Lambley Viaduct

Lambley Viaduct is a stone railway bridge spanning the River South Tyne with nine arches that stretch across a substantial length. The arches rise high above the water and create an imposing outline visible from far away.

The viaduct was built in the mid-19th century and was an important connection for transporting minerals from the nearby mining areas. After more than 100 years of use, the railway line was abandoned but left this lasting structure behind.

The structure embodies Victorian pride in engineering and shows how ambitious people were to connect this region with modern transport. Visitors can see today how massive and lasting the construction is, which explains why the bridge still stands.

You can visit the viaduct via a footpath from the nearby village. Part of the structure remains restricted, so visitors should stick to open areas and wear sturdy footwear.

The viaduct was never wider than necessary - the railway tracks were extremely narrow and show how carefully engineers saved on materials. This precise construction style was typical of early railway projects built with limited budgets and great ambition.

Location: Coanwood

Official opening: 1852

GPS coordinates: 54.91890,-2.50868

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08