SP3677 : Steep drop to the River Sowe near the railway viaduct, Willenhall, southeast Coventry
taken 8 years ago, near to Willenhall, Coventry, England
The viaduct carries the double-track Rugby-Coventry railway across the River Sowe southeast of the city centre. It was the work of Robert Stephenson, chief engineer to the London and Birmingham railway, which opened here in 1838. It is listed Grade II. Historic England's listing Link gives the reasons and much interesting detail.
As stated in the listing, there are many repairs in blue engineering brick to the orange brickwork. The extent of repairs might give cause for concern.
The viaduct can be reached by the Sowe Valley Footpath, which is signposted. It can be joined from Allard Way, Stoke Aldermoor; from the open space adjoining Euston Crescent or Mary Slessor Road, Willenhall; or from Langbank Avenue, Binley.
There is a closely similar, equally impressive viaduct by Stephenson across the River Sherbourne to the west Link but the Sowe viaduct is easier to get to, easier to see, and the location feels safer.
The River Sowe rises in Bedworth, flowing south towards Coventry; it winds through the city's eastern suburbs before joining the Warwickshire Avon near Stoneleigh. The Sowe Valley Footpath follows the river for over eight miles, mostly through naturalistic green spaces. Link