Cannington Viaduct, Uplyme, Devon.

Foxylady · Nov 12, 2007

Opened in 1903 for the Axminster to Lyme Regis branch line, this 600ft long viaduct was the first in the UK to be built in solid concrete. Unfortunately, subsidence was discovered between two of the arches and the builders had to reinforce inside the arch. The line was closed in 1965 during the Beeching cuts.
Went out there today to have a look and take some pics. It's quite bizarre because it's just sitting there in the middle of the countryside with nothing to do, and to be honest I found it a bit spooky, even though I really like bridges.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the photos.

Before anyone starts singing about reindeers called Rudolph and the colour red, I have to tell you it was absolutely freezing out there!

Cheers

tonyque2 · Nov 12, 2007

I think this viaduct is quite spectacular and as you say its just standing in the middle of fields doing absolutely nothing. As you drive down the very narrow lane it suddenly appears unexpectedly in front of you and looks quite awsome. Good photos Foxy.

Foxylady · Nov 13, 2007

Cheers Tonyque2.

Yeh, that's exactly how it was for me...just walking down the lane, then suddenly it was there!

King Al · Nov 13, 2007

Its great, such a shame that its just sitting there it realy looks like it should have a use - but I supose with subsidence its future doesnt look bright

skittles · Nov 14, 2007

Can you not get on top and walk along it

I had a friend who lived in Cumbria and their was a viaduct near her house, she used to ride her horse across it

nice pics

Foxylady · Nov 14, 2007

skittles said:
Can you not get on top and walk along it

Yeh, I've seen some pics taken on the top from other websites, and I did intend to try, but...it was quite a trek to where I presumed you could get onto it, and...I am absolutely stark-raving terrified of heights. Just the thought of it makes my toes curl!

phill.d · Nov 14, 2007

I like the arch within an arch... whats all that about then?

Foxylady · Nov 14, 2007

phill.d said:
I like the arch within an arch... whats all that about then?

That's where they found subsidence between the two supports and had to reinforce the arch with that infill. It does look quite neat doesn't it!

phill.d · Nov 15, 2007

Oh yeah i've just read that bit now :lol:

It does look good!

King Al · Nov 15, 2007

Foxylady said:
Yeh, I've seen some pics taken on the top from other websites, and I did intend to try, but...it was quite a trek to where I presumed you could get onto it, and...I am absolutely stark-raving terrified of heights. Just the thought of it makes my toes curl!

yep I would say thats a good reason not to go on the top :exclaim:

sheep2405 · Nov 15, 2007

What a place for abseil training, I wonder if there is anything you can secure a few ropes to at the top?

S

Lightbuoy · Nov 15, 2007

Great report there Foxy!

Real crazy how there's a brick arch giving support to the concrete

Just goes to show that brick beats concrete anytime!! :mrgreen:

(and it looks nicer too me thinks!)
Thanks for sharing.
Hope that all's well with you at the mo

Lb

Foxylady · Nov 15, 2007

sheep2405 said:
What a place for abseil training, I wonder if there is anything you can secure a few ropes to at the top?

Actually, directly above each column there's a space in the parapet with what looks like bars or a metal grille of some sort. Ideal, by the look of it.

Foxylady · Nov 15, 2007

Lightbuoy said:
Hope that all's well with you at the mo

Cheers Lb. Really good ta and you too hopefully.

Lightbuoy · Nov 15, 2007

Yup, all's fine this end, if rather busy. Too much to do, not enough time -the usual!

A good "little" find is this viaduct!

Did you find it spooky because you saw a ghost train?!! :mrgreen:

Lb

King Al · Nov 16, 2007

Lightbuoy said:
Did you find it spooky because you saw a ghost train?!!

I would run a mile at the thourght :lol:

Lightbuoy · Nov 16, 2007

King Al said:
I would run a mile at the thourght

Now now, calm down -no need to get all "steamed" up!!! :mrgreen:

Lb

King Al · Nov 16, 2007

Lightbuoy said:
Now now, calm down -no need to get all "steamed" up!!!

sheep2405 · Nov 16, 2007

Foxylady said:
Actually, directly above each column there's a space in the parapet with what looks like bars or a metal grille of some sort. Ideal, by the look of it.

Might be a good place to teach any of you budding people out there that want to learn to abseil. Always looking for a new place to jump off.

petermerritt · Nov 17, 2007

Hmm is this near the cycle trail going up to Meavy?

Cannington Viaduct, Uplyme, Devon.

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