Ouse Valley Viaduct

About

Built in 1841, the Ouse Valley Viaduct spans a 1500 foot stretch of river lowlands. Though it’s 10-stories tall at its highest point, the viaduct is a perfect blend of graceful design and economic restraint. The bridge’s 37 arches were constructed using over 11 million bricks, a number that would have been exponentially higher had the builders not had the ingenious idea to hollow out the piers between the arches. Along with saving money and materials, this design element creates an Escher-esque illusion of stretching to infinity. There are also a number of walking trails that weave through the lowlands, but as the area is usually pretty wet, appropriate footwear is recommended.