Rewilding the Iron Giant: Bennerley Viaduct

• 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.
• 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.

Practical Details:

• The walk is approx. 1.5 hours long.
• Sturdy shoes are recommended. The walk is moderately challenging, with some uneven pathways, some steps, and one gate requiring stooping.
• Tours are free, but a suggested donation of £3 is appreciated.

How to get here:

Meet underneath the viaduct at the compound.

Special extra parking is provided in a compound underneath the viaduct. Access will be via a lane on Awsworth Road. If you are coming from Nottingham (A6096, Shilo Way) turn right before the railway bridge. If you are coming from Ilkeston, it is your first left after the railway bridge. 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.

Visiting Us

Access Information:

The walk is moderately challenging, with some uneven pathways. There is one fixed gate which requires stooping. There are approximately 60 steps on the Nottingham end. There is a railway footbridge with a further 40 stairs up and down on the Ilkeston side. Tours are a circular walk which includes these challenges, but from the Erewash Canal side the viaduct is a fully accessible ramp. 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, with toilets and parking.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bennerley Viaduct, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston, United Kingdom