The Ribblehead Viaduct.

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My Ribblehead Viaduct collection is a set of 17 pictures, 1 which was taken in August 1976, the rest in April 2015. They can all be seen here, on Flickr, YouTube and on Clickasnap where they can also be downloaded.

The Ribblehead Viaduct or Batty Moss Viaduct is a 24 arch bridge that carries the Settle to Carlisle line across the Ribble Valley in North Yorkshire, England. Work began on the viaduct in 1869 or 70 according to different sources and ran until completion in August 1875. The workforce grew to approx. 2300 men who lived in camps with their families around the viaduct, these settlements were known as Batty Wife Hole, Sebastopol and Belgravia. The area around the base of the viaduct where these settlements were is now a scheduled ancient monument. Over 100 men died during the construction of Ribblehead Viaduct due to accident, fighting and an outbreak of smallpox. In addition to these men they were over 100 more deaths amongst the women and children of their families who lived in the camps. Many are buried in the nearby ST Leonards Church, Chapel-le-Dale where there is a plaque erected in the church in their memory.

The Midland Railway had planned a route through the area from the early 1860's and despite trying to withdraw from the planned line, which was rejected by parliament in April 1869 they commenced work in November 1869. By July 1870 the foundations were being constructed and the first stone was laid in October 1870. The plan had originally been for 18 arches but this changed in 1872 and it was decided 24 arches would be better for the design. Despite the change work continued at a good pace and by the end of 1874 the stone work was complete. The first goods train crossed the viaduct in August 1875, followed by the first passenger train in May 1876.

The viaduct is 400m long and 32m high at the highest point across the valley. The 24 arches have a span of approx. 14m and the foundations are 7.6m deep underground. It is the longest single structure on the Settle to Carlisle line and probably the most famous. There is the Ribblehead Railway Station approx. 1/2 mile south of the viaduct and the area is popular with walkers, there is also the Station Inn which offers accommodation, food and drink in the shadow of the Viaduct.

The story of the Ribblehead Viaduct may have ended if it wasn't for a plan by British Rail to close the line in the early 1980's. They argued that the high cost of repairing the viaduct and other structures along the route made the continued running of the line uneconomical. Between 1981 and 1984 over £100000 was spent on repairs to the viaduct and by the mid 1980's the track across had been reduced to single status with a 20mph speed limit. In November 1988 the Viaduct was given Grade II listed status and by this time a major campaign group had formed to fight the closure threat. Due to there campaigning and increased passenger numbers the line was saved from closure by 1989 and the viaduct underwent major repairs until 1991.

The majority pictures were taken on the 4th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They can also be seen on Clickasnap un-watermarked where copies can also be purchased.

The viaduct is pictured in August 1976, note it is still double track not being singled until 1985 when it was once again subject to closure threats.

At no stage when taking these pictures did I ever enter within the fenced off areas of the track, and I would not recommend anyone else does either.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Ribblehead: A Station Reborn in the Shadow of Giants

The Yorkshire Dales, a landscape sculpted by time and nature, holds many hidden gems. One of the most captivating is Ribblehead Railway Station. Nestled a stone's throw from the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, this station tells a story of resilience, restoration, and the enduring allure of the Settle to Carlisle line.

Imagine arriving at Ribblehead. The sheer scale of the viaduct, its 24 arches stretching across the valley, is breathtaking. But turn your gaze, and you'll find a station steeped in history, a testament to the railway's enduring impact on this remote corner of England.

Opened in 1876, Ribblehead was a vital stop on the Settle to Carlisle Railway, connecting communities and facilitating trade through the rugged terrain. For nearly a century, passengers alighted here, their journeys framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Dales. However, as with many rural stations, the rise of the motor car led to a decline in passenger numbers. In May 1970, Ribblehead Station closed its doors, seemingly consigned to history.

The station's fate seemed sealed. The north platform was demolished to make way for a transfer siding, and the southern platform succumbed to the relentless march of time, falling into disrepair. Yet, the story doesn't end there.

The Settle to Carlisle line, a feat of Victorian engineering, held a special place in the hearts of railway enthusiasts. In 1986, a glimmer of hope emerged when British Rail reopened the southbound platform to passenger traffic. This marked the beginning of Ribblehead's remarkable revival.

The momentum continued. In 1993, a brand-new northbound platform was constructed and opened, restoring the station's functionality. But the restoration didn't stop at the platforms. The station buildings, once derelict, were meticulously restored, a labour of love completed in 2000.

Today, Ribblehead Railway Station is operated by the dedicated volunteers of the Settle and Carlisle Trust. Their passion has breathed new life into this historic site, transforming it into a welcoming hub for visitors.

Stepping onto the platform, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the steam whistles, and the bustle of Victorian travellers. The restored buildings offer a glimpse into the station's former glory, while the surrounding landscape remains as awe-inspiring as ever.

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a scenic escape, a visit to Ribblehead Railway Station is a must. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, a testament to the power of preservation, and a reminder of the enduring magic of the Settle to Carlisle line.

The pictures were taken on the 4th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

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.

Ingleborough Peak, the 2nd highest mountain in Yorkshire can be seen in the distance. I climbed the steep embankment to take this picture.

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. 

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.

Thanks for looking; please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my Portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.