The three historic listed viaducts owned by the Trust were constructed for the South Durham &
Lancashire Union Railway for its opening in 1861. After a working life of almost exactly 100 years they were abandoned by
British Railways until acquired by the Trust, Smardale Gill in 1989, Podgill in 2000 and Merrygill a few years later.
Smardale Gill, in particular, needed extensive restoraton in the early 1990s, the others less so. The Trust also owns a
number of lesser structures along the course of the former railway.
Even without a railway running over them they are all subject to deterioration at the hands
of time, wind and weather. Winters such as we have experienced in 2010 and 2011 create special problems with the
freeze-thaw effects being very damaging to exposed structures. Regular maintenance of paths and vegetation to ensure walkers
comfort and safety, as well as to retain the general quality of the environment for the enjoyment of walkers and wild-life,
can only be achieved at further cost. (Scroll down.)
Managed by a small group of volunteer Trustees, the Trust has no general membership. Funding
comes entirely from grants and donations. Having successfully carried out the initial task of saving and restoring the
viaducts, funds are now needed for future maintenance of the viaducts and other structures along the former railway and
the very popular footpaths over them. If you have enjoyed the results of our work - or support our general objects of
preserving these important monuments to our railway and industrial heritage, we are appealing for your support to enable
these structures to survive through the 21st century. For Smardale Gill we are facing a repair bill of over £100,000 in 2011/12.
To download a donation form please click here . Alternatively,
you can use your mobile phone to text a donation to the Trust. Just text "NVTA01 £X" (where "X" is the amount of your donation)
and send to 70070, and the amount will appear on your next phone bill.
You may also donate via BT's MyDonate website. Go to the website by clicking here and find the "Search for a charity" box. Type or paste in "Northern Viaduct Trust", click "Go"
and follow the instructions.
Many thanks for your help.
