Ex-railway viaduct - Lowgill, Cumbria UK
Posted by: 
martlakes
N 54° 21.737 W 002° 35.514
30U E 526517 N 6023907
Opened in 1860 this rail line was in use for just over 100 years. Passenger services ceased on 30th January 1954, and the line finally closed in 1967. Today, this fine 11-arch viaduct stands abandoned.
Waymark Code: WM3AZ7
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/07/2008
Views: 6
The Ingleton Branch of the North Western Railway, opened in 1860, went from Clapham, through Ingleton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedbergh and Lowgill, before joining what is now the West Coast main line, just beyond this viaduct and before Tebay gorge. It roughly follows the route of the River Lune from Lowgill to Kirkby Lonsdale.
Lowgill viaduct consists of eleven semi-circular arches, each with a 45 foot span. From end-to-end, it's 620 feet and carried the Ingleton-Tebay line 100 feet above the stream below.
Today small trees and bushes are lined up along the top of the viaduct. It is not used for anything and, along with the rest of the line, is generally being left to decay. The old rail line would make a brilliant rails-trails route through this beautiful valley but short-sighted politicians and self-interested landowners have prevented the realisation of its potential.
Part of the National Cycle Network (route 68) follows up the Lune valley but is confined to the narrow and tortuous lanes instead of taking advantage of this graded, traffic-free alternative. The Dales Way (long distance walking route) goes under the viaduct, as does the branch of the cycle network heading for Kendal.
The hamlet of Lowgill has a few old houses. Go east down the minor road to find a very narrow, 16th century bridge over the River Lune.
Original Use: Railroad
Construction: Stone
Condition: Fair
See this website for more information: [Web Link]
Date Built: Not listed
Date Abandoned: Not listed
Bridge Status - Orphaned or Adopted.: Not listed
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