An awe-inspiring viaduct in this area was the first large-scale structure of its kind in the UK to be built entirely from concrete.

The spectacular Cannington Viaduct, just over the border in Devon west of Uplyme, served the much-missed Bluebell Line steam railway.

The viaduct, 600ft long, was opened in 1903 to carry steam trains on the branch line from Axminster to Lyme – affectionately known as the Bluebell Line.

Cannington Viaduct was not named after a village or town. It was named after a farm and the historical site of the local Manor House (now vanished) and the farmlands that the viaduct runs over.

The spectacular Cannington ViaductThe spectacular Cannington Viaduct (Image: Sue Cable) It was the first viaduct in the UK to be constructed almost entirely in concrete, but the builders encountered subsidence and had to fill-in and reinforce one of the arches with bricks.

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It comprises 10 elliptical arches on tall, slightly battered rectangular piers with projecting blocks at impost level. Concrete parapets with recessed panels give ways to refuges over the piers.

The engineer was Mr. Arthur C. Pain, of London, and the contractors were Messrs. Baldry and Yerburgh, of Westminster.

The westernmost arch has exposed brick whilst the third arch from the west end has been reinforced by an infilling of two tied brick structures which are themselves arched. They are said to date from the time of construction – a consequence of subsidence.

One of the last steam trains arrives at Lyme Regis StationOne of the last steam trains arrives at Lyme Regis Station (Image: Supplied) The viaduct was used by trains for only 62 years, from 1903 to 1965.

It caused a severe weight restriction on the branch, which also had many sharp curves and steep gradients. 

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The line should have been the subject of a Board of Trade inspection on 18th May 1903 but this had to be postponed because heavy rains had caused damage to the structure. A train carrying local dignitaries finally christened the line on 24th August 1903.

Almost to the end the line was worked by locomotives built in 1885, because no more suitable design could be found.

The branch was succumbed to Beeching’s axe on the November 29, 1965, but the viaduct survived and is now protected by a Grade II listing.

There are good views of the viaduct from the top deck of buses going between Seaton and Lyme Regis.

With thanks to the websites Graces' Guide to Industrial History and Forgotten Relics of an Enterprising Age.