Photo © Robin Bevis

Meldon Viaduct

Meldon Viaduct was built in 1874 and spans the West Okement Valley as the railway line makes its way around the edge of Dartmoor. Thought to have been influenced by similar structures in America it has gangling wrought and cast iron legs and quite a unique sight compared to other bridges constructed at the time. In 1965 through traffic was stopped and the track uplifted in 1990 to allow cyclists a scenic and spectacular way to cross the West Okement Valley - although the real reason was in fact that the bridge was judged too weak to support the weight of a modern train. Cyclists are quick to take advantage of the demise of any railway lines though and Meldon Viaduct offers sweeping views of central Devon.

A brief history of the Viaduct

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