Meldon Viaduct and Reservoir

Meldon Viaduct no longer serves the big express trains it once did, but it's still wonderfully preserved and open to the public who can view it either on foot or bicycle. This immense structure was built in 1874 to carry express steam trains from London Waterloo to Plymouth over the West Okement Valley 120 feet below. For a longer walk, why not take in also Meldon Dam, and Meldon reservoir then out onto the moors. Cyclists can transport bicycles free of charge on the Dartmoor Pony, if you prefer to cycle it!

 

 

There's a quarry visitors centre in Meldon as well, which was once the old quarry compressor house. You won't find a better outline on the history of quarrying than in this visitors centre and there's plenty of historical detail on Meldon Viaduct as well! Meldon Visitors Centre has a cosy little buffet eating place on-site which overlooks the Viaduct and services a variety of sandwiches, hot snacks, and tea and coffee all day. This whole area is a real hotspot for both walking and cycling. Check with both Okehampton Tourist information and Meldon Visitors centre on guided walks and cycle routes available in this part of Dartmoor! Both Meldon Visitors Centre and the car park adjacent to Meldon Reservoir are starting points for free guided walks. Check with Meldon Visitors centre for details!

 

 

For information about the Meldon Viaduct, cycle routes and bike hire and the Dartmoor Railway, visit the Meldon Viaduct website