Ribblehead Station & Viaduct - Settle & Carlisle Line (18th April 2023)

Hello Everyone, welcome to my latest video which comes from the site of one of the greatest Victorian railway architectural structures, the Ribblehead Viaduct. The weather was dry and sunny but there was a strengthening westerly wind which made filming a little challenging!. Being able to get really close to this structure brought home to me the immense challenges that must have been faced by the army of navvies who built it between 1870 and 1874. The sacrifices that were made, not only in the construction of the viaduct itself, but also throughout the 7 years that it took to build the Settle to Carlisle Railway across this most remote and challenging terrain were formidable. Much credit must go to the Friends of the Settle to Carlisle Railway who fought so hard to save the line from closure back in the 1980’s so that it could be protected for future generations to enjoy. Today, the S&C line is a national treasure and the story of this railway is a great example of triumph over adversity. I hope you enjoy watching the video.

[@wetcardie66]

thanking you v much indeed for well presented and informative selection of images (granted on a day blessed with wonderful light )

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Thank you David. I am so pleased you enjoyed the video. Best Wishes

[@nigelharness9032]

Hi Stephen, really enjoyed the history of the Ribblehead Viaduct on this vid, have seen Tangmere Steam loco going over the Viaduct this year, thank you for sharing cheers nigel

[@stephenbennettrailways]

@@nigelharness9032 Many thanks Nigel. The story behind the building and maintenance of the viaduct is just as remarkable as the structure itself. Glad you enjoyed the video. Best Wishes.

[@dlittlester]

Thanks so much for this video. I really enjoyed it. On a visit to the UK a few years ago, a friend took me there. It's hard to realize the enormity of those arches until you're standing under them. My friend took a picture of me there, and I'm just a dot until you enlarge the picture.

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Thank you Don. It is a magnificent structure and the story of the how it was built and maintained is truly remarkable given its location. Best Wishes.

[@jerryhayes9497]

Excellent 🎉🎉🎉🎉video 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Thank you Jerry. Best Wishes.

[@robertcollins7474]

Thankyou Stephen. Very informative. I hope to be visiting there in August.

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Thank you Robert. To get up close to the viaduct is a really unforgettable experience. I hope you are able to visit during the summer. Best Wishes

[@vicfulcher3648]

A brilliant video this. i visit this every year in September.

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Thank you Vic. I am really pleased you enjoyed the video. Getting up close to this remarkable structure really brings home the enormity of challenges that the navvies must have faced when building it. Best Wishes.

[@railwayscene]

a great video and the history well told.

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Thank you and I am glad you enjoyed the video. The story behind the building of the S&C line along with its many tunnels and viaducts is inspiring and my aim was to put this across in the video. Best Wishes

[@wallythornton8439]

Just watched your video and it was very good.me and my dad and his work mate did work on Ribblehead viaduct back in 1988..thanks Wally.

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Thank you Wally and I am so pleased that you enjoyed the video. It must have been quite an experience for you to carry out work on the structure. I have travelled across the viaduct by train many times but you have to get up close and personal to really appreciate the way it was built along with the people who built it. Best Wishes, Stephen

[@wallythornton8439]

My mum has some pictures of us working on Ribblehead Viaduct.I was only 15 when I was working with them.

[@taxidude]

You couldn't buy it! A lovely slice of Britain's past living in the present!

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Thank you. I have been across the viaduct many times on a train but it is only when you get up close to the structure on foot that you can really appreciate what a truly magnificent piece of architecture it is and to marvel at those men who built it. Best Wishes.

[@colinmcgregor123]

Hi Stephen please tell in which country is this the highest point on any mainline railway

[@stephenbennettrailways]

Hi Colin, my channel only covers railway stations in the UK. Dent is the highest mainline station in England while Corrour is the highest mainline station in Scotland.

[@colinmcgregor123]

@@stephenbennettrailways Thanks Stephen I already knew this but did some others. Love you films 👍