IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Cromford Avenue, MANSFIELD, NG18 5DP

Steps leading from the Quarry Lane Local Nature Reserve up onto Matlock Avenue. Over the photographer's left shoulder lies the impressive Grade II-listed Drury Dam Viaduct spanning the River Maun.

The Grade II-listed Drury Dam Viaduct was named after a Mansfield flour mill owner called Daniel Drury. It was built in 1875 and originally carried a spur of the Midland Railway Company’s Southwell-Mansfield line over the Maun Valley between Mansfield's East and South junctions. The line first carried traffic on 3rd April 1871, although the section over the viaduct was closed in October 1872, only to reopen again on 28th January 1906. The route continued to carry coal traffic from Rufford Colliery until 12th December 1983. The structure curves slightly to the north at its eastern end and comprises nine or ten segmental brick arches. At its western end a single cast-iron skew span with four rib arches with pierced spandrels and a panelled iron parapet, carries the viaduct over Quarry Lane (identifiable by the car). The viaduct was restored in 1989 and now carries walkers and cyclists over the River Maun on this section of the Maun Valley Trail. Although the presence of a number of trailers gives the impression of a traffic congestion on the viaduct, these trailers are parked on the other side of the bridge, where SDC Trailers manufactures trailers, not on the viaduct.

View of viaduct from Quarry Lane nature reserve path.

"The Scrape" wildlife area. In 2004 this area, adjoining the River Maun, was dredged and redeveloped to provide a pond dipping area for local children. This photo is taken looking down from the Grade II-listed Drury Dam Viaduct. The viaduct It was restored in 1989 and now forms part of the town’s Maun trail.

Quarry Mill Viaduct and "The Scrape" wildlife area. In 2004 this area was dredged and redeveloped to provide a pond dipping area for local children. The Grade II-listed Drury Dam Viaduct was named after a Mansfield flour mill owner, Daniel Drury. It was built in 1875. It originally carried a spur of the Midland Railway Company’s Southwell-Mansfield line over the Maun Valley between Mansfield's East and South junctions. The line first carried traffic on 3rd April 1871, although the section over the viaduct was closed in October 1872, only to reopen again on 28th January 1906. The route continued to carry coal traffic from Rufford Colliery until 12th December 1983. The viaduct It was restored in 1989 and now forms part of the town’s Maun trail.

Built in the 1870's to carry a mineral railway line over Quarry Lane and the River Maun, Drury Viaduct was named after Drury's Flour Mill, which stood nearby. It is now a foot and cycle path.

The River Maun, heading in the direction of the town centre, is seen from a footbridge in Quarry Lane Local Nature Reserve. The footbridge, atop a former sluice gate, carries the Timberland Trail across the river. The Timberland Trail starts at Kingsmill Reservoir and follows a route around the southern edge of the town centre, joining the Mansfield Way at Racecourse Road. This walking and cycling path joins the route formerly followed by the Mansfield - Southwell railway line at Fisher Lane Park. It is also possible to exit this nature reserve a stone’s throw from this footbridge and to join Quarry Lane, a road that runs past the town’s football stadium. The Maun Valley Trail is carried across the river and this nature reserve by the viaduct.

A footbridge over the River Maun links the Matlock Avenue side of the river with the Quarry Lane side. Quarry Lane, a stone's throw away on the left, carries traffic in and out of the town centre, via the town's football stadium.

Completed in 1875, the viaduct no longer carries trains. It was restored in 1989 and now supports a leisure footpath.

Former quarry wall from the footpath. Ahead, 5 minutes walk away, lies the Sheepbridge Road entrance to this local nature reserve. Behind the photographer, 2-3 minutes walk away lies the Quarry Lane entrance and the impressive Drury Dam Viaduct. These are all integral parts of the Maun Valley Trail.