The Iron Giant - A New Future for Bennerley Viaduct

Please watch: "The Most Beautiful Closed Railway in the UK? Scarborough to Whitby Railway Episode 2"
• The Most Beautiful Clo... -~-
Bennerley Viaduct - A New Future for the Iron Giant
Join me as we visit the former Railway Viaduct in Derbyshire known locally & nationwide as The Iron Giant, Bennerley Viaduct at sunrise through to a lovely winter morning in January 2022.
Once part of the Great Northern Railways Derbyshire and Staffordshire Extension between Nottingham and Derby, this route closed to all traffic in 1968.
Bennerley Viaduct has since survived a demolition attempt and now as a result of many years of campaigning and increased support Bennerley Viaduct is now accessible for all to enjoy.
With extensive footage from above, on top and below we also take a look at the history that once occupied the vast area of land beside this amazing and historical structure.
Subscribe here: / @trekkingexploration
Would you like to help support my Channel? Hit the link to find out how: / @trekkingexploration
Buy me a Coffee at ko-fi.com/trekkingtowpaths
PayPal at www.paypal.me/trekkingtowpaths
Follow me on Facebook at / trekkingandtowpaths
Twitter at / ttowpaths
Instagram at www. trekkingtowpaths
#bennerley #viaduct #irongiant #bennerleyviaduct Additional Music by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0.
www.scottbuckley.com.au

[@thoughtsonfitness3249]

I’m currently working on Midland on the electrification programme, loving the infrastructure as I do I’m so happy about this restoration. One of my colleagues who was a construction manager on the Market Harborough line speed and station improvement scheme in `Northamptonshire’ talked about this regularly, he will love this vlog. Ant this is outstanding, the next chance I get I’m walking this. Hopefully with my colleague from work. Incredible!

[@whyyoulidl]

+1!

[@grahamfisher5436]

maybe arrange for Ant to get taken on a site tour, where your working that would make a fantastic video .. and brilliant opportunity and well deserved gift to Ant . he's a gud un me duck

[@philcarr1323]

Omg. You've nailed the editing. The music and shots are amazing. Well done.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much Phil. Much appreciated 😃

[@seamusmcevoy2011]

That really was excellent, it's amazing what they have done with the structure. I've said it before, but I'm always thrilled by how proactive Notts/Derby are with renovating railway history, from old line/railway walks to big jobs like this one. The drone work was brilliant as well, practice makes perfect!!!

[@TrekkingExploration]

I've certainly enjoyed experimenting with the drone recently and it's paying dividends. That full circle of the viaduct was over a mile across 😮

[@seamusmcevoy2011]

@@TrekkingExploration Blimey, that'll be well worth a visit.

[@kenstevens5065]

Another great production Ant so well researched, produced and so informative. You are starting to put some mainstream video production companies to shame. Full marks also to the numerous supporters who have made this refurbishment possible. We must preserve our history and stand proud to our industrial heritage which we exported for the good of all people of the world.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much Ken that is such a kind and supportive comment. Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully more projects around the UK similar to this can be completed too

[@patgriffin1627]

Absolutely brilliant Ant and no brambles to scramble through. A great credit to all who contributed.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so very much. Glad the brambles have scarpered 🙂

[@GordonMachej]

A sincere thank you to all of those that have contributed to retaining some of our fantastic Victorian heritage and architecture. Can you imagine the enormous tourist potential had the planners retained the “40 arches” located less than a mile away from the viaduct? I can visualise a walking / cycling trail linking both. What a shame. At least the iron giant is in safe hands. Love the professional videos.

[@alexcharlesworth7580]

I love that KZbin randomly selects videos as I thought this was wonderful. We have so much amazing industrial heritage that needs to be protected like this. On another note, I kind of hope they leave some stretches of the decking as it is as I rather like being able to see the bare bones of the structure or maybe put some glass sections in.....

[@TrekkingExploration]

Brilliant thanks so much for watching 😀😀

[@looneytune6955]

I've always had an avid interest in infrastructure from a bygone era, especially the railways and Victorian architecture. Your videos are great tribute to the blood sweat and tears shed by the workforces that built them.

[@alisonlee3314]

Stunningly beautiful! Thank goodness this has been recognised and regenerated. A tribute to the men who built it. I think it's wonderful. Thank you for showing us ♥️

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment. I'm really pleased you enjoyed it 🙂

[@micknunns7509]

Another fantastic video Ant You never fail to please. Thanks to everyone involved in this project it is amazing, well done you.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so very much. 😀😀

[@johndufton9686]

Nice to see our Industrial heritage being preserved.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@sparkyindahouse]

i went there today..fantastic..im from nottingham and never knew it was there..great video

[@U34CH]

Superb video Ant! I have looked at this structure for over 50 years on visits to Ilkeston. I will be walking it very soon. Imagine the appeal it would have if the line was still active.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

excellent

[@mikerogers5043]

Love this video, you picked a brilliant day to film, the lighting and footage is stunning. First saw this viaduct a few years back on a train from Liverpool to Norwich, and was on Google Earth not long after to see what it was. Have followed it's progress since..

[@Carolb66]

Thanks

[@a11csc]

wonderful ant and to be saved from the cutters torch,what a triumph

[@earlmarshall5054]

glad you did this as i fancy taking a look,

[@Carolb66]

Absolutely stunning video Ant, you are excellent at what you do, thank you. ❤😊

[@rodsmith3911]

Lovely video filmed on an ideal sunny morning giving a lovely colourful effect. Great advert for a project that is saving a historic structure from terminal decay. It almost looks like an American railroad trestle and the early morning light gives it an eerie look. Thanks for another well produced video.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks for watching and also your kind words too. I love it here and I'll hopefully find another reason to film it again soon.

[@johnmasters504]

Great video

[@steviez110]

Well done Ant another cracking video

[@pedro67891]

Great video, I went there a week or so ago and it was rammed, but its a lovely walk down the Nott'm canal, over the viaduct then back down the Erewash canal.

[@jetsons101]

Another great watch, thanks. The music you picked for the drone shots really set the mood along with shooting at daybreak. Another top notch watch.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Sunrise amazing. Superb filming and drone footage. Music fitting. What a brilliant viaduct . Most enjoyable.thank you again Ant for all your hard work.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Another great video today. Always a journey to look forward to. Cheers Ant!

[@philsmodelrailway232]

Outstanding video Ant, plenty of good footage and very well presented with photos and info . Just loving your work 5⭐️

[@michaelmiller641]

Fascinating!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much :)

[@dougalbutchy2596]

That filled my heart with joy, thank you!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Glad you enjoyed it Dougal, thanks very much ☺️

[@bobsrailrelics]

Great to see this opened and accessible. Great views and great history. Thanks for this 👍

[@TrekkingExploration]

Cheers Bob Thanks so much

[@helenthorne8451]

Hi Ant what an amazing bridge I'm hoping to get walking this one soon its a fantastic piece of engineering history I bet it was fantastic travelling along it back in the day. It looked like a cold morning your nose was rosy thanks for sharing take care xx

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Excellent drone work! I past this on a walk from Langley Mill to Ilkeston not too long ago and I was thinking I’d like to walk it back then!

[@BC610E]

Great job of renovation, look forward to having a walk across sometime soon. Thanks for another great trip!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much. It's definitely worth a visit especially on a clear morning

[@pdtech4524]

Great to see it back in use and hopefully sealing it's future. 👍 You did a great job showing it off, I have flown my drone there a few times! 👍😎

[@Jimyjames73]

Very good / amazing 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@christinegibbins6105]

Thank you Ant, so interesting and good to sit preserved. Take care.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much Christine

[@robertbruce7686]

Excellent footage!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you Robert 😀😀

[@melvinbailey1966]

Incredible drone pictures. Well done and thank you.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so very much Melvin 🙂

[@davidedwards5920]

Another great video Ant, fantastic drone filming with an atmospheric sound track. Just love it 👍

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks David much appreciated 😀

[@SAM-zt2uy]

On my doorstep but every time I’ve been there’s been nowhere to park so very popular!

[@jillmclaughlin3750]

Brilliant well done

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you so much Jill 😀

[@Dave50plus]

amazing photography

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much David 😀

[@TheAgwarn]

Great video, can’t wait to go for a wonder!

[@TrekkingExploration]

You'll love it. I'll be there many times myself

[@rhodesbear3424]

Smashing video cant wait 2 visit been enjoying all of your informative films the last 2 years many thanks.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much. Really pleased 😀

[@matthewrail6065]

Great video Ant like the restoration

[@TrekkingExploration]

Cheers Matthew thanks so much

[@shonacaulton5051]

The years I spent playing up there as a kid. It’s amazing to see new life into it

[@TrekkingExploration]

Fantastic isn't it? It's great to know it from the past and see it now. Thank you for watching 😀

[@socklesslad]

Good one - as usual! Those drone shots looked as though they took hours to film. Thanks for all the work you put in.

[@tinagail-thompson5882]

Fab thanks Ant. exactly what I need to know. I can now visit on my mobility scooter.x beautifully filmed

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks Tina. I thought when you asked about access last week you'll be pleased to see this 🙂

[@stevenstopford9847]

Brilliant video awesome drone shots many thanks for sharing 👍

[@TrekkingExploration]

Cheers Steven Thanks so much

[@damedavidfrith55]

What a lovely vlog very well done an interesting,never new about this 5⭐️

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much David so pleased you enjoyed it

[@ianbriggs3821]

I always wondered what the viaduct was there for known for afew yrs always wondered when I was kid ! Thanks for the history tour amazing video 👍🏻

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you so much Ian 😀😀

[@JohnSmith-uw7su]

A great presentation as usualAnt. Super drone shots and wonderful atmospheric music. Marvellous!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you so much John

[@carlbentley80]

Another bucket list item if I ever get back to England. Great video, beautiful shots. Thanks.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much Carl

[@Richard_Barnes]

I was hoping you’d cover this Ant! Absolutely brilliant video 😃👍🏻 Loved the drone shots as well. Such an amazing piece of our history and an awesome viaduct.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Cheers Richard I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. It took me a couple of weeks to get the good weather too

[@lilchris26]

Great video Ant, one of the best you have done, loved the music too. Wish I lived a bit nearer, I would love to be paying a visit to this monument.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much indeed. Hopefully you can get here soon 😀

[@johnathanrowley2707]

Great video, worth a vist as I've always wanted to have a look at it, thanks for the public transport info as I don't drive, this will be helpful

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks Jonathan. It's definitely worth the visit. Plenty of buses too nice and regular

[@jimg9820]

I'd never heard of it until your previous video last year, despite living in Nottingham for over 30 years! I checked it out after that and noticed it was going to be opened in 2022. Did see its opening announced in the local press and am planning to walk there again soon, but this is a great taster/teaser. Thanks.

[@TrekkingExploration]

You must definitely return.... Especially on s clear day. Thank you for watching 😀

[@oldfart6318]

Superb video, well done yuth you did the subject proud.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Cheers pal. Thanks so much

[@janepatricia8779]

Fantastic footage & drone coverage,sky is beautiful, another video well done xx

[@TrekkingExploration]

Up at half 5 in the morning for this one 😂

[@janepatricia8779]

@@TrekkingExploration yes i thought you were up early, you caught the beautiful sky,xx

[@petedemaio168]

Fantastic video. I've been waiting for this one. Great info and photos. I'm a bit obsessed with this bridge and the line. On a side note I noticed a photo from Russ Saxton who passed away recently. The pic with the 03. I remembered he said he was into trains. My best wishes to his family. From Angus to Tony; Pete to Sacco.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks Pete I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Russ took a lot of great images over the years. A lasting memory.

[@chrisbayly5457]

Fabulous Ant, another great video, so glad this icon has been saved...

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much for watching Chris

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Excellent video and great to see Bennerley Viaduct repurposed and in use again. Hopefully this impressive project will be emulated elsewhere.

[@mrmez1170]

Another excellent presentation, Mate. Went across it today. Some pictures I've not seen. 👍

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much. Pleased you enjoyed it 😀

[@benGBRf]

This is a fantastic video Sir. And looks like a great location to do some railway filming. Thank you for sharing 👍🏻

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Ben 😀😀

[@staffordian]

Really enjoyable and informative video!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you so much 😃😃

[@brothermoto1964]

We walked it with the dog a couple of weeks ago, absolutely brilliant. Great video too.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Great isn't it? Thank you for watching 😃

[@metalmicky]

First class footage of this historic architecture , your videos will become archive material for future generations, five stars!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much Michael much appreciated 😀😀

[@lindamccaughey6669]

What a fabulous via duct. You timed it beautifully. What gorgeous scenery and you gave us a train how good was that. Really loved video will look forward to coming back. Please stay safe and take care

[@TrekkingExploration]

I got lucky with a couple of the trains 😉 Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Loved it as always

[@bexhil7]

Another great & fantastic video of The Iron Giant - A New Future for Bennerley Viaduct.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks Michael. Much appreciated

[@peter15871]

Great video ant, good choice of music been to see it but not up close YET, nice one....

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much for watching 😀😀

[@grayladish]

Fab vid, stunning droning, sadly we've moved away so thanks additionally for the reveal.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Graham 😀

[@frankfitzgerald5832]

Cracking video Ant.....Were looking to visit it later in the year mate tie it in with a nice canal walk ....regards Frank & Lee....

[@TrekkingExploration]

Let me know..... 😉

[@frankfitzgerald5832]

@@TrekkingExploration will do mate probably be around early september...

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

A fantastic public amenity. I'm not so sure about the no.1 or no.2 :) Made me smile that did. Thanks for another informative video.

[@wonkylommiter6364]

Fantastic and informative video as always, a place I have been visiting and crossing since childhood. to be honest, they have done nothing at all to repair or reinforce the ironwork, those few new folded steel sheet add in sections are just to cover any holes that numpties may put a foot through, rather than being structural repairs.

[@dennismay1023]

You have surpassed yourself with this video Ant. Have a coffee. I'm going to walk there this weekend via old railway routes from Basford.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much Dennis that's so kind. Will you be coming along the former route from Kimberley?

[@dennismay1023]

@@TrekkingExploration Yes mate. My house actually sits on the route of the GCR, just above where the 'rathole' was. It's a short walk to the old Basford Northern Station, then follow the route of the line over Babbington tip then on to Kimberley.

[@taloire43]

Many thanks for this guided tour. It is a shame the viaduct is not still being used for its original purpose but the restoration and new use is really worthwhile.

[@exileinderby51]

Another smashing video but what pleased me the most was the attention to detail on the new stone copings. Not a restoration done on the cheap

[@TrekkingExploration]

Those coping stones were a surprise to me too. I knew the walls had been done so that was really nice

[@156andrew8]

great Viaduct

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks for watching

[@Ncfc-ek8il]

Another great vid mate. You must be from Notts with that accent...' 'Bulwool' ! Lol. Hope to go up there soon .Bless yuz.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Yes I am I spent 19 years in Trowell and s few other local places too 😀

[@whyyoulidl]

Great walk and presentation as always. Was good to see they put demountable tag boards on the restored brickwork; apart from the little 'etch' on the step's handrail, the taggers played ball! Ps. Wild love the playlist; absolutely cracking music scores which Shazam doesn't always recognise...

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

nice to see they've restored to it's former glory but with a touch of sadness it's still not a working railway 😥they've done the same with the crab and winkle line between whitstable station and canterbury and have walked the 8.5 miles but i don't think i walked on the whole of the old track bed

[@eggy77]

I had wondered why they'd not taken the decking to the full width all the way across, I guess currently it's a cost thing as its such a lengthy viaduct, it's definitely on my to do list. I need to start getting out and exploring places that aren't on my doorstep once again.

[@denniseichert2323]

I am so sorry to hear about your laptop Ant; your visual vocabulary wouldn't be out of place in a Ridley Scott film. As an engineer (I do not work any more as I am at home with a terminal brain disease that has robbed me of my legs along with various other unpleasant medical issues) I always make it a point to watch your videos. They really give me a lift and the visuals are stunning. I am especially grateful for the attention and care you place on the Engineering of the beautiful and effective infrastructure. I thankyou Sir for the magnificent work (please do not let what has happened to your laptop derail you). If I was still working and had the money I would have personally brought you a replacement. All the very best Ant - I look forward to the day you return to Cottam!. Kind Regards, Dennis;- Stratford, New Zealand.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Hi Dennis thank you so much for your kind comment. I'm so pleased that these videos make a difference and keep you smiling. The laptop situation was resolved thanks to many individuals and I shall continue to keep visiting places for as long as I can 😀😃

[@johnjephcote7636]

I must 'do' this. I always assumed (never having been close up) that it was supported by hollow cast iron tubes (as in Belah Viaduct). Still, wrought iron is very corrosion resistant and it still looks as good.

[@themackeler5011]

Wow absolutely amazing you put this together brilliantly the drone shots with the sun on the bridge are fantastic think this is your best yet I took my bike across the other week very busy but this has made it look so much better very proffessional what drone are you using and what hand held camera very clear pics and film This is so good I need another wow well done.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you so much for such a kind comment. I tried 3 times for clearer day as I kept getting grey cloud on my days off

[@butchknapman3939]

After reading many of the comments below, it is not worth me rewriting that that has already been written but only to agree

[@hornet1068]

Loved that! Fantastic video with some awesome drone footage, well done! Bennerley Viaduct, what a wonderful and iconic structure, boy we could certainly build some great stuff years ago. Apparently, because of its wrought iron construction it would have cost more to demolish than would have been gained in scrap value, hence the reason it's still standing. Visited years ago before the renovation, it looked quite sorry then, but looks great now. Biggest problem I came across was finding somewhere to park that wasn't miles away. Any recommendations?

[@TrekkingExploration]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching. I've used Bridge Street before just a few minutes walk along the Erewash Canal from there

[@bobingram6912]

That was a lot better going than your previous visit. I know which end I'd be using!!! Any plans for the old ironworks site do you know, it would make a great nature reserve and an added attraction?? Loving that little signal post tease!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TrekkingExploration]

I remember the first time it feels like years ago... July 2019. I'd only been doing this lark seriously around 3 months at that point.... Something could well be created out of that land below... That signal keeps a reminder

[@vespasian606]

It looks pretty ugly in it's current state. If all they did was remove the asphalt and the concrete mother nature could do the rest. The water table looks pretty high so there might be the potential for marshland to develop. Just imagine being up there with a pair of binoculars looking at all the wildlife.

[@bobingram6912]

@@vespasian606 A great spot for WWT to move in, really make something of it, and as you say, you can stand above it without disturbing anything. Are we on to something here?!!!!!!🤔

[@mattwardman]

A great video. It's a good job so far - it a huge disappointment that disabled people or mobility aid users cannot access it.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Work has started on a ramp at the eastern end however access is available on the canal side for restricted users

[@simonballard6413]

A marvellous video! I really must walk that viaduct. What beautiful music too, particularly in the early part - what was it?

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks Simon. The opening track is The Big Truth by August Wilhelmsson

[@simonballard6413]

Many thanks, Ant. Now I shall explore more of this composer's lovely music!

[@Peter-MH]

Wonder if it was built with iron from the ironworks on site, and whether that was a factor in choosing that material for construction?

[@grumpyoldman47]

No; ironwork was produced by Eastwoods of Derby

[@spacellama7917]

Great video!Could you tell what the music is that you have used,please?

[@iam433]

Lovely piece of engineering 👍 incidentally what’s the music accompaniment?

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks for watching. A bit of variety? Anyone in particular? I can add in description tomorrow

[@2H80vids]

I wonder why they went with the blue/grey decking. From the drone shots, it looks rather like a canal, giving the bridge the appearance of an aquaduct. Doing this is such a contrast to the corporate vandalism being carried out by Highways England, busily infilling bridges across the country.

[@simontay4851]

Why are there steps at the other end. I expected an embankment like at the start.. Was there an embankment or did the viaduct continue on.

[@Split-Fusion]

I walked over it today

[@TrekkingExploration]

It's great isn't it

[@Split-Fusion]

Yeah and the view is great

[@Zentron]

As much as good news as this is, would still prefer to have it reopened to trains.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Absolutely agree. Thank you for watching 🙂

[@jeffreybail353]

another old world structure

[@MichaelJohnsonAzgard]

Still using feet as a measurement? You don't seem anywhere near as old as I am, yet I've not used inches, feet and yards as a measurement since the seventies.

[@metalmicky]

It’s still the same distance!

[@grumpyoldman47]

It's appropriate; Britain's railways are still measured in miles and chains For those who don't know Imperial measurements. there are 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard, 22 yards in a chain, 10 chains in a furlong and 8 furlongs in a mile; easy !

[@metalmicky]

If I remember a yard of rail line ( main line ) weighed one hundredweight ,

[@TrekkingExploration]

I still tell everyone I'm 5 foot 11 too I always have

[@colinstewart173]

I notice the graffiti vandals (they are not artists) have started and no doubt will soon ruin it

[@TrekkingExploration]

Yes sadly they got there already. 😔 Thank you for watching