Lesser Known Tunnels
18th January 2008

Our network of disused railway includes around 300 tunnels, most of which never see visitors. This gallery features a few of our lesser known portals.

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The western portal of Brierley Tunnel is at the end of a half-mile long flooded cutting.
The western portal of Brierley Tunnel is at the end of a half-mile long flooded cutting.
The western portals of Standedge's disused single bores.
The western portals of Standedge's disused single bores.
Oxenden Up tunnel has a footpath through it. The Down tunnel - next door - has seen better days.
Oxenden Up tunnel has a footpath through it. The Down tunnel - next door - has seen better days.
Litton's east portal can only be accessed by walking through the tunnel.
Litton's east portal can only be accessed by walking through the tunnel.
Cressbrook is next door to Litton on the former St Pancras-Manchester main line through the Peak District.
Cressbrook is next door to Litton on the former St Pancras-Manchester main line through the Peak District.
Near the TransPennine Trail, Ardsley's remaining portal is now a canvas for graffiti artists.
Near the TransPennine Trail, Ardsley's remaining portal is now a canvas for graffiti artists.
Inside Butterhouse Tunnel on the former Micklehurst loop.
Inside Butterhouse Tunnel on the former Micklehurst loop.
Rusher Cutting Tunnel is on the Monsal Trail, a mile or so west of Millers Dale.
Rusher Cutting Tunnel is on the Monsal Trail, a mile or so west of Millers Dale.
The northern portal of Batley Carr tunnel looks out over a scrapyard.
The northern portal of Batley Carr tunnel looks out over a scrapyard.
Eastbound trains used to leave Stalybridge New Tunnel and immediately cross a viaduct. That was demolished in the Nineties leaving the portal isolated on the hillside.
Eastbound trains used to leave Stalybridge New Tunnel and immediately cross a viaduct. That was demolished in the Nineties leaving the portal isolated on the hillside.
The north portal of Lordsfield Avenue Tunnel is obscured by landfill, save for a small gap which reveals the wet conditions within.
The north portal of Lordsfield Avenue Tunnel is obscured by landfill, save for a small gap which reveals the wet conditions within.
Mossdale Head was the only tunnel on the single-track Wensleydale branch.
Mossdale Head was the only tunnel on the single-track Wensleydale branch.
On the Brampton Valley Way, the 525-yard Kelmarsh tunnel features a lone ventilation shaft.
On the Brampton Valley Way, the 525-yard Kelmarsh tunnel features a lone ventilation shaft.
Alfreton Old tunnel is now used by maintenance teams for access along the line between Clay Cross and Nottingham.
Alfreton Old tunnel is now used by maintenance teams for access along the line between Clay Cross and Nottingham.
Both portals of Duckmanton tunnel are buried. This is the eastern approach cutting which is now designated as a nature reserve.
Both portals of Duckmanton tunnel are buried. This is the eastern approach cutting which is now designated as a nature reserve.
Behind this concrete cap is the western portal of Bolsover tunnel. The eastern portal is at the end of a deep, flooded and overgrown approach cutting and has not been visited for many years.
Behind this concrete cap is the western portal of Bolsover tunnel. The eastern portal is at the end of a deep, flooded and overgrown approach cutting and has not been visited for many years.
While the Up tunnel is now a foot and cycle path, Kelmarsh's forelorn Down tunnel awaits attention next door.
While the Up tunnel is now a foot and cycle path, Kelmarsh's forelorn Down tunnel awaits attention next door.
A 2-foot deep lagoon prevents progress through Spinkhill tunnel, to the south of Sheffield.
A 2-foot deep lagoon prevents progress through Spinkhill tunnel, to the south of Sheffield.
The road bridge 100 yards south of Chipping Norton tunnel has been backfilled. As a result, the trackbed leading to the portal now resembles a canal.
The road bridge 100 yards south of Chipping Norton tunnel has been backfilled. As a result, the trackbed leading to the portal now resembles a canal.
Next door to Colwall New Tunnel is - you guessed it - Colwall Old Tunnel which some people hope will eventually play host to a footpath to the other side of this very serious hill.
Next door to Colwall New Tunnel is - you guessed it - Colwall Old Tunnel which some people hope will eventually play host to a footpath to the other side of this very serious hill.
Hiding alongside a road which bypasses Bacup, Britannia Tunnel featured in the classic film 'Whistle Down The Wind'....before the vegetation took hold.
Hiding alongside a road which bypasses Bacup, Britannia Tunnel featured in the classic film 'Whistle Down The Wind'....before the vegetation took hold.
In the shadow of Stockport's famous viaduct, a lesser known relics of the town's railway past rots away, forgotten. Let's hear it for Wellington Road Tunnel.
In the shadow of Stockport's famous viaduct, a lesser known relics of the town's railway past rots away, forgotten. Let's hear it for Wellington Road Tunnel.
There's no light at the end of Oakamoor Tunnel due to its curvature. This is the south portal which sits alongside a delightful crossing keeper's house.
There's no light at the end of Oakamoor Tunnel due to its curvature. This is the south portal which sits alongside a delightful crossing keeper's house.