Join a special Heritage Open Day walk of Bennerley Viaduct, one of only two wrought iron viaducts nationally, and its beautiful surroundings

Learn about the history and stories of Bennerley Viaduct at a countryside walk.

Recently rescued by a grassroots group of Friends, and reopened to the public for cycling and walking, this 1400ft monument straddles the Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire border, with intricate lattice work and beautiful natural surroundings.

The viaduct is an engineering marvel and a must-see for railway and industrial history fans.

Practical Details:

The walk is approx. 1.5-2 hours long.

Sturdy shoes are recommended. The walk is moderately challenging, with some uneven pathways and some steps.

We always welcome dogs but they must be kept on leads at all times!

How to get here: DO NOT FOLLOW THE POSTCODE. It is provided to help you find the area, but the viaduct has no postcode.

Special parking is provided in a compound underneath the viaduct. Access via Newtons Lane off Awsworth Road (what3words reference: ///played.reds.whites). If you are coming from Nottingham (A6096, Shilo Way) turn RIGHT onto Newtons Lane then turn RIGHT again just before the railway bridge. If you are coming from Ilkeston, it is your first LEFT after the railway bridge. It can be tricky navigating this road as digital map systems show Newtons Lane as Awsworth Road, we highly recommend using what3words for your journey. The gate to the lane will be open. Drive down the tarmac lane until you arrive underneath the viaduct. Volunteers will be on hand to direct parking. If you are walking to us, cross the Erewash canal through the woodland track, cross the railway footbridge and follow the path to the compound.

More details and parking advice on this webpage:

Visiting Us

Access Information:

The walk is moderately challenging, with some uneven pathways. There is a railway footbridge with 40 stairs up and down on the Ilkeston side. There are no toilets on site. The closest public toliets are at Tesco, Ilkeston. There are no refreshments, but close by is organic farm Trinity Farm Shop and Cafe, Awsworth, or Ilkeston Station, with toilets and parking.

Walk along the new deck and see the views of the Erewash Valley.

See what a community can do, in a post-industrial town, to rescue their history and invest in nature and each other.

Walk the pathways and habitats created by our volunteers, and hear from us about our pride in the Iron Giant of Ilkeston and Awsworth.

Please consider donating generously to keep our project growing. We accept digital qr code scanning payments, but please use cash where you can so we retain full value. Cheques are also welcome.

Description supplied by the event organiser.