Conservation works to Kings Mill Viaduct have given an old bridge a new life – including dangling abseilers over its highest point!

For the first time the public were invited to abseil over the viaduct as part of National Lottery Open Week.  The activity was run by Notts Outdoors for the Mill Waters Project, which receives funding from the National Heritage Lottery.

Kings Mill Viaduct (originally known as Portland Viaduct) is one of the oldest in the country. It was built for the Mansfield & Pinxton Railway, which opened on Easter Tuesday, 13th April 1819.

Coun Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, was joined by Coun June Stendall, of Mansfield District Council, which has been working in partnership with Ashfield on the improvements to the viaduct. Coun Stendall attended the abseiling event as the councillor for Grange Farm ward, which includes the viaduct.

Coun Zadrozny said: “It is fantastic the viaduct has not only received restoration work but is now being used for new activities. I jumped at the chance of abseiling off the side, and I hope that everyone that had a go had as much fun as I did.

“As part of the Mill Waters project Kings Mill Reservoir and Sutton Lawn have received restoration and improvement works. This has been helped by the national Heritage Lottery funding, and it is great that lottery players had the opportunity to take advantage of the free abseiling event.”

Drew Cartwright, manager of the Mill Adventure Base at Notts Outdoors, said: “Notts Outdoors is proud to have worked with our partners to deliver this exciting activity. Abseiling from such an iconic and historical structure in the local area helps the local community connect with its vibrant heritage whilst getting fit, learning new skills, and having fun.

“The activity is just one of the many attractions that draws people to the Mill Adventure Base and the wider country park where visitors can experience and learn more about the areas proud past and its ambitious plans for the future such as the Mill Waters project.”

Coun Andy Burgin, portfolio holder for Environment and Leisure at Mansfield District Council, said: “This is such important railway heritage monument nationally that it is fantastic to make this place more accessible to everyone with these improvement works.

“Both the King’s Mill Reservoir and Mill Adventure Base are great leisure assets for both Mansfield and Ashfield residents to enjoy, and with the Timberland Trail connecting open spaces and local nature reserves in Mansfield to Ashfield along this old railway line, I would encourage local people to get out and explore this place of natural beauty on their doorsteps.”