Once a marvel of Victorian railway engineering, the Gaunless Viaduct carried trains high above the River Gaunless on the Haggerleases branch line from 1863 until its demolition in the 1960s. Designed by Thomas Bouch—better known for the ill-fated Tay Bridge—the structure originally spanned 161 metres and stood over 45 metres high. Though the ironwork is long gone, the mighty sandstone piers remain embedded in the landscape of Cockfield Fell, a scheduled ancient monument rich with layers of industrial history.
This aerial capture offers a striking view of the viaduct’s remaining stone supports and the raised trackbed path snaking through the open expanse of the fell. Surrounded by rough pasture and dotted with traces of coal mining and early rail infrastructure, it’s a landscape shaped by centuries of human endeavour. The scene is both tranquil and monumental—an evocative reminder of County Durham’s railway legacy.
Format: High-resolution digital download (JPEG)
Dimensions: 3:2 ratio, print-ready quality
Location: Cockfield Fell, County Durham, England
Highlights: Historic viaduct remains, railway heritage, upland landscape, aerial view
Download Note: Perfect for railway enthusiasts, local history lovers, or dramatic landscape prints
This download is for personal use only. Commercial printing, resale, or redistribution is strictly prohibited. Photographer retains full copyright.