The (Abandoned Railway) Tunnels of Dartmoor
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2018
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Twitter: @RWhitewick
We had a few hours spare in Dartmoor. So before our trip back up the A303 we decided to see if any of the disused tunnels between Tavistock and Plymouth were still accessible. It turns out some are and have been turned into a rather lovely cycle route. See link above.
We may actually make a new playlist specifically about tunnels and viaducts, so watch this space! Perhaps something like "Hidden Railway Relics". Anyway, for now, this one is a tad more vloggy. "Walking and Waffling"
As always, plenty more to come so do give us a subscribe.
Music: Epidemicsound.com - Розваги
The Whitewick team videos are always so personable and great to watch and when you cover a railway that I have an interest in (and there are many in all the regions) it goes to another level.
Other You Tubers clearly feel the same going by the comments often with additional and, otherwise unknown, information. Thanks for posting and keep up the good work!
Thank you, very kind words and much appreciated.
Only just come across you videos and saw this one about the Tunnels of Dartmoor. The one you are referring to under Leigham in Plymouth is called Cann Quarry Tunnel and was a narrow gauge railway from Cann Quarry to Plymouth. It is sealed at both ends, but is accessible via a manhole and shaft. Being a caver, I have been down here several times. It was used as a air raid shelter during WW2 and the Dartmoor end was also used a an underground hospital. The dividing curtain rails for the beds can still be seen today. It also now have some modern pipes (presume water) running inside it to. Very fascinating place.
Pre emptive for ?? I wonder.
I live locally and often cycle with my family from Plympton park and ride North through these two tunnels and over many viaducts to a pub at Clearbrook, have a couple of pints and it’s downhill all the way back👍
Great channel, very interesting.
I cycled the route with my son about 20 years ago and it is, indeed, a very pleasant downhill run back.
I used to use the same route some 25 years ago except get quite drunk at the Skylark & race home with mates at night, Leighbeer tunnel was not lit then. There was quite a few cycle pile-ups in the curve of the tunnel.
Brilliant video! I'd love to see the line to Tavistock reopend!
Often talk of it.
Completely agree with you! Along with many others, fir example the Fowey Branch, that would alleviate congestion and pollution on the roads.
The canal to Morwellham Quay was called the Tavistock Canal. Connected to the quay via an inclined plane near the southern portal of the Morwellham canal tunnel.
The steel aqueduct just beyond the South portal, was for a leat (watercourse) which fed the waterwheels and dressing floors at the nearby Wheal Lopes copper mine. You had a shot of the leat and a sluice on it at the northern end! There is nothing now left of Wheal Lopes, although various shafts are marked on old OS maps. The mine was almost certainly named after the local dignitary Sir Manasseh Massy Lopes of Maristow House who, it was said, became irate when he learned that Maristow mine, close by his stately pile, had holed into his wine cellar. He ordered his carpenter to cut off the pumping rod of the mine's engine shaft to put an end to the venture. The tunnel is reputedly haunted!
Brilliant, thanks for taking the time to comment Richard. Excellent info which we rarely get time to research. 👍👍👍
Yes, very very interesting social comment of the period.
has anyone seen my dad?
Richard Bird the aqueduct was built by Brunel shame it has been left to rot . The lopes mine still has several shafts open inside a forestry plantation about a two clicks from the aqueduct
@@derricklewis5397 or mine..... D.....
If you are ever down this way again, I'll show you the copper mine in the Leighbeer tunnel, lots of stuff to see, you'll need waders!
Another great video P&R thank you for all you do - keep it up!
Awesome video, we may check it out at some point 😀
My old Manor lol, been up and down the A386 a thousand times, son used to play for Horrabridge, we lived in Tavy for a few years before moving into Cornwall, sister used to live in Okehampton but now in Bridestowe, all that local knowledge and I never knew there was any tunnels around 🤣
Very interesting film. Thank you. I enjoyed the end of the video showing the aquaduct and railway tunnel portal.
Thanks Michael.
Always interesting watching your videos.
Great video! The 'exploration tunnel' is about mid-way along the tunnel, on the left as you head towards Plymouth. Many years ago I went to the end of it - it terminates in water and the roof gradually drops down.
It's beer Alston, I know...also in true Devonian Taverstock or Taavy
There's another railway tunnel that is near the cannal from tavy to morewelham, in the woods near the dump, where Sir Francis Drake was born, but the dump is a more useful modern reference.
You have to be the fittest because you have to run back for the camera. Great vid, as usual.👍
Nearest I've been to where you were is Beer Ferrers where tha station is now The Tamar Belle holiday site. We stayed twice and slept in converted railway carriages and dined in an LMS dining car. Brilliant it was. Anyway I enjoyed being with you two guys again and thank you for having me. Always soooo interesting
Ah we've not been there, but looking to have a couple of days away in something like that. Sounds lovely 👍
The copper mine is the first refuge on the left as you came in through the north portal, it has the top part missing so some people could squeeze through, think I could just about. Just before you see part of the leat as you entered, if you look to the left you can see the abandoned embankment of a tramway towards Shaugh bridge/Dewerstone (Well worth a nose if you haven't already been). The tunnel is often known as Shaugh tunnel, (Shaugh bridge halt is just up the track from it, which served Shaugh bridge, popular with Victorians, However from what I can find it was officially known as Leighbeer, Original engineer was Augustus Bampton, but he died during construction and was superseeded by Brunel.
Bere Alston, The Bere bit is pronounced beer. We are encouraging the rail connection from Bere Alston to Tavistock as the first stage of the re-opening of the line to Okehampton.
Cheers Don. Would love to cover this if things are moving.
@@pwhitewick Sadly very slowly.
@@donsharpe5786 ok. Do keep us posted.
Best of luck getting the tavi line reopened one of those lines that never should have been closed best regards from us at Shillingstone station
@@terryengland5772 cheers Terry. 👍👍
Really well done! No locks though, just call me Mr. Lockless, not to be confused with Lockness, hahahaha,
Always interesting videos thank you
Cheers Mr Ansell.
Nice to see!
I used to travel on a scholars season home from Tavistock School to Bere Alston (glad someone picked you up on the pronunciation). The School bully threw my cap out of the train in Shilamill Tunnel. He had a twisty eye and his grandfather, who could not read or write, had built the Tamar sailing barges at Calstock. The next day the lineman had found it and it was waiting for me at the booking office in Bere Alston. The North portal is just above the lower road to Bere Alston and easily seen. The other pronunciation problem is Morwellham. Above it are Morwell Rocks - the Saxon word for a village is "ham" So the Morwell HAM not Morwellum
I have been through the Shillamill tunnel on the Bere Alston to Tavistock line and I have also been through Yelverton tunnel a few times
The last tunnel you went through is known as “spooky tunnel” in our area. It’s meant to haunted with 2 Victorian girls and an old man who used to work on the railway line. My mums friend went in there at about 1am to do paranormal stuff and the rocks that were on the side got thrown at them. He’s never gone back into the tunnel since. I love walking through that tunnel
This was a few years ago now. I don't believe any of that, so more than happy with a 1am challenge if I didn't like my bed so much
@@pwhitewick Do you not..... Now then, could tell you a tale......
Howsabout you moved into a Vic g floor flat (ex main house kitchen) and one night your attention was drawn to a bonfire roaring away in next doors flat garden. Nowt out of sorts bout that, returning to the view several times that one evening, 2 characters noted there.
A year later, alerted by an old lady's cries of alarm, one afternoon, to scrabble u the properties dividing wall to view old lady flat on her back, having fallen, laying uon her back at the to of a clearly 70+ year terraced, descending concrete pathed rose garden.
No hallucinating, promise.
Twas the start of 'things' for 4.5 years.
Interesting that you were looking for these tunnels. I spent many years in Plymouth and cycled up the Plym Valley way when it was still a disused gravel track. I also found the tunnels at Grenofen and the one to the south west of Tavistock.
I never realised there was a tunnel under Yelverton until I moved away. It’s a shame there is no access to either end of that tunnel.
Ah I'd forgotten about this film. We didn't really do this line justice. Would love to come back here again soon.
Thought Yelverton tunnel is now a cycle path? Last went there in 1970 approx Illicitly going through as around 8 or 9 year old and getting terrified in the process with loss of light from damp matches and barking dogs at exit!
@@philhealey449 the cycle route is routed away from the railway at Clearbrook where you have to head uphill to the Plymouth leat and follow that until you reach Leg O Mutton. After this the trail descends towards Horrabridge where the trail picks up the old trackbed
Gotta love the Costa product placement in this!
I wish!!!... sign me up baby
Looked a good walk ta
Lived Bere Alston for 25yrs & there were always plans afoot to reopen the line to Tavy (£6,000,000) in 1998 was quoted.
Shillamill tunnel on the SR, is accessible from the Crowndale viaduct (Tavy side), via a forestry track that was bulldozed into the track bed, accessible via a gate, from the road just below the bridge 1/2 way up the hill, on the left.
It’s s-shaped & very wet as I remember.
There are actually four tunnels on the Plymouth to Launceston branch line, these being Shaugh Bridge, Yelverton, Grenofen and the fourth near Hartford Bridge as you go out of Tavistock towards a Mary Tavy. The latter is an extended over bridge where the SR (ex-LSWR) line passed over the GWR Launceston branch line. I have tried to find this tunnel but it is sited, I suspect on farmland and would require permission to access. I sought the same access when I walked through Grenofen Tunnel many years ago before it became a cycle path.
The first tunnel that you were trying to find but didn’t, is Shillamill Tunnel which can be accessed from either side but you best trying by walking along the old line. From the Tavistock end you need to go down the road that takes you in view of Shillamill Viaduct. Soon after there is a metal railway over bridge. Get yourself up onto this bridge and turn left to head towards Bere Alston. Shortly after, you will come to the entrance. You will need a torch as the tunnel has curve and so you cannot see the other end. Alternatively, you can drive out of Tavistock towards Bere Alston and you will notice that the road goes over an old railway under bridge. Park you car close by and walk down onto the old track bed. Walk towards Tavistock and you will be rewarded by several farm bridges and an old SR concrete tracklayer’s hut that is in remarkable condition.
Both the Launceston branch and the ex-SR mainline from Plymouth to Okehampton make interesting walks or cycles. I tried unsuccessfully a few years ago to find Lydford Viaduct to walk across it but did manage to locate it by going down a track in Lydford village itself. I suspect that to find it to walk across it would require accessing the line from an over bridge on the old line from the Plymouth end but I suspect this might involve trespassing!
Thanks for the tips
Is the Lydford viaduct the stone one that runs through the little hamlet of Lake? Goes through to Meldon viaduct and onto Okehampton? Or is there another hidden somewhere in Lydford?
The one you refer to is Lake Viaduct just after Bridestowe station. Lydford viaduct is before Bridestowe and is in the village of Lydford, after Lydford Junction station. If you go into Lydford and are heading towards Plymouth, there is a road on your left that goes down to some houses and you will pass under Lydford viaduct. I think it has 5 to 7 arches.
@@steveevans7019 Great thanks, yes I knew the one I mentioned was the lake viaduct, but as Lydford is close by I thought you may have been thinking of Lake viaduct. Good to know there's another nearby. I will have to have a wander to the Lydford one now. 👍
I have only managed to view this viaduct from underneath. I had thought there might be access onto the old line from the Bridestowe end but the height of the bridge at the Bridestowe end of Lydford where it crosses over the line is too high to contemplate gaining access. There is also the possibility of trespassing. A better option might be from the Lydford Junction end. On the road from the old junction site into Lydford, the road passes under an overbridge and you might be able to access the top of the viaduct from there. But the undergrowth is quite dense at this end and there might be properties that have been built on the line, meaning that you may be trespassing there too. Pleading ignorance might work if you are already walking along the old track bed.
You have to be the fittest because you need to keep running back for the camera. Great vid as usual 👍
You must be blind if you couldn't find the tunnel in the Leighbeer tunnel, it's actually an old copper mine, is on the south wall of the tunnel and is easily accessed by climbing over the barrier. It goes for about 80 yards where the adit has collapsed. I believe it is part of a copper mine called BICKLEIGH vALE phoenix mine.
Ah you summed it up perfectly. "Accessed by climbing over the barrier". We didn't see a way to the entrance without trespassing, so aren't hugely keen to do that and then post it on the web.
I had heard it was in good condition and there was talks of opening the line and subsequently tunnel?
Tick! Found them on GE. :)
Sorry if I misunderstand but these Dartmoor tunnels were all GWR, and closed in 1962. The only tunnels on the Southern Railway were in Devonport...
For Bere Alston tunnel use the road to Tavistock recycling centre from Tavistock. After the recycling centre you will see Lumburn viaduct on your right. Shortly after you will go under a railway bridge and on your left is a gate with a parking space. go through gate and turn right onto track which leads to tunnel. you can follow the track left to the viaduct but you can't get on it. Interestly the Tavistock to Morwhellam canal passes under the viaduct before crossing over the river Lumburn on it's way to the canal tunnel.
Like the tunnel music, was it composed by a Hoverfly? Love your vids, well put together.
I tooks some pensioner friends to Tavistock 18 months ago, and was absolutely gutted because one of them felt unwell, menaing I missed my chance to cross the viaduct at North Tavistock Station.
The viability of re-using an old tunnel depends on many things, including as you suggested the stability of the existing structure and is it up to being re-modelled as needed. In some cases it might just be a simple cleaning out the cobwebs and relaying the track, while for others it might be cheaper and quicker to build a new tunnel on a new line. There's no telling without a proper survey.
You must be very fit...I admire your tenacity....keep up the good work and you did not know about the plague that has us in its grip ??
Not sure what you mean about the plague Philip
Excellent
Thanks Hatty
You must be the fittest, because you need to run back for your camera. Great vid, as usual 👍
Public right of ways in my area of Alberta are virtually non-existent. Same in Central Montana where the rich landowners proclaim no entry!
There is a large tunnel under the roundabout at Yelverton this ran from yelverton station towards Tavistock the Princetown branch line also stopped here the platforms are still there
Great Video, 2 out of 4 quite good being honest.
Thanks Simon. We enjoyed making the Dartmoor video's.
That's great to hear, I do need to head into the Dartmoor area myself because there is a heritage railway at Oakhampton to Meldon Quarry (i think) and they have Thumper units too.
@@Sim0nTrains definitely do that. We stayed in the Travel lodge there and walked across to look at the Meldon Viaduct. There is a view where you can see both the viaduct and the reservoir from the same spot. Very beautiful.
There are a couple of narrow gauge rail lines/tunnels in the area that you were exploring including a Mineral "gravity" railway and another old narrow gauge carrying explosives in from the powder works on the moor.
Pray tell more George!!
I was aware of them whilst working for Plymouth City Council Bridges and Structures Dept as a Structural Engineer some 10 years ago, I will try and get the portal locations from Google Earth. Do you have a more direct E-Mail contact ?
@@MegaBoilermaker yup. Have a look at the website that has all the details. paulwhitewick.co.uk
Theres the old tram tunnel from Forder Valley to Plymbridge, not sure what access is like at the moment due to the forder Valley road upgrade. There are plenty of tunnels in Plymouth itself.
Plenty of tramways around the Plym valley trail as well.
If you'd like some footage of Tunnel #3, I'd be perfectly happy to trespass. By the way, I enjoy your videos very much, but where did you dig up that horrific "music"?
Lol. We always try and offer something different with regards the tunnel videos.
How long ago were you filming...more than 12 months that's for sure.I apologise if it sounds nasty but to see you two charging all over the country and as it is now. It must have been a long time. I enjoy your tunnel foraging...all a bit tongue in cheek. Looking forward to the next episode and many more I hope...
7.00mins in...
You stopped the tunes, just as I was getting into it.!😭!.
Is there a 'full' song that you're lifting parts from, or are these little bits being 'built' and installed into the footage by you.?🤔?.
If it's a tune, what is it called, and, where do I get to hear it.?(please).
Love the vids ❤️
Keep'em coming
Rich 🥰🥰🥰.
How far away is this from river dart country park?
Great video ,also I wonder if you are aware of the tunnel on this line that runs through directly underneath yelverton
Yup we had heard of this one, but also aware that its not easy to get to and the landowners aren't happy about access.
@@pwhitewick It's not that hard to get into ,I do have some photos if you have an email 641 yards arrow straight some good platforms too ,let me know I will send pics
@@andrewfox7861 great stuff. Yup please email via the website. www.paulwhitewick.co.uk
@@pwhitewick sorry Paul just read this, will forward some photos of Yelverton Station and tunnel to your email, or if you have twitter let me know your handle I can dm to you 👍
There is a tunnel above the harrowbeer tunnel that used to contain the wheal lopes leat it leads to the aquaduct
thats smokey joes tunnel near shaugh prior at 11.01,,spooky
The first tunnel you tried to get to you can get to the other side was there last night having a look I used google maps to guide me in
U went the biggest pain in the ass way on tunnel 4 u should’ve followed plym valley it takes u right to it 😂and I don’t know of a tunnel in leigham and I live in Plymouth but I knew the grenofen one and the 4th near shaugh prior
you may enjoy an old BBC docufilm about a sailor on shore leave in 1954 who uses the railway that used to be there. The youtube title is '
Thanks Salty... whats the title?
If you type 'A brief journey - Sailor's run ashore in 1954 to Plymouth, Dartmore and Looe" you will see it. Regards, Buster.
Hiya thankyou for sharing this.
I'm a regular visitor to shaugh tunnel (leighbeer tunnel) I've not done the rest but I want to find the first tunnel you tried to find if i can. I believe it's by hartshole farm. If your on Facebook and messenger I can send you my mine explore in the last tunnel if you want
Locally pronounced "Beer" Alston.
It'll be a shame to replace those nice footpaths with railway lines!
Did you look for Leigham Tunnel? It's supposedly accessible. There's plenty of pictures on 28DaysLater.
To be fair I can't recall. This was aroudn 3 years ago now.
@@pwhitewick Hmm. I just find it odd you didn't even seem sure it existed but I found lots of clear pictures of it from about the same time, not to mention it being clearly marked on several maps at old-maps.co.uk.
@@SimonNemeth we were amateurs back then.... now we are league 3.... almost.
@@pwhitewick OK. It's something to have a look for when you find time. I'm hoping to see you do the Royston to Dewsbury line near me. I want to know if there's anything visible of Crigglestone Tunnel's Eastern portal providing the land is accessible. There's a load of old infrastructure and another 'tunnel' (if you can call it a tunnel) at the other end of the viaduct too (Horbury West Curve). They only pulled the line up a few years ago there.
Just put of interest, where did you dump them empty costa cups??
Costa coffee cups are fully recyclable in their own stores. But we tend to use reusable ones these days
If ur into like old disused places there’s a old railway line from burrator to princetown and merrivale is a disused quarry merrivale involves trespassing but it’s only a gate to get over no barbed wire and if the unlikely scenario of getting caught happens it’s only a slap on the wrist like a 50 pound fine it says there’s cctv there but Dw the cameras don’t work someone’s knocked one off the hut and there’s a pub outside if u fancy a pint not my cup of tea tho that quarry gives me the creeps
We did King Tor and Ingra Halt in a video close to this one I think. Not really into trespassing though, we get invites that way!
The Whitewicks ik ingra halt thats the old railway station on the princetown line a bit further up theres like a tiny bridge going over the path i dunno kings tor ik foggintor tho
Pronounced Beer Alston
Thank you 👍
were yar costa coffee mugs go boys and girls?
I live in berealston
very Good video, haha how much do You pay Your wife to carry the tea!
Hahaha.... I pay her in tea!
@ 1.05, the girl third from left doesn't look very impressed with any of it!
Give the lady more of a chance to talk and participate
Bere Alston. It's 'beer' not 'bear'
None of the tunnels are on Dartmoor
Poetic license and all that.
Not sure about the music effects guys 🧐
I don't wish to be picky but I watched this expecting to see some tunnel exploration. There was a lot of footage of the two of you trudging around looking for tunnels and very little actual exploration. Perhaps you should alter the title to 'NOT' The (Abandoned Railway) Tunnels of Dartmoor. That's another 13 minutes that I'll never see again....
Sorry you didn't find it that riveting. You should try editing it! To be fair though this was one of our first videos and we never really know what to expect. That's half the fun. Perhaps take a look at our more recent videos.... At least if you can spare another 13 minutes. 😊
It’s brilliant when some expert starts with” I don’t wish to be picky “ Priceless. What do you wish to be then?
8:25...
Looks like Rebecca wants to be ANYWHERE but THERE.!🤣!.
I'm no behavioural scientist, and don't claim to know everything about facial expressions, and, what they ACTUALLY mean, but, I'm sure that at 8.26, you're facially 'wanting NOT to be' there.!🧐!.
Whether your brain 'knows' this or not is debatable, but, your face is telling us one story, and your mouth another.!🤯!.
Or...
Have you just had an argument, because you wanted to go a certain way to get to the tunnel, but he was adamant it was 'this' way, and THIS is where we're at right now. Straight after you've just had a very heated conversation, where you were right, but, he's right anyway.
snooze-fest.
terrible music,, maybe you could stay in a tunnel
....and you even edited that comment. Well done.
Each to there own. I personally liked the music. interesting video as well:)
@@DarrenKidd thanks Darren 👍👍👍
Well it’s his video it doesn’t matter if you like the music or not so if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all
@@Scottish_Transport_Explorer do not censor me
You have to be the fittest because you need to keep running back for the camera. Great vid as usual 👍