The River Esk is Yorkshire's premier salmon and sea trout river, and the only river in Yorkshire to have freshwater pearl mussels. Its 28 mile course flows west to east through the Yorkshire National Park and enters the North Sea at Whitby, the town famous for its connection with Captain Cook and Dracula.
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| The replica barque Endeavour leaving the Esk into Whitby Harbour. |
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| Road bridge over the Esk in Whitby |
We have walked over that bridge many times on the way up to Whitby Abbey,
On the other side of the bridge it's possible to get onto the quayside.
Between 1882 and 1884 a viaduct was constructed across the river to carry a single track railway between Scarborough and Whitby.
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| Larpool (or Esk Valley) viaduct |
The viaduct is mentioned in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, in Mina Murray's Journal, "The little river, the Esk, runs through a deep valley, which broadens out as it comes near the harbour. A great viaduct runs across, with high piers, through which the view seems somehow further away than it really is."
The rail service closed in 1965 and the now Grade II listed viaduct is part of the Scarborough to Whitby Rail Trail, it's also promoted as a cycle track - "Scarborough to Whitby Cinder Track."
We never tire of Whitby and its views but not everyone feels the same when refused entry to the Abbey when they have walked up 199 steps.
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| No wonder he has emptied the barrel that was tied to us neck. |
Photo attribution:
- Larpool Viaduct: * September 2016 by Acsson - CC BY-SA 4.0
10 comments:
The barque looks so small in that picture...
I bet there is a pretty view from the viaduct :D
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That barque looks like a toy as it goes through the harbour walls. Should think the dog is grateful for a rest after walking up all those steps
Esk and its surroundings look so picturesque.
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It is nice that the re-purposed the railway viaduct for cycling. Much better than letting it sit unused.
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Lucky day getting an extra "E" with the Endeavour! That is one handsome viaduct.
I'm still amazed you can find a river for every letter (love the dog photo).
Donna B. McNicol|Author and Traveler
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Having been to Whitby, briefly, once upon a time, I must have seen, heard, crossed the Esk. But don't remember. I am ashamed how little I know of British Rivers.
Now I have to add another destination to our bucket list of travel destinations. What a lovely place.
Hi Bob - loved your story line for the Esk - I hadn't realised the importance of the river - delightful to have freshwater pearl mussel - must be lovely to see. Those viaducts are brilliant to have around the country ... I love going over them and I love seeing them ... great post - cheers Hilary
Love Whitby, but never climbed those steps! Great information about the Esk Valley.
Jemima, blogging from A to Z on my writing inspirations
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