Fancy a trip to the Yorkshire Dales? Visit one of the area’s most iconic landmarks, the Ribblehead Viaduct without even stepping out of your door..
The Ribblehead Viaduct is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. The Grade II listed structure is just across the border of Cumbria into North Yorkshire and is part of the Settle-Carlisle Railway. The Viaduct was built by 2,300 men who camped for years in nearby purpose-built shanty towns.
In partnership with Settle-Carlisle Railway CRP, Settle Stories has accessed funding through Avanti West Coast to create a new Google Tour to tell the story of the landmark.
The Google Tour is free to access. It brings together existing research about the Ribblehead Viaduct to allow people in the community around the railway to learn more about the fascinating history of the landmark on their doorstep. The Tour focuses on the landscape, history and cultural significance of the viaduct using 360° panoramas and narration by professional storyteller Jon Buckeridge who brings the facts and history to life.
Being on the international Google Tour platform It is accessible to people everywhere. Google Tours are used in classrooms across the world by teachers and educators. This new Google Tour puts the Yorkshire Dales, this iconic railway line on the map and gives everyone everywhere the opportunity to learn more and be transported to the Ribblehead Viaduct.
The Ribblehead Viaduct Google Tour was launched in October 2020 to mark 150 years since the building of the viaduct began.
John Moorhouse, Chair of the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, commented:
“This has been a great project to celebrate 150 years since the start of work on building the iconic Ribblehead viaduct, an outstanding feature of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway line. There is a fascinating story to tell and what better way than involving all members of the community in the telling!”
Joanna Buckley, Community Manager at Avanti West Coast, said:
“We recognise the role Community Rail Partnerships play in connecting people to the railway, which is why we’re excited to have supported Settle – Carlisle CRP’s project to offer the chance to explore Ribblehead Viaduct – one of the main attractions of the Settle – Carlisle Railway, digitally. At Avanti West Coast we’re lucky to connect into this iconic railway line, but while the UK responds to COVID-19 rail services are for those making essential journeys, so this unique tour allows people from across the world to experience the scenic route from the comfort of their own home.”
Nothing compares to an in person ride on the Settle-Carlisle Railway or a walk to the Ribblehead Viaduct but for many people that simply isn’t possible at the moment. For those of you reading this that could experience the railway or viaduct in person, we hope after experiencing this Google Tour you will be inspired to take a trip when it is safe to do so as Covid restrictions allow.
You can view the Tour and find out more about this exciting project by clicking here.
Settle Stories would like to say a huge thank you to our partner the Settle-Carlisle Railway CRP and to Avanti West Coast for funding this project.
