Hewenden Viaduct
A colossal 19th-century railway viaduct offering stunning views and a fascinating walk through industrial heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Golden hour light
Hewenden Viaduct
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal 19th-century railway viaduct offering stunning views and a fascinating walk through industrial heritage.
"It's huge. Stand underneath this. And you feel so small. Built in late 18hundreds. It's just unbelievable.
"🚶♀️ Walk from Cullingworth
Park in Cullingworth and enjoy a mile-long walk to the viaduct. Great for all fitness levels! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Drone Photography Spot
This spot is a dream for drone pilots, offering unique aerial perspectives of the viaduct and reservoir. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hewenden Viaduct
Cullingworth, Bradford
An absolutely colossal, magnificent structure built in the late 1800s. Feel dwarfed by its sheer scale and impressive engineering.
Hewenden Reservoir Views
Top of the Viaduct
Enjoy scenic views of the reservoir from the top of the viaduct, offering a different perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Goit Stock Waterfalls
Near Hewenden Viaduct
Combine your viaduct visit with a walk through the gardens and falls at Goit Stock for a picturesque natural escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best Footwear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from Cullingworth
Park in Cullingworth and enjoy a mile-long walk to the viaduct. Great for all fitness levels!
:athletic_shoe:📸 Drone Photography Spot
This spot is a dream for drone pilots, offering unique aerial perspectives of the viaduct and reservoir.
:camerawithflash:🌧️ Beware of Mud
Paths beneath the viaduct can get muddy after rain. Wear appropriate footwear for exploring.
:athletic_shoe:💡 History Boards
Informative boards along the Great Northern Railway Trail detail the viaduct's fascinating history.
:bulb:Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from Cullingworth
Park in Cullingworth and enjoy a mile-long walk to the viaduct. Great for all fitness levels!
:athletic_shoe:📸 Drone Photography Spot
This spot is a dream for drone pilots, offering unique aerial perspectives of the viaduct and reservoir.
:camerawithflash:🌧️ Beware of Mud
Paths beneath the viaduct can get muddy after rain. Wear appropriate footwear for exploring.
:athletic_shoe:💡 History Boards
Informative boards along the Great Northern Railway Trail detail the viaduct's fascinating history.
:bulb:🏞️ Combine with Goit Stock
Extend your walk to include the beautiful Goit Stock waterfalls for a fuller nature experience.
:hiking_boot:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the colossal scale and historical significance of Hewenden Viaduct, often describing it as a hidden gem. The surrounding reservoir views and the option to combine the visit with nearby Goit Stock waterfalls are frequently praised. However, parking can be a challenge, and paths beneath the viaduct may become muddy after rain.
"Impressive viaduct that you can walk across and underneath.
Views of the reservoir from the top of the viaduct.
The path to get beneath the viaduct, I imagine could get muddy if it’s been raining a lot. I felt the best view of the viaduct was from the path heading down."
Melanie Hudson
"Had a Beautiful walk from Goit Waterfall, approaching the viaduct from the woods, going under it before climbing up the banking to walk over it. People with less stamina could simply walk the mile or so from the main road and back. The trail itself is level, mainly tarmac and there are informative boards giving you details of the history."
Pamela Mustoe
"Very nice view and good place for walking"
Vimal Joy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hewenden Viaduct is located in Cullingworth, Bradford. Many visitors park in the village of Cullingworth and walk to the viaduct via the Great Northern Railway Trail. Some also park on Station Road, though this can be challenging due to HGV traffic.
There are no designated visitor parking areas directly at Hewenden Viaduct. Roadside parking on Station Road is an option, but can be unsafe. Parking in Cullingworth village is a more reliable alternative.
Yes, walking is a popular way to experience Hewenden Viaduct. The Great Northern Railway Trail provides a well-metalled path, and a walk from Cullingworth village is approximately one mile.
Many visitors enjoy approaching the viaduct from the woods, passing under it before climbing up to walk across the top. This route offers varied perspectives.
While specific public transport routes directly to the viaduct are limited, you can reach nearby villages like Cullingworth by bus, from where you can then walk. Check local bus schedules for routes serving the Bradford area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hewenden Viaduct is a public landmark and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and explore the area freely.
As an outdoor landmark, Hewenden Viaduct is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best experience.
The Great Northern Railway Trail is a public footpath and does not have an admission fee. Enjoy your walk without any cost.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns. Daylight hours offer the best and safest experience.
There are no specific restrictions on visiting Hewenden Viaduct, but always be mindful of your surroundings and respect the natural environment. Drone usage may be subject to local regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from beneath the viaduct, offering a sense of scale, and from the top of the viaduct looking out over Hewenden Reservoir. Drone photography also captures unique angles.
Absolutely! Hewenden Viaduct is a popular spot for drone enthusiasts, providing stunning aerial views of the structure and surrounding landscape.
Early mornings or late afternoons during the 'golden hour' can provide beautiful lighting for photography. Foggy days can also create a unique, atmospheric mood.
Yes, the top of the viaduct offers lovely views of Hewenden Reservoir, making it a great spot for landscape photography.
Generally, casual photography is welcome. However, if you plan on commercial photography or extensive drone use, it's always wise to check for any local guidelines or permits.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across and underneath the impressive viaduct, enjoy views of the reservoir, and explore the surrounding Great Northern Railway Trail. Combining it with a visit to Goit Stock waterfalls is also recommended.
Yes, the Great Northern Railway Trail is well-metalled and relatively flat, making it a good option for families with children.
A walk from Cullingworth village to the viaduct and back is about two miles and can take around an hour, depending on your pace. Exploring further can extend the time.
Yes, informative boards along the Great Northern Railway Trail provide details about the history of Hewenden Viaduct, which was built in the late 1800s.
The Great Northern Railway Trail is mainly tarmac and level. However, paths leading directly underneath the viaduct can become muddy after rainfall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Hewenden Viaduct
Visitors can walk both across the top of the viaduct, enjoying views of the adjacent Hewenden Reservoir, and underneath it, appreciating its immense height and architectural detail. The Great Northern Railway Trail, which runs along the former railway line, provides a well-maintained path for exploration, complete with informative boards detailing the viaduct's history and significance. This makes it an engaging experience for history buffs and casual walkers alike.
While the main trail is generally firm, the paths leading directly beneath the viaduct can become muddy, especially after periods of rain. This is something to consider when planning your footwear. Despite potential parking challenges, the unique perspective and historical grandeur of Hewenden Viaduct make it a worthwhile destination for anyone exploring the West Yorkshire countryside.
Exploring the Surroundings: Goit Stock and the Reservoir
The Hewenden Reservoir, situated adjacent to the viaduct, adds to the scenic beauty of the location. Views of the reservoir from the top of the viaduct provide a tranquil contrast to the industrial might of the railway structure. This combination of man-made marvel and natural landscape makes for a diverse and engaging visit, appealing to a wide range of interests.
For those looking to extend their exploration, circular walks connecting Cullingworth, Harecroft, and Harden are possible, offering further opportunities to discover the charm of the West Yorkshire countryside. The Great Northern Railway Trail itself is a key part of this exploration, providing a clear and accessible route through the area.
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