Peartree Bridge, Cosgrove, Milton Keynes, MK19 7JR

Iron Trunk Aqueduct

Industrial heritage

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Free

Cost

Atmospheric

Feel

RiversideVillageWalkersHistory loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

7.2

An early-19th-century iron canal crossing, built after the earlier brick aqueduct collapsed. The Iron Trunk carries the Grand Union Canal over the River Ouse.

This is a striking piece of canal engineering with a story you can read in the landscape: an earlier brick crossing failed, and the replacement still carries boats high above the River Ouse. The adjoining towpath and riverside setting make it more than a roadside monument.

Atmospheric · Historic

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Peartree Bridge, Cosgrove, Milton Keynes, MK19 7JR

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The experience

See the aqueduct from the towpath and river-level surroundings, then extend your visit along the Cosgrove–Wolverton canal corridor. The Canal & River Trust also identifies Cosgrove village and historic sites around Wolverton as nearby options.

Things to do

Look up through the Iron Trunk

See the Grand Union Canal carried above the River Ouse and take in the scale of the crossing from its river-level surroundings.

Walk the canal towpath

Use the towpath to explore the Cosgrove and Wolverton canal corridor. The Canal & River Trust states that the towpath is always open.

Explore Cosgrove village

The Canal & River Trust describes Cosgrove as a historic village with an attractive church and a stone bridge over the canal.

Visit Wolverton’s historic sites

The Canal & River Trust identifies a motte-and-bailey castle, a medieval village and a monastic grange in the Wolverton area.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour

Quick escape: see the Iron Trunk

01
Use the Cosgrove access area and follow the towpath towards the aqueduct.
02
Pause to view the iron canal crossing above the River Ouse and its substantial approaches.
03
Return by the same towpath; check local conditions before setting out.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of Cosgrove and Wolverton

01
Begin at the Iron Trunk Aqueduct and take time to look at the canal crossing from the towpath and river-level surroundings.
02
Continue along the canal corridor towards Cosgrove village; the Canal & River Trust also notes its church and stone canal bridge.
03
If you want to extend the outing, visit the Wolverton area’s motte-and-bailey castle, medieval village and monastic grange, then consider a drink at the Galleon.
04
Check access, venue opening and current conditions before travelling.

Verified history

The Canal & River Trust dates the Iron Trunk Aqueduct to 1811 and credits canal engineer Benjamin Beavan with its construction after the earlier brick-built structure collapsed. The Trust says the aqueduct carries the Grand Union Canal over the River Ouse and stands 10.8 metres high, connecting Wolverton with Cosgrove.

Hidden details

The crossing replaced a failed predecessor — The Canal & River Trust says the iron aqueduct followed the collapse of an earlier brick-built structure. The replacement’s position above the river makes the engineering challenge visible on site.

Look for the approach earthworks — The supplied Tripadvisor description notes substantial approach earthworks alongside the cast-iron trough and central masonry pier. Treat this as secondary-source detail.

When to go

· No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.

The Canal & River Trust says the towpath is always open; the supplied sources do not identify a season with a particular advantage.

Check local conditions before travelling. Path surface and weather-related access details are not specified in the supplied sources.

Worth pairing with

Cosgrove village

Pair the aqueduct with a look at the village church and stone bridge over the canal, both noted by the Canal & River Trust.

Wolverton historic sites

The Canal & River Trust suggests the motte-and-bailey castle, medieval village and monastic grange as nearby extensions to a visit.

The Galleon

A pub in Wolverton named by the Canal & River Trust as a place to stop for a drink; check current opening and service details.

What to look for

Notice the iron canal trough above the River Ouse, the height of the crossing and the substantial approach earthworks. The Canal & River Trust describes the aqueduct as 10.8 metres high.

The story

Canal engineering; the replacement of a collapsed brick aqueduct

Best time to go

Any season; the Canal & River Trust says the towpath is always open. Check local conditions before setting out.

No particular season or time of day is identified in the supplied sources. Check the weather and local conditions before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · History lovers · Photographers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Peartree Bridge, Cosgrove, Buckinghampshire, Milton Keynes MK19 7JR

Phone

+44 303 040 4040

Website

canalrivertrust.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.7 · 180 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The Canal & River Trust says the towpath is always open. Its Cosgrove and Wolverton visitor information gives Lock Lane, Cosgrove, as an access address.

Parking

The Canal & River Trust reports a small free car park at Cosgrove and a small Parks Trust parking area at Wolverton. Confirm current availability before travelling.

Toilets

The Canal & River Trust says toilets are available for customers of the local pub or café.

Food & drink

The Canal & River Trust lists nearby pubs and says toilets are for pub or café customers. Check venues directly for current opening and food service.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current signage and Canal & River Trust guidance before visiting with a dog.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Accessibility details for the towpath and aqueduct are not established by the supplied sources. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost