Bennerley Viaduct 2025

Bennerley Viaduct is a Grade II* Listed railway viaduct built in 1877 by the Great Northern Railway Company. At over quarter of a mile long, it is the longest wrought iron viaduct in the country. It straddles the River Erewash connecting Ilkeston in Derbyshire with Awsworth in Nottinghamshire. The “Iron Giant” has been described by the World Monuments Fund as being an “extraordinary monument” meriting inclusion in the 2020 World Monuments Watch, one of only 25 sites chosen globally. Historic England consider the viaduct is a “stunning example of the genius of British Engineering”.

Contacts

Operator: Friends of Bennerley Viaduct

Address: Awsworth Road Ilkeston Derbyshire DE7 8PX

Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: View website

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Open Days & Times

Access at all times.

Travel

By Rail: Ilkeston / 1 mile

Facilities

Part disabled access

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The viaduct is situated between Cotmanhay and Awsworth, near the town of Ilkeston, at Ordnance Survey grid reference SK 473 438.

The viaduct is a former railway bridge built nearly 150 years ago. Its new deck is 60ft 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.

Cyclists should only use the eastern steps and wheel troughs for access and exit if they are confident in their abilities to do so.

The eastern access is currently via steep and uneven steps (a ramp and car park will be installed at this end over winter 2023-24).