We have just returned home from a few days in the Carnforth area of Lancashire. Mid-way between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, it gave us an ideal opportunity to revisit some old haunts and discover some new ones. Having seen many photographs of the Ribblehead Viaduct I thought this was a good chance to have a shot at it. I had always imagined it to be in a very remote area and assumed photographers had yomped miles across moorland and bogs, carrying heavy photographic equipment, in order to get the perfect shot. Surely we would be the only people around for miles. How wrong could I be. The reality is that the viaduct is just off the B6255 between Ingleton and Hawes, complete with layby parking, tea stall and a good path to the viaduct and beyond. Another example of reality not quite living up to expectations. We just managed to get one of the remaining parking spots.

Even though not as quiet as we had expected we enjoyed the visit and marvelled at the skill of the engineers and workforce who built it back in the 1870s. 2500 workers were needed and most lived in temporary camps around the project. No CDM Regulations, no Health and Safety at Work legislation so it is no surprise that well over 100 workers lost their lives during the construction of this part of the railway line between Settle and Carlisle. It must have been very bleak during the winter months.

I really am disillusioned now! Mini buses and cars parked beneath it!

The viaduct is still in use and we saw several trains while we were there.

So much for yomping with heavy cameras!  A few steps from the road with a mobile phone.

The weather was brighter when we returned home and this is the view from the other side.