Iron to Iron (West)

Aim: We aim to help support the new footbridge at Bennerley Viaduct, this will improve accessibility of the monument and nature reserve for all.

A team of 20 intrepid cyclists will take on the challenge of a 353mi/568km route starting at Bennerley Viaduct on 21st September 2025. The group will travel through the West side of the country whilst visiting other well-known bridges on route. From Ironbridge at Coalbrookdale to Longdon-on-Tern Aqueduct, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Britannia Bridge and Menai Suspension Bridge. Then to the Warrington Transporter Bridge onto Castlefield Viaduct, Brabyns Park Bridge and Marple Aqueduct before returning to Bennerley on 26th September.

The money raised through this portal will go towards funding a new accessibility bridge beneath the monumental structure. Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are the charity group responsible for the upkeep and preservation of the iconic Grade II* Listed structure. The goal is to preserve the iron giant and its immediate surrounding area for future generations to enjoy. FoBV are looking to secure funding to create a new crossing over the River Erewash and to pay for materials that will help to secure the river bank that the bridge will cross. They will also secure the riverbank to prevent erosion. As always to make areas accessible with a solution that will last can come at a great cost.  We are very grateful for any support you can give.

FoBV are planning to use local volunteers and students from the University of Kent to help build our bridge led by one of our Trustees, Mr. Ron Yee, who is a leading bridge designer and is also taking part in the peloton ride! All the donations made to this cause will go towards to providing the materials for the bridge and river erosion works, which will involve supportive sustainable material used to protect the bank from environmental damage.

The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct have been working extremley hard in partnership with the viaduct’s owners Railway Paths Ltd to bring our community and national assett back into use as a walking and cycling trail. Thanks to the vision of the owners, the generosity of funders and the outstanding and simply unrivaled support from the community, Bennerley Viaduct is now re-open to the public after 54 years of closure.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 20th August 2025 at 12:00pm