Designed by Ralph Wood, the Causey Arch, was built in 1725-6 and is the oldest surviving single arch railway bridge in the world. It spans the gorge of Causey Burn.
One of the best ways to see it is to go by Steam Train.
The Tanfield Railway was opened in 1725 and is the world's oldest operating railway. It was constructed to take coal from Stanley and Marley Hill to the River Tyne. Originally, horses hauled small wagons along wooden track. They were replaced in the 19th century by metal rails and locomotives. The line closed in 1962 but is now being run by a private company assisted by enthusiastic volunteers. The Tanfield Railway currently operates a passenger service on several miles of track between Sunniside and East Tanfield which calls at Causey Arch. For enquiries on Tanfield Railway contact tel. (0191) 388 7545 or visit the website.
The railway has been used in TV adaptations of Catherine Cookson books.
Digital Picture August 2000