Dinting Viaduct

Dinting Viaduct is a railway bridge in Glossop that crosses Glossop Brook and the A57 road while spanning a valley between two hillsides. The structure consists of stone arches and wrought-iron girders arranged in four main spans rising approximately 125 feet above the ground.

The bridge opened in 1844 as part of the Woodhead Line, improving railway connections across the Pennines region. Original timber arches were later replaced with iron girders to strengthen the structure and accommodate increasing train traffic.

The structure demonstrates Victorian engineering methods through its eleven semi-circular brick arches and four main spans, each reinforced with four ribs. This design approach was typical of the era and shows how engineers tackled valley crossings at scale.

The viaduct can be viewed from footpaths near the structure, though the railway track itself is not open to the public. The best views are from the road beneath the bridge or from nearby walking trails in the surrounding countryside.

A tragic accident in 1855 when two passengers fell from the low parapet led to an early safety improvement in railway bridge design. This incident was among the first to prompt protective fencing at viaducts.

Location: Glossop

Part of: Woodhead Line, Glossop Line

GPS coordinates: 53.44755,-1.97253

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04