Iron to Iron challenge

The Iron to Iron Challenge is a new long distance heritage bike ride that will link the UK’s two remaining wrought iron viaducts, the Meldon Viaduct and Bennerley Viaduct. The 300 mile route takes in famous bridges such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Severn Bridge and Ironbridge.

Seventeen cyclists will be taking part in this inaugural event leaving Devon on September 14th arriving at Bennerley on Sunday 19th. We are raising funds to enable the community to be fully engaged with the future of the viaduct ensuring that our “Iron Giant” becomes a highly valued community asset.

Bennerley Viaduct or the  “Iron Giant” has been described by the World Monuments Fund as being an “extraordinary monument” meriting inclusion in the 2020 World Monuments Watch, one of only 25 sites chosen globally. Historic England consider the viaduct is a “stunning example of the genius of British Engineering”

The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct have been working in partnership with the viaduct’s owners Railway Paths Ltd to bring our Iron Giant back into use as a walking and cycling trail. Thanks to the vision of the owners, the generosity of funders and the outstanding support from the community, Bennerley Viaduct is due to re-open to the public this year after 53 years of closure.


Thank you for your support.


For Further information visit The Friends of the Bennerley viaduct .


Follow the progress of the ride on Erewash Sound FM