Port Mulgrave tunnel is full of collapses, and bad air. Likely hood is, you will die trying to get through. Ridge Lane is a pleasant walk through, some water but not as much as in this video. It’s now full of bat boxes, so a protected site.
Some of these old tunnels (or mines) require the utmost in safety equipment such as nail proof boots and self contained breathing apparatus. It's not just low oxygen that can get you but also gasses in the water that gets stirred up when wading through that water. In some areas an unlined tunnel roof can collapse without warning just from your footsteps or voice. It's really good that you emphasize the need to turn back or avoid going into some of these places in the first place.
Very interesting again, glad in a way that the mile long tunnel was barred to you, because I don't want any harm to come to either of you. Enjoy your escapades, stay safe, Al the best from Cornwall. x
+Paul and Rebecca Whitewick I used to live in Staithes and the Grinkle tunnel I walked past dozens of times when walking my dog and always wondered what it was for, as the access from the Boulby Mine side was really good, looked in a few times with a torch but never ventured in, it wasn't blocked off like it is when you were there, I used to think it was possibly part of the east coast rail network, but never bothered with delving into it's history. As for Port Mulgrave, it used to be a lot more defined in the jetties and old workings than it is now, the weather and stuff have taken their toll. The Caterpillar digger you walked past was used by a local chap from Hinderwell to carve out an access path from the top to the port many years ago and the huts you filmed used to belong to him. From what I understand, it was thought impossible to create the access path as the gradient is that steep, but the chap did it anyway. Great video, glad you enjoyed the area.
Absolutely brilliant! Thank you. Another really interesting place that I have not heard of but should have done! Demonstrates the huge advantage of having good airflow through a tunnel. I’ve been in a couple where I decided to get out due to foul air, in both cases they were totally blocked at one end. Safety first!
So, Rebecca, who is presumably quite fond of you, sneaked over and padlocked it before you could get there, hemce the innocent but pleased expression? :-)
Paul and Rebecca, if you ever get bored and you are in Surrey, look into the underground tunnels in Dorking, I lived in Dorking for19 years and the tunnels and caves fascinated me as a lad.
Wow! Another great video, about a couple of tunnels that I don't think I knew about. Fascinating stuff, and I love the still photographs you managed to take. Would love to go and visit these myself some day. Very atmospheric (if you'll pardon the pun!).
All credit to you for giving it a try, and very professional to have made such careful preparations. I love your presentation style (both of you), very relaxed and well-informed. Thank you for the pleasure you give me, cheers Peter
In a way, I'm glad you couldn't get in the danger tunnel, please invest in one of those gas detectors for permanent use and take it everywhere, you never know where there might be bad air! Also getting some of those sport oxygen cans, won't give you full life support, but will help you escape if you hit bad air and feel woozy or start hyperventilating.
So The odds are very low that I will be doing that tunnel and only slightly better at any tunnel in the UK . But the inquisitive part of my mind has to ask has anyone tried a scuba tank it there? I bet the level of technical proficiency required leaves most of us out . Also is there any notices saying this is illegal to go in the tunnels or emergency services say if you go in there , you’re on your own?
Another quality video. Especially highlighting the health and safety concerns with the locations. Well done excellent as always, can’t wait for the next video.
I have been into most tunnels in the area, except the locked one. I was told by a local ex military chap that was born locally not to attempt it, he went into it over 30 years ago, It was partially collapsed back then. There has been a suggestion it was collapsed on purpose by the Navy, they blew up the harbour to stop the Germans landing there at the start of WW2.
I went in it in the early 80s, nearly 40 years ago and it collapsed exactly the same as it is now so you might be right. Fortunately although we were very stupid teenagers, we didn't go beyond the entrance to the tramway part.
Must be 25 years ago when I visited many of the attractions along that coast. Port Mulgrove was one of them. I remember going down the 'dodgy' steps and looking back at the cliffs for the tunnel and wondering how the hell did they do that.. certainly an interesting presentation. thank you
Hi Both Another great effort to discover our amazing engineering past. Well Done. 10 out of 10 for perseverance. You will become leg ends especially with those waders!
Thanks for the video. Love tunnels first one quite interesting Loved seeing the old sleepers. Shame the big one was locked you were not ment to go in on that day looks absolutely awesome though!!😎🚂🚃🚃🇬🇧
Usually the biggest problem with tunnels like that is because I've been bricked up both ends with only very small hope names there's no floor there to bring in fresh air in the air in the tunnel just stagnates
Yes, I was in there when it was still open, really don't want to go beyond the collapses, you'll struggle to get back out. Ooh,. this is going to annoy a few people as they try to keep it very quiet about this place. You can still gain access with permission on private land. Ooh, that path down the cliff has been put in recent, I had to use a rope to get down as the collapse was really fresh then. I went over the first collapse but did not enter the 2 tunnels, they look horrific, thick ocre everywhere sucking the oxygen out. Having been in, at least I know your not exaggerating.
Yup we had every thought not to post the video but Port Mulgrave and THAT tunnel is plastered all over the web, and took us around 16 seconds to find the location.
Another great watch Paul & Rebecca, I can appreciate the frustration in not being able to see the interior of the tunnel properly, but given the poisonous gases in such places it is maybe just as well there was a stout padlock in place. Stay safe & well both. 😃
Can understand the disappointment of not getting into the second tunnel but it better be safe than sorry, the first tunnel was lovely to see. Still a lovely video to watch.
Very exciting! First tunnel was great. Second would have been incredible BUT your H&S must come first and I'm pleased you made the decision you did. Wonderful film. Brilliant history.
Good to see you apply a good dose of common sense with your exploration. The last anybody wants is you guys putting your good selves in a tricky and lethal situation for us couch viewers. Great explore all the same.
Here is somewhere that may interest you -The Pwll Du Tunnel was the longest horse-powered tramway tunnel to be built in Britain at 1,875 metres (6,152 ft) in length. It started in Blaenavon, Torfaen, Wales, and was originally a coal mine, running northward almost horizontally into a hillside
Yup it seems a few old tramroad tunnelsnstarted their life as mines. We've been there twice now. Here was the second visit. ua-cam.com/video/gUzaPd6X9G0/v-deo.html
As fascinating as it is to follow along on your explorations, I'd rather you didn't die half way through a recording (or at any other time; just saying), so I am glad that you left the tunnel when you did. Oxygen deprivation is extremely disconcerting, since you don't realise that you're in trouble until you're practically dead. Confusion is often the last symptom you get before you keel over. The most dangerous tunnel is still beautiful to look at. From outside.
You seemed to have such a struggle to reach the south end of Ridge Lane Tunnel which is a shame because the north end is a lot easier and drier. Although this tunnel has several well-made refuges in it two tramps were killed here by a passing train in 1882. Although the rail gauge was 3 feet the locomotives were pretty big. The Port Mulgrave Tunnel was constructed in 1875 by extending one of the existing passages of the Port Mulgrave Mine so most of it was unlined; the inland end is a length of about 300 metres lined similar to Ridge Lane Tunnel. This end is also kept locked because of deteriorating air quality, flooding, and collapses in the unlined portion. Even in the 1920s Port Mulgrave tunnel was blocked by collapses and Port Mulgrave itself no longer used for exposting ironstone to the River Tyne; instead it went via an incline connection at Grinkle Mine up to the railway network. It's important to only enter tunnels like these when aware of the risks from poor air quality, roof or side collapses, and holes underfoot especially when going through a flooded section. Within recent years the seaward end of PM tunnel has had a major collapse before reaching the second junction exposing the soft shale around the lining so further falls must be expected. The padlock on the gate is there for a purpose so please respect it and don't try cutting it off, don't be responsible for harm to yourself or others. Simon Chapman, Secretary, Cleveland Mining Heritage Society.
Hi Simon. Agreed on all counts, we were very aware of the dangers of this tunnel (pm) and had no real intention of going past the twin entrances. Yup the padlock was there and was (as you saw) completely respected. As for Ridge Lane. We had intended to go to both portals but as we started at the south end and owing to the amount of time it took us to get there we had to ditch northern end portal hopes! Thanks for the message.
Fabulous as usual. Shame you couldn’t get in that tunnel but if truth be told I’m glad you didn’t would hate to see you hurt. The first tunnel was great at least you got to go into that one. I so enjoyed that thanks so much for taking me along and p,ease stay safe
I was glad to see that you could not get into the old mine/tunnel area. The 'Damp' gases can be very explosive in an old iron mine like that and just one spark would set off an explosion. For those who want to know more- www.howden.com/en-us/articles/mining/the-most-dangerous-gases-in-mining
@@chubeye1187 Yes, you are right. But there are areas like where the mine opening and the tunnel portal are next to each to other, that area would have oxygen and at times possibly the 'Damp.' Then things could go boom! Better safe than sorry.
Rebecca looked really fed up because you could not get into the second tunnel........may have something to do with forgetting her name on the last video!. Your bringing a whole new meaning to KEEP SAFE!
1st one you went into was perfectly straight, and all this built before the invention of string lines.🤔...🤣. Love the vids 🥰. Keep'em coming 🥰. Rich 🥰🥰🥰
Great video! Shame you couldn't get inside but maybe it was for the best. I explored a tunnel recently I came across in the Peak District, I came to a collapse near a vent, seemed so exciting going in but after the collapse, I felt quite an urgent desire to get out!
I'm with you rebecca and would stay outside too! Good video, well warned about tunnel dangers and lovely to see you 2 getting out and about. Thank you.
Sorry you couldn't gain access to the tunnel after all that effort, but at the same time I don't want you putting yourself at risk in the name of fun and entertainment.
@@pwhitewick look forward to that 1....spent many an hour in them taking photos..You should do the old railway between Stockton (where I'm from) and Sunderland a few disused stations and some lovely old bridges and culverts...keep up the good work....love these exploring videos...👍👍
Hi Paul and Rebecca. Safety must be the ultimate priority. That particular area of the Yorkshire coast is very unstable due to its geology. I have known Port Mulgrave in excess of sixty years and is historically excellent for its fossils. If you find shale pieces and split them there is usually something to find. The tunnel you found locked I first viewed as a child. In those days it looked like a tunnel entrance in a bare cliff. There must have been some sort of bridge arrangement attached to it. You can sometimes pick up bits of Whitby Jet from the port area as well. If you research Scarborough hotel collapse, during I think the 1980's, that will indicate the danger of the geology. I've no doubt from here you will want to find the tunnel in the Robin Hoods Bay area from the old Scarborough to Whitby Railway. I remember an hotel at Robin Hoods Bay that had a very long back garden where they used to play croquet. Half of that slipped away about 40 years ago, so please take care both of you on this coastline.
Cracking vid plenty of suspense. Shame about the lockout but the roof did look a bit dodgy and it's not worth getting in to find that your O2 meter works but you end up dodging flying rocks. Thanks for the enjoyable episode.
Great video and good to see you made it up north. I know the path down to the beach and port. The Alum industry prospered in times past. I was expected you to divulge your oxygen levels when you climbed back up to the top. Can't imagine everyday climbing down the cliff doing a day's work down tje mine then tje climb back up at the end of the day. Great work guys
I was assuming they are used by local fishermen, looking on Google maps looks like some are still used today by locals, but much is probably abandoned.
@@pwhitewick Oh right. I thought you may have run them up yourself with some gingham and re cycled rubber that you got in Habitat. Not that I think your posh 😆(couldn't resist)
It’s all very well having a o2 meter, but if it alarms you also need some escape breathing apparatus. Confined spaces can be a killer. I have been confined space trained.
The rusting iron and iron stone gives off foul air the which is the reason you should never enter a ships hold filled with scrap steel as it gives off gas until it has been ventilated
@@pwhitewick I have been inside mulgrave tunnel. A lot further than you can get in from the cliff side. All the way to where it is collapsed in the middle which is causing the air not to flow through causing bad air. Rotting timbers in there don't help at all. Inside there is 2 passage ways. One is the tram tunnel way and parallel to it is the actual iron mine workings which is very strange to see. I spent around 3 hour sin there taking photos of the place and have a fair few images in there but due to sensitivity of that one I don't post.
If you guys want a real cool place to explore check out The Malvern Hills. The hills have an old tunnel that runs through it. Its a disused train tunnel that was used to store weapons during the war and been disused since. Its easy to sneak into, has massive ventilation shafts (smoke chimneys) 100's of meters high and the tunnel appears like its raining inside. Its just over a mile long will need waders to explore some parts as the water can get waist high. Need to enter via the Colwall side. Dead easy to get to, just jump off the train at Colwall station and walk down to the tunnel opening is right next to the tunnel in use (only like 100 yrds). Rumour has it the tunnel still has secrets still not discovered (tunnels that go to hidden MOD bunkers deep under the hills Malvern is/was home to a huge government research base and has been since pre war times and is well known for crazy experiments!) Few images of the place online and odd videos.. :P Home to some rare bats! Will need to squeeze through the gates also but not an issue its a wide opening. The area has plenty other places to explore also recently before its destruction you could walk around one of the top secret government compounds still filled with equipment! Missed the chance of that by about a year though unlucky!
I love your videos, would like to see more! So don't risk both of your health on producing a daring video. It isn't all about life and death - actions can have consequences later in life and be careful not to breathe in fungal spores etc. Although you didn't get in the tunnel I enjoyed the video all the same :) I am pleased that you had an oxygen meter and that you were educating people to the risks - a nice touch.
Like your video. Just a couple of points, ... The O2 meter, is a 5 gas type? It's important to state for anyone thinking of using one of these that it should have a valid up to date calibration certificate to ensure its in good working order. I believe the certificate lasts two years and after that the device needs to be sent to a lab to be checked. The device has a self check which operates when you switch it on but if it isn't calibrated this could give a false reading. The certificate should always be with the device. Also if you're in a tunnel and the alarm activates you should have a self contained escape set. These are a small breathing apparatus with a ten minute supply of air. It's important to have one of these because if the alarm on the O2 meter activates it could be because of the disturbance of the water you were walking through and turning around and walking back through the same water could push the toxic levels to a point that is deadly for you. Also being alone in the tunnel is not a wise thing to do either. All being said, I liked your video and you show that you really like what your doing. Way better than being stuck in the pub or spending hours in front of the box playing games. Stay safe and enjoy.
The oxygen thing is a new one on me. And I'm sure thousands of potholers who go deep underground. As someone who has regularly gone deep underground exploring north wales Slate mines, I can safely say the air down there has always been as fresh as up top. As you would expect if the network has adits fully open to the outside world.
Another good one even though you didn't manage to get where you wanted to be. Probably better that way! With every vlog you post I feel that you're getting more and more like Martin Zero. Please be careful.
Are you still in the north east? I’ve actually been in this mine but only to the first collapse. I grew up in Whitby there are so many amazing tunnels and mines around this area. My cousin is a historian and knows a lot about the old railways and mines if you’d ever needed any local knowledge... keep up the amazing work.
Great to see you exploring the North East Coast 👍 Invaluable info on the unseen dangers of exploration. Hopefully next time you can visit Sandsend tunnel and Kettleness tunnel which were part of the Saltburn to Whitby coastal railway. Keep up the good work and awesome content 👏 👌
Burdale Tunnel on the Malton & Driffield Railway has had a couple of roof collapses and is partially flooded. I've seen a few videos where people have been inside but I thinks its crazy to risk your life doing that.
Great video paul.. Looked on wikipedia and seen some great pictures including one with sleepers.. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Mulgrave,_North_Yorkshire
Pity you didn't explore the old Cold War Bunker at Port Mulgrave whilst you were there too. Its on Beacon Hill where the trigpoint is marked on the OS Map, just off of the footpath towards Staithes. It goes up beside the last building on the left, as you've gone through the gate, at the end of the road at Port Mulgrave.
One point re tunnels & bad air is the possibility of methane which is explosive, so any electrical gear you take in needs to "Intrinsically Safe" and designed for such an environment.
One thing to know about carbon dioxide is that its toxic before asphyxiating. So you could be in respirable oxygen atmosphere but if there's 5% carbon dioxide it will affect or even kill you you.
Port Mulgrave tunnel is full of collapses, and bad air. Likely hood is, you will die trying to get through.
Ridge Lane is a pleasant walk through, some water but not as much as in this video. It’s now full of bat boxes, so a protected site.
Some of these old tunnels (or mines) require the utmost in safety equipment such as nail proof boots and self contained breathing apparatus. It's not just low oxygen that can get you but also gasses in the water that gets stirred up when wading through that water.
In some areas an unlined tunnel roof can collapse without warning just from your footsteps or voice.
It's really good that you emphasize the need to turn back or avoid going into some of these places in the first place.
Very interesting again, glad in a way that the mile long tunnel was barred to you, because I don't want any harm to come to either of you. Enjoy your escapades, stay safe, Al the best from Cornwall. x
Thank you Stephen.
+Paul and Rebecca Whitewick
I used to live in Staithes and the Grinkle tunnel I walked past dozens of times when walking my dog and always wondered what it was for, as the access from the Boulby Mine side was really good, looked in a few times with a torch but never ventured in, it wasn't blocked off like it is when you were there, I used to think it was possibly part of the east coast rail network, but never bothered with delving into it's history.
As for Port Mulgrave, it used to be a lot more defined in the jetties and old workings than it is now, the weather and stuff have taken their toll.
The Caterpillar digger you walked past was used by a local chap from Hinderwell to carve out an access path from the top to the port many years ago and the huts you filmed used to belong to him.
From what I understand, it was thought impossible to create the access path as the gradient is that steep, but the chap did it anyway.
Great video, glad you enjoyed the area.
Absolutely brilliant! Thank you. Another really interesting place that I have not heard of but should have done! Demonstrates the huge advantage of having good airflow through a tunnel. I’ve been in a couple where I decided to get out due to foul air, in both cases they were totally blocked at one end. Safety first!
So, Rebecca, who is presumably quite fond of you, sneaked over and padlocked it before you could get there, hemce the innocent but pleased expression? :-)
To be fair.... I had an innocent pleased expression too!
Paul and Rebecca, if you ever get bored and you are in Surrey, look into the underground tunnels in Dorking, I lived in Dorking for19 years and the tunnels and caves fascinated me as a lad.
I need to screen shot this!
Wow! Another great video, about a couple of tunnels that I don't think I knew about. Fascinating stuff, and I love the still photographs you managed to take. Would love to go and visit these myself some day. Very atmospheric (if you'll pardon the pun!).
Just checked out the post on the 28 Days Later site... wow, yep, looks way scarier than anything I've ever attempted. Flippin' brilliant, though!
You can get in the grinkle mine futher down the tramway from ridge lane. Myself and a friend spent 40 mins exploring it last year
Yup we did plan on doing this but caught in a lot of traffic on the way up here and ran out of light
All credit to you for giving it a try, and very professional to have made such careful preparations. I love your presentation style (both of you), very relaxed and well-informed. Thank you for the pleasure you give me, cheers Peter
Thanks Peter
Great video as always, got to admit the tunnel collapses would put me on edge long before the oxygen. Stay Safe.
In a way, I'm glad you couldn't get in the danger tunnel, please invest in one of those gas detectors for permanent use and take it everywhere, you never know where there might be bad air!
Also getting some of those sport oxygen cans, won't give you full life support, but will help you escape if you hit bad air and feel woozy or start hyperventilating.
So The odds are very low that I will be doing that tunnel and only slightly better at any tunnel in the UK . But the inquisitive part of my mind has to ask has anyone tried a scuba tank it there? I bet the level of technical proficiency required leaves most of us out . Also is there any notices saying this is illegal to go in the tunnels or emergency services say if you go in there , you’re on your own?
Another quality video. Especially highlighting the health and safety concerns with the locations. Well done excellent as always, can’t wait for the next video.
Thanks Stefan.
love the fact that you do these type of places but along the lines of yourselves and martin zero but always make safety priority no1 thanks
It’s a great explore. Dave and I were there a few weeks back. The air can be nasty and the water hides things to get caught on. Glad you got out safe
Cheers.
I have been into most tunnels in the area, except the locked one. I was told by a local ex military chap that was born locally not to attempt it, he went into it over 30 years ago, It was partially collapsed back then. There has been a suggestion it was collapsed on purpose by the Navy, they blew up the harbour to stop the Germans landing there at the start of WW2.
I went in it in the early 80s, nearly 40 years ago and it collapsed exactly the same as it is now so you might be right. Fortunately although we were very stupid teenagers, we didn't go beyond the entrance to the tramway part.
Great video, shows the importance of forward planning. Was half expecting Martin Zero to turn up too.
Got out of breath just watching this.
Entertaining even if you didn’t get inside.
Must be 25 years ago when I visited many of the attractions along that coast. Port Mulgrove was one of them. I remember going down the 'dodgy' steps and looking back at the cliffs for the tunnel and wondering how the hell did they do that.. certainly an interesting presentation. thank you
Hi Both Another great effort to discover our amazing engineering past. Well Done. 10 out of 10 for perseverance. You will become leg ends especially with those waders!
Thanks for the video. Love tunnels first one quite interesting Loved seeing the old sleepers. Shame the big one was locked you were not ment to go in on that day looks absolutely awesome though!!😎🚂🚃🚃🇬🇧
Usually the biggest problem with tunnels like that is because I've been bricked up both ends with only very small hope names there's no floor there to bring in fresh air in the air in the tunnel just stagnates
Paul and Rebecca, another brilliant video. Many thanks.
Our pleasure!
Yes, I was in there when it was still open, really don't want to go beyond the collapses, you'll struggle to get back out. Ooh,. this is going to annoy a few people as they try to keep it very quiet about this place. You can still gain access with permission on private land. Ooh, that path down the cliff has been put in recent, I had to use a rope to get down as the collapse was really fresh then. I went over the first collapse but did not enter the 2 tunnels, they look horrific, thick ocre everywhere sucking the oxygen out. Having been in, at least I know your not exaggerating.
Yup we had every thought not to post the video but Port Mulgrave and THAT tunnel is plastered all over the web, and took us around 16 seconds to find the location.
Love the expressions on Rebecca’s face at the end they tell the whole journey in a nut shell.
What an explore. Shame tou couldn't access the second tunnel but still great to see the port.
Another great watch Paul & Rebecca, I can appreciate the frustration in not being able to see the interior of the tunnel properly, but given the poisonous gases in such places it is maybe just as well there was a stout padlock in place. Stay safe & well both. 😃
Couldn't agree more!
Lol. All the gear and your wife has an M&S bag for life. You guys work hard. Well done.
Haha... yeah that was a last minute panic..... "oooh nooo how do we carry the waders without looking like idiots for an hour?" It didn't work.
It's the British way. Understatement.
Can understand the disappointment of not getting into the second tunnel but it better be safe than sorry, the first tunnel was lovely to see. Still a lovely video to watch.
Yup absolutely. Cheers
Your videos never disappoint! Thank you! Even though the second tunnel was barred to you (= us too) this was still very entertaining and watchable.
It was dissappointing.
To P&R thanks for an interesting video.I don’t know that part of the country,but the post industrial landscape ticks all the boxes for me.
Fascinating stuff as ever guys - thanks for all your efforts - from a dedicated armchair explorer !! 😎👍👍
So cool looking at the old tunnels! Thanks!
Our pleasure.
Very exciting! First tunnel was great. Second would have been incredible BUT your H&S must come first and I'm pleased you made the decision you did. Wonderful film. Brilliant history.
Totally agree!
Good to see you apply a good dose of common sense with your exploration. The last anybody wants is you guys putting your good selves in a tricky and lethal situation for us couch viewers. Great explore all the same.
Here is somewhere that may interest you -The Pwll Du Tunnel was the longest horse-powered tramway tunnel to be built in Britain at 1,875 metres (6,152 ft) in length. It started in Blaenavon, Torfaen, Wales, and was originally a coal mine, running northward almost horizontally into a hillside
Yup it seems a few old tramroad tunnelsnstarted their life as mines. We've been there twice now. Here was the second visit. ua-cam.com/video/gUzaPd6X9G0/v-deo.html
Interesting video mate and glad you always take a good view in health and safety chap.
Cheers Chris.
Loving Rebecca's flowery shopping bag...!
Your videos just get better and better well done from NZ
Thanks Terry.
As fascinating as it is to follow along on your explorations, I'd rather you didn't die half way through a recording (or at any other time; just saying), so I am glad that you left the tunnel when you did. Oxygen deprivation is extremely disconcerting, since you don't realise that you're in trouble until you're practically dead. Confusion is often the last symptom you get before you keel over. The most dangerous tunnel is still beautiful to look at. From outside.
hey paul and rebecca , another cool nice and interesting video , well done and thank you for all you do for us , :)
That was a great explore anyway...Keep em coming and stay safe.
Thanks, will do!
You seemed to have such a struggle to reach the south end of Ridge Lane Tunnel which is a shame because the north end is a lot easier and drier. Although this tunnel has several well-made refuges in it two tramps were killed here by a passing train in 1882. Although the rail gauge was 3 feet the locomotives were pretty big.
The Port Mulgrave Tunnel was constructed in 1875 by extending one of the existing passages of the Port Mulgrave Mine so most of it was unlined; the inland end is a length of about 300 metres lined similar to Ridge Lane Tunnel. This end is also kept locked because of deteriorating air quality, flooding, and collapses in the unlined portion.
Even in the 1920s Port Mulgrave tunnel was blocked by collapses and Port Mulgrave itself no longer used for exposting ironstone to the River Tyne; instead it went via an incline connection at Grinkle Mine up to the railway network.
It's important to only enter tunnels like these when aware of the risks from poor air quality, roof or side collapses, and holes underfoot especially when going through a flooded section. Within recent years the seaward end of PM tunnel has had a major collapse before reaching the second junction exposing the soft shale around the lining so further falls must be expected.
The padlock on the gate is there for a purpose so please respect it and don't try cutting it off, don't be responsible for harm to yourself or others.
Simon Chapman, Secretary, Cleveland Mining Heritage Society.
Hi Simon. Agreed on all counts, we were very aware of the dangers of this tunnel (pm) and had no real intention of going past the twin entrances. Yup the padlock was there and was (as you saw) completely respected.
As for Ridge Lane. We had intended to go to both portals but as we started at the south end and owing to the amount of time it took us to get there we had to ditch northern end portal hopes! Thanks for the message.
Good video guys 😃🍻🥂👍🏻
Keep up the good work, I always enjoy the videos, best of luck with the future
Thanks, will do!
Fabulous as usual. Shame you couldn’t get in that tunnel but if truth be told I’m glad you didn’t would hate to see you hurt. The first tunnel was great at least you got to go into that one. I so enjoyed that thanks so much for taking me along and p,ease stay safe
A lovely area only a few miles from Whitby. Interesting facts about the mining history & tunnels 👍👍😎
Glad you enjoyed it
I was glad to see that you could not get into the old mine/tunnel area. The 'Damp' gases can be very explosive in an old iron mine like that and just one spark would set off an explosion. For those who want to know more- www.howden.com/en-us/articles/mining/the-most-dangerous-gases-in-mining
On the plus side, not enough O2 to support an explosion.
@@chubeye1187 Yes, you are right. But there are areas like where the mine opening and the tunnel portal are next to each to other, that area would have oxygen and at times possibly the 'Damp.' Then things could go boom! Better safe than sorry.
Always interesting and entertaining, thank you :)
Thanks David.
Oo, serious exploration, waders and a bleepy thing. Very interesting video this week guys, enjoyable indeed. I'd give you five stars easily 😂.
5 Stars.... would recommend. Lol
Rebecca looked really fed up because you could not get into the second tunnel........may have something to do with forgetting her name on the last video!. Your bringing a whole new meaning to KEEP SAFE!
Brilliant vid so informative and love all your safety .
1st one you went into was perfectly straight, and all this built before the invention of string lines.🤔...🤣.
Love the vids 🥰.
Keep'em coming 🥰.
Rich 🥰🥰🥰
Amazing the amount of infrastructure built in the 1800s
Great stuff as always. If you're ever in eastern Scotland I can point you tk some really interesting stuff 👍
12:34 I've cooked food in that circular hole
Great video! Shame you couldn't get inside but maybe it was for the best. I explored a tunnel recently I came across in the Peak District, I came to a collapse near a vent, seemed so exciting going in but after the collapse, I felt quite an urgent desire to get out!
I'm with you rebecca and would stay outside too! Good video, well warned about tunnel dangers and lovely to see you 2 getting out and about. Thank you.
Thanks so much! 😊
wow what a great and interesting trip, guess it made so much fun
Thanks Layila, much appreciated.
Really interesting stuff. Know Port Mulgrave Well. Thank you
Sorry you couldn't gain access to the tunnel after all that effort, but at the same time I don't want you putting yourself at risk in the name of fun and entertainment.
Couldn't agree more Jerry
There is 2 more tunnels about 3 miles south of where you were kettleness which is a couple of hundred yards and Sandsend which is nearly a mile....👍
Stay tuned!!.... couple of weeks time. Just need to get the edit done.
@@pwhitewick look forward to that 1....spent many an hour in them taking photos..You should do the old railway between Stockton (where I'm from) and Sunderland a few disused stations and some lovely old bridges and culverts...keep up the good work....love these exploring videos...👍👍
Great video. I can also recommend 'Patrick Dickinson' for tunnel exploration.
I must admit I'm disappointed there was no funfair on the sea front there ;)
Hi Paul and Rebecca. Safety must be the ultimate priority. That particular area of the Yorkshire coast is very unstable due to its geology. I have known Port Mulgrave in excess of sixty years and is historically excellent for its fossils. If you find shale pieces and split them there is usually something to find. The tunnel you found locked I first viewed as a child. In those days it looked like a tunnel entrance in a bare cliff. There must have been some sort of bridge arrangement attached to it. You can sometimes pick up bits of Whitby Jet from the port area as well. If you research Scarborough hotel collapse, during I think the 1980's, that will indicate the danger of the geology. I've no doubt from here you will want to find the tunnel in the Robin Hoods Bay area from the old Scarborough to Whitby Railway. I remember an hotel at Robin Hoods Bay that had a very long back garden where they used to play croquet. Half of that slipped away about 40 years ago, so please take care both of you on this coastline.
Thanks John, yup a fascinating place here. We filmed a couple more vids whilst ion this coast line. More to come!
Cracking vid plenty of suspense. Shame about the lockout but the roof did look a bit dodgy and it's not worth getting in to find that your O2 meter works but you end up dodging flying rocks. Thanks for the enjoyable episode.
Totally agree
Came across your channel by accident, wow and this was the first video I watched awesome video, awesome content
Welcome. You've another 164 vids to get through... Good luck. Stayed tuned. Every Sunday 4pm. (Gmt)
@@pwhitewick lol cant wait :)
Like the amount of PPE on display here. What 3 words is very useful if it all goes wrong!
I agree, the what three words app is incredibly useful
Great video and good to see you made it up north. I know the path down to the beach and port. The Alum industry prospered in times past. I was expected you to divulge your oxygen levels when you climbed back up to the top. Can't imagine everyday climbing down the cliff doing a day's work down tje mine then tje climb back up at the end of the day. Great work guys
Were all those huts and things abandoned?! Looks super creepy but awesome!
I was assuming they are used by local fishermen, looking on Google maps looks like some are still used today by locals, but much is probably abandoned.
Did I see you wearing some sort of multicoloured waders ? Where did you get them from ? Habitat 😆
Habitat..... 🤣🤣🤣.... I think you'll find they are an £14.99 Amazon special...
@@pwhitewick Oh right. I thought you may have run them up yourself with some gingham and re cycled rubber that you got in Habitat. Not that I think your posh 😆(couldn't resist)
@@MartinZero they'd sold out of tweed.... otherwise we'd have been right on that.
Paul and Rebecca I would expect nothing less
It’s all very well having a o2 meter, but if it alarms you also need some escape breathing apparatus. Confined spaces can be a killer. I have been confined space trained.
Great channel makes me miss exploring.
The rusting iron and iron stone gives off foul air the which is the reason you should never enter a ships hold filled with scrap steel as it gives off gas until it has been ventilated
It strips the oxygen out of the air
Another great video, thank you
Nice video, and safety allways first , well done.
one of my favourite local areas ;) nice video guys
I am pretty sure there is a LOT more here to explore as you will know... next time!
@@pwhitewick yep there is :)
@@pwhitewick I have been inside mulgrave tunnel. A lot further than you can get in from the cliff side. All the way to where it is collapsed in the middle which is causing the air not to flow through causing bad air. Rotting timbers in there don't help at all. Inside there is 2 passage ways. One is the tram tunnel way and parallel to it is the actual iron mine workings which is very strange to see. I spent around 3 hour sin there taking photos of the place and have a fair few images in there but due to sensitivity of that one I don't post.
@@MineExplorerUK would love to see the pics. Can you mail them if possible? whitewickpaul@gmail.com
@@pwhitewick I can show you a couple yep not problem
Hi there you just come up on my recommendation list we have just subscribed 👍
Welcome to the channel
Good video,keep safe going into tunnels
Good one Team.keep it up and god bless you all.
If you guys want a real cool place to explore check out The Malvern Hills. The hills have an old tunnel that runs through it. Its a disused train tunnel that was used to store weapons during the war and been disused since. Its easy to sneak into, has massive ventilation shafts (smoke chimneys) 100's of meters high and the tunnel appears like its raining inside. Its just over a mile long will need waders to explore some parts as the water can get waist high. Need to enter via the Colwall side. Dead easy to get to, just jump off the train at Colwall station and walk down to the tunnel opening is right next to the tunnel in use (only like 100 yrds). Rumour has it the tunnel still has secrets still not discovered (tunnels that go to hidden MOD bunkers deep under the hills Malvern is/was home to a huge government research base and has been since pre war times and is well known for crazy experiments!) Few images of the place online and odd videos.. :P Home to some rare bats! Will need to squeeze through the gates also but not an issue its a wide opening. The area has plenty other places to explore also recently before its destruction you could walk around one of the top secret government compounds still filled with equipment! Missed the chance of that by about a year though unlucky!
Gutted about the lack of access. There are some good railway tunnels down that way on the Whitby to Scarborough line though. A future episode?
Most certainly. Filmed a day later!
Nearly missed this , didn’t get a notification for some reason
I love your videos, would like to see more! So don't risk both of your health on producing a daring video. It isn't all about life and death - actions can have consequences later in life and be careful not to breathe in fungal spores etc. Although you didn't get in the tunnel I enjoyed the video all the same :)
I am pleased that you had an oxygen meter and that you were educating people to the risks - a nice touch.
There is an abandoned rail tunnel in Canterbury Kent used to be in it as kids
Like your video. Just a couple of points, ... The O2 meter, is a 5 gas type? It's important to state for anyone thinking of using one of these that it should have a valid up to date calibration certificate to ensure its in good working order. I believe the certificate lasts two years and after that the device needs to be sent to a lab to be checked. The device has a self check which operates when you switch it on but if it isn't calibrated this could give a false reading. The certificate should always be with the device.
Also if you're in a tunnel and the alarm activates you should have a self contained escape set. These are a small breathing apparatus with a ten minute supply of air. It's important to have one of these because if the alarm on the O2 meter activates it could be because of the disturbance of the water you were walking through and turning around and walking back through the same water could push the toxic levels to a point that is deadly for you. Also being alone in the tunnel is not a wise thing to do either.
All being said, I liked your video and you show that you really like what your doing. Way better than being stuck in the pub or spending hours in front of the box playing games. Stay safe and enjoy.
The oxygen thing is a new one on me. And I'm sure thousands of potholers who go deep underground. As someone who has regularly gone deep underground exploring north wales Slate mines, I can safely say the air down there has always been as fresh as up top. As you would expect if the network has adits fully open to the outside world.
Yup, I think the issue with this one is the geology, not much bare rock, loads of sludge and very deep collapses with little air movement at all.
Great upload hello from Australia
Great ti see you up in the north. Hope you got ice cream at Runswick Bay and time to see the nearby Rosedale railway.
Another good one even though you didn't manage to get where you wanted to be. Probably better that way! With every vlog you post I feel that you're getting more and more like Martin Zero. Please be careful.
Are you still in the north east? I’ve actually been in this mine but only to the first collapse.
I grew up in Whitby there are so many amazing tunnels and mines around this area. My cousin is a historian and knows a lot about the old railways and mines if you’d ever needed any local knowledge... keep up the amazing work.
Great to see you exploring the North East Coast 👍 Invaluable info on the unseen dangers of exploration. Hopefully next time you can visit Sandsend tunnel and Kettleness tunnel which were part of the Saltburn to Whitby coastal railway. Keep up the good work and awesome content 👏 👌
Is it illegal to explore abandoned tunnels? What would be the consequences if you are caught entering one,?
It'll be under the civil laws of trespass and if landowner presses charges. Possible jail term and fine
@@ContenderG Damages, not a fine or jail for civil matters.
Rebecca walks 20 paces behind and keeps silent - well trained Paul.
Burdale Tunnel on the Malton & Driffield Railway has had a couple of roof collapses and is partially flooded. I've seen a few videos where people have been inside but I thinks its crazy to risk your life doing that.
Yup, if there is a collapse already in places it isn't somewhere we would be looking to go immediately!
Might be a good idea to to take a claft stick to prod the ground to check for hidden holes
Great video paul..
Looked on wikipedia and seen some great pictures including one with sleepers..
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Mulgrave,_North_Yorkshire
Pity you didn't explore the old Cold War Bunker at Port Mulgrave whilst you were there too. Its on Beacon Hill where the trigpoint is marked on the OS Map, just off of the footpath towards Staithes. It goes up beside the last building on the left, as you've gone through the gate, at the end of the road at Port Mulgrave.
Meant to say also, brilliant videos and very interesting to learn more about places we've been and areas we know quite well.
One point re tunnels & bad air is the possibility of methane which is explosive, so any electrical gear you take in needs to "Intrinsically Safe" and designed for such an environment.
Well done for finding that - now find the key holder, and you're in next time...!
One thing to know about carbon dioxide is that its toxic before asphyxiating. So you could be in respirable oxygen atmosphere but if there's 5% carbon dioxide it will affect or even kill you you.
Hey Julian. Yup the meter with had with us detected CO2 as well. Cheers.
I would have gone exploring early in the morning, rather than late afternoon. It gives you slack before nightfall.