Big bridge, little bridge

We had a lovely day out in Dentdale, spending a lot of time in the fascinating village of Dent, with its cobbled streets and wonderful Heritage Centre and Museum.

It was as we left that we found Dent Head Viaduct, one of 20 on the Settle Carlisle Railway. Splendid from a distance, as it spans one of the deepest dales, I liked this close up, with the old Pack Saddle Bridge appearing so tiny beside it.

Dent Head Viaduct is unusual as it was built using massive blocks of the dark, fossil rich limestone that was quarried close by. Often referred to as Black Marble or Dent Marble, this stone was used on the chancel floor of the church in Dent - see extra.

It can also be seen in the Fireplace in the ‘Parlour’ of the Museum - see extra. This picture also gives you an idea of how amazing the museum is. It is a family owned place, built up over 40 years, and the rooms are crammed full of stuff relating to Dales folk and their lives. We’ve been before and will go again there is so much to see.

I have always been interested in the knitting traditions of the Dales and of course the ‘Terrible Knitters of Dent’ are well known - ‘terrible’ meaning ‘terrible good’. I now of course have a brilliant book all about these knitters!

(Dent is known for being the birthplace of Adam Sedgwick, the first great geologist. We followed an Adventure Lab trail which took us to his birthplace and his memorial stone.)