Majestic Ribblehead Viaduct: A Feat of Victorian Engineering
The Ribblehead Viaduct, a magnificent testament to Victorian engineering, has captivated visitors for generations. My own visit in April 2015, armed with my trusty Polaroid IS2132 digital bridge camera, only deepened my appreciation for this iconic structure. Having long desired to see it in person, I seized the opportunity while exploring nearby Kirkby Lonsdale.
Also known as Batty Moss Viaduct, this impressive structure stretches across the valley approximately 13 miles north of Settle and 73 miles south of Carlisle, carrying the renowned Settle-Carlisle Railway. Its presence is a powerful reminder of the ambition and hardship that characterized the railway's construction.
Getting there is part of the experience. The Ribblehead Railway Station sits adjacent to the viaduct, offering a scenic train journey of about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Leeds. For those driving, the B6255 road, connecting Hawes and Ingleton, passes right by.
Designed by the skilled engineer John Sydney Crossley, the viaduct's construction was a monumental undertaking. The first stone was laid on October 12, 1870, and the last in 1874. Imagine the scene: a thousand "navvies" toiling tirelessly, establishing temporary shanty towns on the moors for themselves and their families. These settlements, bearing names inspired by Crimean War victories, affluent London districts, and biblical figures, paint a vivid picture of the era. However, this ambitious project came at a cost. Smallpox epidemics and industrial accidents claimed the lives of approximately one hundred workers during construction, a stark reminder of the dangers they faced. The graveyard at Chapel-le-Dale holds around 200 burials from this period, a poignant testament to their sacrifice, and the church there houses a memorial to these railway workers.
The line over the viaduct first opened to goods traffic on August 3, 1875, but passenger trains didn't begin running until May 1, 1876, following an inspection and approval by Colonel F. H. Rich of the Board of Trade. Even in later years, the viaduct has seen its share of drama. In 1964, several brand new Humber cars were infamously blown off their freight train carriages while crossing the viaduct.
The sheer scale of the Ribblehead Viaduct is breathtaking. It spans 440 yards (400 m) in length and towers 104 feet (32 m) above the valley floor at its highest point. Comprising twenty-four arches, each with a 45-foot (14 m) span, and foundations reaching 25 feet (7.6 m) deep, the viaduct is a masterpiece of structural engineering. The ingenious design incorporates thicker piers every sixth arch, providing a crucial safeguard against potential collapse. A subtle gradient of 1:100 exists along the viaduct, with the north end sitting 13 feet (4.0 m) higher than the south. The construction consumed a staggering 1.5 million bricks, with some limestone blocks weighing a hefty 8 tonnes each.
As the longest viaduct on the Settle-Carlisle Railway, Ribblehead Viaduct holds a prominent place in railway history. Ribblehead railway station lies less than half a mile to the south, while the Blea Moor Tunnel, the line's longest tunnel, lies to the north. The viaduct stands near the foot of Whernside, adding to the stunning natural beauty of the area.
The Settle-Carlisle Line itself is a vital artery, one of three major north-south routes in Britain. Its survival is a testament to public passion. In the 1980s, British Rail attempted to close the line, citing safety concerns and the high cost of repairs. The viaduct, they claimed, was unsafe. A partial solution, implemented in 1985, involved singling the line across the viaduct and imposing a 30 mph speed limit. However, the closure proposals sparked widespread protests, ultimately leading to their retraction. The viaduct, along with the rest of the line, was repaired and maintained, ensuring its continued operation.
While Ribblehead is the longest, other impressive viaducts grace the Settle-Carlisle line, including the taller Smardale Viaduct (131 feet/40 m) and Arten Gill Viaduct (117 feet/36 m).
Today, the Ribblehead Viaduct continues to play a vital role. In 2016, it carried seven passenger trains from Leeds to Carlisle daily in each direction, alongside special long-distance excursions, often hauled by magnificent steam locomotives. Regular freight trains also utilize the route, relieving congestion on the West Coast Main Line. Keep an eye out for the Colas Rail timber train, a Friday afternoon fixture, often pulled by powerful Class 56 locomotives, and the limestone aggregate train from Arcow quarry, which requires a fascinating reversal maneuver at Blea Moor signal box. These regular workings, along with the stunning scenery, make a visit to the Ribblehead Viaduct a truly memorable experience.
Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
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| Ingleborough Peak, the 2nd highest mountain in Yorkshire can be seen in the distance. I climbed the steep embankment to take this picture. |
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| Although it may look different this picture was taken without accessing the track area. I lent across the fence having checked no trains were due. |
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| This picture was taken in August 1976, it shows the viaduct still crossed by 2 lines, it was singled in the 1980's, when once again it was being targeted for closure. |
