The line from Leeds to Thirsk by-passed Harrogate on the east, but gained access to the town circuitously over a branch round the north of the town. The York & North Midland approached the town from Church Fenton on the main line between York and Leeds, but it had to cross the valley of the Crimple Beck. This involved both a 570 m (1,872 ft) long tunnel and the superb Crimple Viaduct, of exactly the same length, which actually passed over the Leeds to Thirsk line.
The creamy grey stone viaduct was 570 m (1,872 ft) long with thirty one 15 m (50 ft) span arches 33 m (110 ft) high. It is a grand sight as it canters across the wide valley.
The original line to the viaduct from Church Fenton is now closed, but it is on the route of what is now the main line from Leeds to Harrogate and York.
By road: Off A61/A658. A path can be found along the river and beneath the viaduct.
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