began back in March 2024. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are still unable to open the ramp at the time.
There has been more significant movement of material on the new ramp, which is currently being assessed by geotechnical engineers. Until these investigations are complete, it will be impossible to estimate how much work will be needed and how long it will take before the ramp can be opened.
We are working with our contractors and Broxtowe Borough Council to secure the best conclusion, including exploring interim access solutions, such as temporary steps. We will keep you informed of any further developments. We plan to hold a Members’ Meeting on 29th January at Awsworth Parish Hall to bring our members, volunteers and supporters up to date with project developments. We will share further details of this meeting as soon as they are confirmed.
You can still visit the viaduct as is not fully closed but there is no access, up or down, from the Nottinghamshire “steps” end. You must arrive via the towpath from the Derbyshire end, a signposted route begins from Cotmanhay Bridge over the Erewash canal. You can read more temporary access changes, see this update. (Updated as of January 2025)
The viaduct is between Cotmanhay and Awsworth, near Ilkeston, at Ordnance Survey grid reference SK 473 438. Find out more on our Visiting the Viaduct page.
Please note, the viaduct is a former railway bridge built nearly 150 years ago. The new deck is 60 feet above the ground and is accessed by a sloping path at one end and steps at the other. There are exposed iron troughs on the deck which should be avoided as they are very slippery when wet. If you are bringing children to the viaduct, please supervise them, and keep dogs on leads as you cross the structure.
Public access to the Bennerley Viaduct for leisure purposes is by permission of the owners, Railway Paths Ltd. The registered charity, The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, holds the lease for managing and caring for the site as a visitor attraction. People using the viaduct do so entirely at their own risk. No liability can be accepted in these circumstances.
Footbridge Closure
Harworth Group, who own the land to the North of the viaduct, have, on safety grounds, condemned and closed the concrete bridge over the River Erewash. We know many of you use the bridge to access the paths under the viaduct, please respect their decision and don’t put yourself at risk by trying to climb over the barriers. We are, as a matter of urgency, looking at alternative ways to access the underneath of our Iron Giant.
Virtual, 3D Tour
Why not take our virtual, 3D tour (opens in a separate browser tab) of Bennerley Viaduct and the surrounding area? This preview video give you an impression of what the tour is like, but the real tour covers many more locations in high definition and is fully interactive – you control where you go and what you look at and read about!
This tour was funded thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thank you to them, and the players, who made this work possible.
Guided Tours
Click here to book onto one of our guided walks! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bennerley-viaduct-50471020253
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