BILTON VIADUCT

As I had to endure muddy shoes and the wrath of dearest when I got back  to pick her up from the hair dressers (I think the words daft, stupid & idiot were included) I thought I best post both sides of Bilton Viaduct, It's new to me and a longer walk from the Bilton Lane car park than the map seemed to indicate but a worthwhile exercise, may well go back in the summer when the trees are in full bloom for a different perspective.
(For reasons beyond my control the extra hasn't loaded? Here's a link)

For anyone who wants it here's a potted history.

Between Starbeck and Ripley, the line crossed the steep-sided valley of the River Nidd on a viaduct of seven segmental arches. Formerly carrying two tracks, this attractive structure - rather lost in trees - is now occupied by a Sustrans cycle path. Known as Bilton Viaduct, it was the major engineering feat on the L&T’s 6¼-mile Nidd Contract - one of six awarded by the company - which was fulfilled by contractor Messrs Faviell & Sons. Responsible for the design was Scottish engineer Thomas Grainger who was assisted by John Bourne.
The completed line cost about £36,000 per line and was inspected by Captain Wynne for the Board of Trade on 6th July 1849. Bilton Viaduct had already been passed fit prior to being loaded by its first commercial train on 1st September 1848. At that time, only a single line crossed it.
Each of the arches - 50 feet in span and 20 feet in rise - boasts vast ashlar voussoirs, with a projecting moulded band at impost level. Three of the arches span the river, lifting the track to a height of 93 feet. The piers sit on plinths, those in the Nidd being protected by modest cutwaters. About half way up, large stones project outwards from their inner faces, these having been used to support the centring during construction.