A Disused Railway Line Under the Hills

[@krisnabolton5962]

Not far from my home. All the steam 'Holiday Specials' were always diverted onto this freight track in the 50s and early 60s. It was a very busy line day and night for the goods, coal and oil trains. Happy days :)

[@krisnabolton5962]

After the Beaching cuts, they just couldn't wait to close this loop line down. This was a big mistake because it would have come in very useful if the present main line was closed due to accidents etc or indeed if further capacity was required at the present time. In fact this would have been feasible because after going through the original single bore tunnels at Diggle, it would come out at Marsden where there was a four track system up to Huddersfield and Leeds. Lets hope this line can be utilised again.

[@MartinZero]

I remember the Holiday specials in the 80's 😀

[@krisnabolton5962]

Martin Zero Hi Martin. The Micklehurst loop was built after the present line that is still in service now. The loop line was a very busy line primarily used as a goods line taking coal south from the Yorkshire coal mines towards Manchester and oil from Stanlow to Liversedge West Yorkshire via Stockport. The engines pulling these freight trains were invariably the big beasts like the 2-8-0 WD 8F's or bigger still the 2-10-0 9F's. Their sound at night was unmistakable and distinctive. An experienced train spotter could differentiate between all types of locomotives by the noise they made. Heading east from Stalybridge as a gradient all the way to Marsden and boy did they struggle sometimes with wheels skidding or if they hadn't built up enough steam while stationary at Stalybridge for this purpose. I would lay awake most of the night listening to them and be late for school in the morning. If you wish to see these locos working on the Marsden-Huddersfield section, then look up 'Pennine Steam In The 60's' which is a very good account of the locos in use on both lines to Stalybridge and beyond. I think it could be on KZbin or if you can't find it let me know. Keep up the good work buddy. Love all your first class quality videos which are a credit to both you and Conner and much better than watching TV. Look forward to the next video :)

[@NoirKitsune]

I don't know how I came across these videos but I'm actually very glad I did.... subscribed!

[@TRAMJUNCTION7147HG]

Many lines throughout the country were closed after the 1922 grouping of the big four LMS, LNER, GWR & Southern. Before then the many different railway companies competed against each other for goods and later, passenger traffic and built their own independent lines, to try and compete with each other. That is why so many lines ran alongside each other and went in the same direction from one place to another. Once they were grouped into the four regions, many of the older or longer route lines were abandoned such as this one going across the Pennines from Manchester to Huddersfield/Leeds. There was no need for two lines running side by side when one could manage and cost much less to run and maintain. Thus the old Butterly Tunnel route was closed, as many others did across the country. Then during the sixties after the railways were nationalised, along came good old Dr Beeching who closed hundreds of non paying branch lines. After the war, the railways were pretty run down and the aim was to do away with steam and all its costly infrastructure and replace it with diesel trains and later as we see today, modern electrics. Luckily we have the railway preservationists who have managed to save many old closed lines and more steam locos than anywhere else in the world. After all it was Britain that invented the railway, and the steam engine and led the world in everything from engineering, ship building, manufacturing and mining. Now look at Britain today, we have nothing, compared to what our forefathers created, except reflections of the past of such a great nation. We might live in a modern age of computers and mobile phones, but our past must never be forgotten its what made Britain GREAT!

[@MartinZero]

Yes its all fascinating stuff. The infrastructure of a bygone era

[@allansmith4447]

excellent Martin as usual...I was a Goods Guard At Guide Bridge from 1968 to 1986 and before the line closed I was the Guard on a lot of trains that took coal along the line for Hartshead PS.

[@antmerritt]

Great video Martin cheers. I was taught to remember 'tites come down whilst 'Mites go up! oohEr missus!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Beat me to it 👍🏻

[@lindamccaughey8800]

That was fantastic. What a tunnel and brickwork it was so huge. Thanks so much for taking me along. Thanks for the train too just love them

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Linda

[@GabryJ84]

I am watching your videos since a while and I can say that it is surprising how careful they were not to leave a single trace of railway equipment. I believe that these bolts you found have been a big surprise for you. There are no signs of abandoned sleepers, track stumps, not to talk about wing signaling or cable residues. Very thorough clean-up after dismission. Here in Italy even after dismantling you can always find some plaques, hinges, collars, insulators (if it was powered), pieces of signaling equipment. It seems that in the UK these operations have been very accurate and I believe that most if not all of the recovered materials were destined to scrapyards, so what moved all that accuracy was just money...they must have been really at the end of their rope...

[@georgeedwardscott7159]

Martin zero's vids are well done, very informative, well edited and very educational, what's not to love? Amazing guy amazing vids, love it. I don't even live in Manchester lol I've only been their once for a few hours. Still love it tho. Martin zero is the bees kneez , love him.

[@MartinZero]

Wow !! Thank you very much

[@justanotherbobfan]

Brilliant.....fascinating......love the old lines......tunnels/bridges/cuttings/canals/buildings/warehouses and the history that surrounds them. I live in the south midlands and love to see this stuff from " up north " Thanks Mick Northampton

[@MartinZero]

Hi Mick and hello to South Midlands. Bet you have some great stuff down there as well don't you ?

[@thomream1888]

Hey Martin - Great show! I know you've posted this a bit ago, but I've just now found it (and subscribed!). Even though I'm from America, and chances are I'll never get to visit ya, I still find if interesting to see your history. And that really slender stalactite hang from the ceiling? We call 'em "soda straws" round here. Cheers from Fresno, California, USA

[@HenrysAdventures]

Brilliant video as always! Love that small tunnel at the begging to!

[@oscaris1ru12]

when the mites go up the tights come down

[@Denaligirljodie]

DuffyssLuv1 I’ve always remembered it by the G in stalagmite standing for ground and the C in stalactite standing for Ceiling.

[@andrewschmitz9707]

That was excellent to follow,and the brickwork is beautiful to see. Thanks guys.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Andrew

[@benters3509]

Short sighted vandalism. Those lines would be useful today, and certainly in the future. Anyway, this bought back a fond memory for me. Mid eighties working in Manchester at the BBC Studios. We were heavily into "real ale" in those days, and Stayleybridge station had one of its waiting rooms converted into a real ale bar. Arrive on the train, have a few pints, and don't miss the last train home!! Meat pie and black peas for sale in the bar. It did not get much better than that.

[@MartinZero]

I remember Stalybridge Buffet it was independant and proper old world. Great stuff 👍🏼

[@anthonykeaveny8860]

Until 8 years ago there were trestle tables on the platform outside the Station Pub. You could sit there with a drink and watch the trains. One day The Elf called and decided that it was too much fun and Very Dangerous. The pub is still open and a mecca for Rail Buffs . Well worth a visit.

[@ninalutgen6244]

Thank u Martin I love tunnels.i don't want to go in myself but I like watching explorers go in.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Nina, I love them to 👍

[@100SteveB]

I wish we had decent video cameras back in the early 1980's, some friends and i walked through the old Ventnor Tunnel on the Isle of Wight, we planned to film it using a big bulky VHS camera, one of those where the recorder was separate from the camera. We knew we would need plenty of light so we had made up a massive floodlight that incorporated about 10 car headlamp bulbs set into a massive reflector, we had to lug a car battery down the tunnel in order to power it. The light was fantastic, it lit the tunnel up really well so we could see all the wonderful colours. We could see clearly for at least 50 yards ahead. But sadly it was nowhere near bright enough for that old camera, it picked up nothing that was more than a few feet away. A real shame because i really did want to record the inside. All we got for our efforts was a sore back after having to lug all that heavy gear along the 3/4 mile long tunnel. So its really great to see your efforts were recorded successfully on modern equipment! P.S But like you, i also found one of those old track securing screws in the tunnel, i still have it to this day somewhere!

[@johnmehaffey9953]

When you look at the tunnels remember that every brick had to be laid by hand and transported onto the scaffolding by hodsmen and these walls are not just a couple of brick wide but normally between 18 inches and 3 feet and more in some places and done on moveable wooden arches, the whole tunnel is a fantastic bit of architecture from planning to excavation and the building of the tunnel to hold back the pressure of earth, so I hope everyone appreciates the effort these skilled men put into the building of the railways

[@MartinZero]

Yes Incredible build werent they

[@jontownsend6451]

Another great video, thanks again. I never knew this loop line existed, looks like a day of exploration ahead.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Jon, enjoy exploring 👍

[@andrewphillips9391]

The mist reminds me of a visit to Woodhead 15 years ago. I was by the Manchester bound platform, a couple of hundred yards from the tunnel, and it was a muggy day. Every so often, a blast of freezing cold air would erupt from the tunnel. Very eerie! I believe this line was built as part of the project to quadruple the line to provide extra capacity. They had the same problem at the Leeds end (going through a valley) so built a new line there also, the Leeds New Line., also closed in the 60s, when the rest of the line was reduced to 2 tracks.

[@gingerbread6614]

We love you. Thank you

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Ginger bread 👍

[@joelholford859]

Ha we used to walk through this tunnel as kids, before they filled in and tarted up the Uppermill end. The tunnel had a curve to it and when you were half way through you couldn't see daylight from either opening (we didn't have torches either) - always crapped myself! Cheers for the memories..

[@mnshp7548]

this is probably one of the best abandoned train vids on utube good job id love To go there

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@mevive]

Your videos are very entertaining, love old historic railway mysteries ... you earned your self a sub ...thumbs UP

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much and I really appreciate you subscribing

[@peterjohnston2470]

The brick layers must have spent years laying that tunnel. Love the vid.

[@hiscifi2986]

Nah... There were three of them..

[@TheRattyBiker]

My geography teacher used to tell us theirs no reason a teenage lad should forget that Stalac"tit"es hang down. Great videos, love the passion you convey in your videos.

[@orlaobrien4329]

Another really great video Martin! Loved learning about this because its so local!!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Orla, was I in your neck of the woods then ?

[@kennethainsworth1716]

Yes, I see the Oldham bound tunnel on the old map, could be worth a look. Just an interesting note about the photo of Stalybridge Station. Sometime in the 60's a cattle train had gone through the station, (on what is now the main line), and at some point on the Mossley side of the tunnel (which is not shown in photo) the coupling broke between 2 rail wagons. This resulted in a few runaway wagons running back through the tunnel towards the station. Fortunately the signalman had set the track points to danger and the runaways derailed into the small freightyard that used to be there, killing and injuring cattle. The injured ones had to be put down. I can remember standing on top of the tunnel looking down on the cattle carnage and cleanup crews trying to get the track clear for passenger trains. There used to be 3 signalboxes at Stalybridge, the one you see in the photo, one straddling the tracks at the station and one where the tracks heading West split into 3 different routes. - one to Ashton , one to Guide Bridge and the other to Dukinfield. Cheers mate just thought I'd pass tgat on.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Kenneth great story. Pity about the poor cattle. I have seen a picture of the Signal box over the tracks at Stalybridge it looks amazing 👌

[@AlRaw94]

Used to be a regular trip to that tunnel when out on fishing trips up the canal locks, one of the branches off that line up the 'delph donkey' is a nice walk with a few remains of mills from uppermill to delph

[@oddwad6290]

As other modes of travel became more popular for folks , the the railways often abandoned passenger service for the more profitable freight . Only profitable lines were kept and the unprofitable ones were often abandoned . Thanks again for another nice video . Hope you can continue to do very well .

[@dennisolof9994]

Nice video. It sure look like the tunnel down to hell. Add some lighting to it with the mist etc and it will look even more spooky and ominous. Sad that they pulled up the tracks and everything, they could have kept it in working order, even if they did not use it. Could be of great value if say they had a accident on that specific section and then having the option to divert the trains through the older tunnel. I guess it was decommissioned so long ago that nobody thought about that then perhaps. And with sections demolished I guess that will never happen or perhaps it will who knows. Glad you did not go alone on this explore, it is always wise to have friends with you and also telling others what you are doing, when etc. so if something bad happens help will be on the way eventually. Tunnels, caves etc are dangerous places. It is good to be careful when doing things like this.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Dennis 👌

[@dennisolof9994]

@@MartinZero After I wrote that comment I came to think about my time in Devon riding a miniature railway. Forgot where it was but if I was living in your area I would try and get some enthusiasts together and build a miniature railway so you could ride a real train through that tunnel with a miniature steam locomotive. That would be something spectacular to have your own real train tunnel to use whenever you like. Anyway, I guess you could probably float the idéer to people who would be interested. Again thanks for great video.

[@theovanstaden5766]

thx for showing us all these interesting places around Manchester, big like!!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks again, much appreciated

[@EdenValleyAdventuresUK]

That was a great tunnel thank you for filming this gem.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah it was a good little explore

[@RM-io7qo]

Awesome looking place with such a lot of atmosphere, love it! Take care..

[@MartinZero]

Yeah it was a great place John. Many thanks 👍

[@jayd1974]

Class video once again I do an ale tour a couple times a year get the train from Piccadilly to Huddersfield and we work our way back to Manchester stopping at various laces and having a pint nice picturesque towns👍

[@MartinZero]

Ahh the ale trail. I believe it’s popularity has made it a nightmare

[@chrismatthews2579]

Stalactites and stalagmites are mostly calcium carbonate (limestone) which has low solubility in water. Calcium carbonate may be suspended in water and come out of suspension or dissolve in water and come out of solution as the water evaporates.

[@MartinZero]

Yep, but they are all shiny and pearly. I think they bee Giants teeth on the surface 👹

[@FlightProgramAborted]

@@MartinZero lol I think what we have here is Calthemites, From memory around all the coal beds in that area there is also Carboniferous limestone , All that water seeping though the limestone into the tunnel causing calcite (calcium) to seep through and form below the where its seeping through .The lack of a through draft must make the air heaven with moisture running over those stalagmites :) I’m no expert, but it could also be Godzilla’s buried in the tunnel :) en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calthemite#/media/File%3ACalthemite_straw_stalactite.jpg

[@FlightProgramAborted]

Courtesy of Wikipedia “ Calthemites are usually the result of hyperalkaline solution (pH 9-14) seeping through a calcareous man-made structure until it comes into contact with the atmosphere on the underside of the structure, where carbon dioxide (CO2) from the surrounding air facilitates the reactions to deposit calcium carbonate as a secondary deposit. CO2 is the reactant (diffuses into solution) as opposed to speleothem chemistry where CO2 is the product (degassed from solution).[3] It is most likely that the majority of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) creating calthemites in shapes which, mimicking speleothems, is precipitated from solution as calcite as opposed to the other, less stable, polymorphs of aragonite and vaterite.[1][3]’

[@steveowhite4370]

great video Martin as always was up at butterhouse tunnel last summer taking some photos.Im a manc but live in Stalybridge now and have walked most of the micklehurst loop great history keep them coming.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Steveo thanks. Is it an interesting walk ?

[@antpant7]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing the history, adds to the magic. Drewton Tunnel is a good explore if you are ever in the East Riding. Always up for an explore.

[@MartinZero]

Hello many thanks. East riding Yorkshire ? Is it a long tunnel ? Easy access ?

[@antpant7]

@@MartinZero its 1 mile 354 yards. 5 Airshafts. East Riding Yorkshire. Its part of the ex Hull and Barnsley Railway closed in the 1950s. Last went in 2008, really good for an explore. Access is limited at the Western portal but once your are in its clear all the way.

[@MartinZero]

Ok sounds good. Wonder if I can see it on google maps?

[@antpant7]

@@MartinZero here's a link to the Eastern portal on Google earth id that helps. earth.app.goo.gl/?apn=com.google.earth&ibi=com.google.b612&isi=293622097&ius=googleearth&link=https%3a%2f%2fearth.google.com%2fweb%2f%4053.78991171,-0.52685785,101.59419488a,1798.88709837d,35y,39.74346867h,0t,0r%2fdata%3dCi4aLBIkGWeuREU25UpAISZY338z3uC_KhA1My43OTA3LCAtMC41MjcxGAIgASgD

[@MartinZero]

antpant7 Found it on google maps. Very near a farm and in fields ?

[@Spehcktor]

I'm not from Manchester, nor have I ever been. Your videos make me want to come, see everything, that nobody else goes out to experience. Always look forward to your uploads!

[@MartinZero]

Hello, thanks very much for your comment. 👍Whereabouts are you ?

[@Spehcktor]

Lloydminster Canada, on the border of Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Fairly young in the terms of history!

[@MartinZero]

Mono7068073421 Robot Sonic Wow thats amazing ! Great to know your watching so far away. You must come and visit 👍

[@eriol_mits3121]

If you go into the centre of Stalybridge even though the Viaduct is long gone you and still access the first tunnel of this loop line. Up a little bit of a bank about 50ft in the air but you can certain climb up. My friends wife pointed this out to me today as I introduce them to your videos on the standedge tunnels and shafts.

[@nigelkthomas9501]

If you want to check another old tunnel out try Gildersome. It was on the former Leeds New Line between Leeds and Birstall.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Nathan will google it

[@davidhodkinson5290]

Great vid ta. Never seen pictures of either end of the tunnel in steam days.

[@davidroberts9477]

Ace again Martin, just shows just how very industrious we once were.

[@MartinZero]

Hi David, yes that whole line was built just because they couldn't widen the existing line. Brilliant 👌

[@davidroberts9477]

@@MartinZero crazy the old school just got things done !

[@michaeljohn2826]

The Lydgate tunnel not to far from Diggle/upermill area has got to be looked into Martin, lived in northern ireland for years now and I still think about maybe coming home and getting in that Lydgate tunnel somehow.

[@SuperRichhead]

Another great video Martin and it's good to read the interactions from other subscribers.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Richard. yeah some good info on the Stalagmites

[@Steven_Rowe]

Another fantastic vid Martin, far better to be educated and learn rather be entertained by mind numbing commercial TV. Those coach screws you found screw the clamps to the sleepers. The correct name is a chair. The side of the rail contacted the inside jaw of the chair, the outside jaw had a wooden chock driven in to hold it against the inside jaw.? It was like a wedge.

[@maxcowell3920]

Great vid - always enjoy your explores....

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Max

[@Steven_Rowe]

Martin Just did some research. Butterhouse tunnel was 301 metres long. Using google i measured the distance from the Northern portal where you entered it and it seems the southern portal is just south of oof Ryyfield Drive beyond what looks like a farmhouse. Iwo der how far you went in, surely almost to the southern portal. I bet that Southern portal still exists along with the retaining walls if any. All very interesting I think. I would love to do the exploration stuff you do.

[@MartinZero]

I wanted to go look but never had time

[@David1988Mufc]

Hello pal I've got a massive massive debate I need your help on regarding a old railway in Manchester. Me and group of friends have have been debating if actually the ordsall cord isn't the first time piccadilly/Victoria as been connected. Anyway please whenever you get the chance and time buddy as if anybody can solve it we thought you can. Give us a email [e-mail]. Cheers Dave

[@drewcyprus3714]

I Think they covered up the over end and I recon it's not far under them trees at ryfields

[@MLampner]

H Martin, caught up with the current output so going back and seeing some of your earlier adventures. I did note you referring to a stalagtite. If its on the floor climbing its a stalagmite if it descends from a ceiling its a stalactite. I always love in really old caves or tunnels when the meet. Anyway enjoying the videos.

[@dchalkie]

Thanks Martin, another good video 👍

[@deborahburnette1218]

So love your videos. Thank you.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks so much Deborah 👍

[@mikeede49]

Another good video Martin, what a pity it's been filled in, what a walk that would have been to discover what it's like at the other end.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Mike, yes would have been great to go right through. I would like to see whats left of the old line further down but I think all the interesting bits have gone

[@MarkTayloroutdoors]

Great video mate, been binge watching a few of your newer videos. Really enjoy them, love the history and excellent production values. Dropped you a sub, and you definitely deserve a LOT more mate. Thanks for sharing, Atb mark

[@shiver_me_timbers]

Manchester was too small for you Martin your now breaking through into my home turf of West Yorkshire lol!

[@MartinZero]

Yes I had all the jabs and was deemed safe to go 😆

[@MartinZero]

@@nuntius1933 😀

[@johndean4998]

The small footpath tunnels may also have been built so that farmers could move their livestock ('droving') without crossing the tracks. That isn't mist within the tunnel, it's steam from the ghost train..... Is that music the sound track from '28 Days Later'?

[@faltskog36abba]

Brilliant video once again martin and friends. Years ago I followed the route of the micklehurst line and got as far as Mossley. the four fast trans Pennine trains now go through Victoria once again En route to Huddersfield and beyond. There are many interesting former rail routes in our region, One is the Clifton junction to Radcliffe line which is walkable and has some interesting features along the way such as a Clifton viaduct[known locally as the 13 arches] and an old station platform at Ringley road near Radcliffe.

[@MartinZero]

Hi thats sounds interesting that. I know of the arches but never been there

[@GeraldineJayne]

That footpath tunnel is well cool. They used to make these things so aesthetically pleasing in those days. Great video!!!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Geraldine thank you. Yes the footpath tunnels were a nice little extra for us that day. I agree so much charm in them and intrigue !!

[@GeraldineJayne]

Intrique is such a good word for it. That's exactly what it is about them that lures me in!

[@Growlertrim]

My favorite way to start the day is with a new Martin Zero video over breakfast

[@MartinZero]

😃 !!!! Tea and toast. Thank you 👍

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

The brickwork of Victorian tunnels is just amazing, the arches and curves they built with such accuracy, a real testament to a bygone era of British/UK engineering.

[@MartinZero]

Yes I agree, fascinating stuff

[@tonyball3910]

Ha Martin, try the old air raid tunnels in Stockport, I was down them in the 60s, they were just as they had left them after ww2. Love your videos, keep it up

[@MartinZero]

Hi Tony a few explorers have been in there recently. I would like to go in though. Quite a labyrinth down there

[@annahasty7191]

Amazing! I can only imagine the work that went into the construction.

[@paulbarnes8425]

Another great interesting video Martin of railways long gone.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Paul, yeah this looks like it started running down in the early 1900's

[@stephencook7311]

Another superb video, some of the things in there reminded me of white scar cave in Ingleton in yorkshire, well worth a visit.

[@MartinZero]

Oh yes I have been. A long time ago but brilliant place 👍

[@johnbowles4754]

Excellent video again Martin please keep them coming

[@MartinZero]

Hi John. Much appreciated 👍

[@rangeroverl322]

Yet another top video Martin cheers👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Steve

[@christopherwhittaker3768]

Superb vid. And it's tites hang down mites go up from ground. What always gets me in these tunnels and viaducts is the sheer amount of brickwork and labour. Watching this today has made me feel like I need to get out more. Anyway thanks for the vid and the information given.

[@MartinZero]

Hello Christopher. Its a great day out if you know where that is or can get to it. Yeah the Brickwork is another level. Thanks

[@AndysDiary]

Another fantastic video Martin! I knew there was a tunnel up there but I couldn't remember where, definitely need to take a trip out there!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Andy, yeah its a nice little adventure this one. Easy to get into as well 👍

[@FranklyFrankFranking]

Stockport and Timperly have a really cool abandoned railway line.

[@MartinZero]

I think am going that way

[@lenniegoodband2677]

Hello Martin. Just like to say I love your videos about Manchester and the railways. But I don't live in Manchester because I live in Lincolnshire. So keep up the good work and I can't wait to see you next video mate👍👍👍👍👍

[@MartinZero]

Hello Lennie thanks so very much, really appreciate it. Best regards to Lincolnshire 👌👊

[@19bob53]

Great interesting video once again Martin. A couple of weeks ago we with my brother and his wife from Australia were on the other side of that railway we walked along the Huddersfield Canal from Marsden to the tunnel entrance, just to the side is the exit for the railway. Nice cafe canal side.

[@MartinZero]

Oh right fab, was the cafe Grandpa Greens think they do Ice cream as well

[@bobpedley8609]

Didn't notice the name but they were selling ice-cream, only had a coffee. On the way back had a nice meal in the Junction Hotel, Denshaw.

[@MartinZero]

Bob Pedley Its all beautiful round there. Compo's cafe in Holmfirth is that still there ?

[@floydskifloyd2870]

,,👍,, Brilliant great stuff another top notch video so professionally done excellent footage editing music so much background history amazing so much unknown history surrounding us thanks for bringing it to light thanks again for your videos Martin eagerly look forward to your next one thanks m8 🙂👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Pal. I think I owe you a thank you for this one 😀👍

[@floydskifloyd2870]

We all owe you big thank you for making the video all the hours editing & creating it thanks m8 👍

[@terryansell6641]

What amazing railway history that tunnel would be made onto a cycle track in New Zealand Just think of the man hours building this tunnel and the cost. Your videos are excellent thank you

[@MRPUD1]

Great video love old railway stuff keep it up martin

[@MartinZero]

Me to thanks very much. thanks for being in the livestream as well 👍🏼

[@Roblilley999]

Was it tights hang down, mites go up

[@gilgammesh1]

StalegTite . The T is top. Thats how i always remembered.

[@MartinZero]

Something like that 😆

[@MartinZero]

Thats a good way to remember 😀

[@MartinZero]

Congress of Louts Amazing !!! 😆

[@hopethehermit]

Schoolboy way of remembering: "tights come down"...

[@scottrk4930]

StalaCtites , "C" is for ceiling , and StalaGmites . "G" is for ground . That's the way I remember the difference . Great video Martin ./SRK

[@michaelgamble296]

Very interesting KZbin, Martin, and right up there with your best! Keep doing this as I "can't get about much any more" (someone should write a song on those words!)

[@gamesessions]

I remember walking through Gomersal tunnel in West Yorkshire with my mates as a kid and it was really scary at the time, but happy I did it as I think it’s all blocked off now, though one could probably get in with a bit of persistence :)

[@brianrobertson1105]

The mainline from Heaton Norris (Stockport) to Yorkshire via Stalybridge (the present line) was opened on August 1st, 1849. Originally there was just a single track tunnel at Diggle, but of course this arrangement became inadequate and another single track tunnel was opened on February 12th, 1871. So the single bore tunnel was a bottleneck for nearly 22 years. Adding another pair of tracks from Stalybridge became desirable, but it proved too difficult to simply double the existing railway. It was thus decided to build a completely separate railway on the other side of the valley, the Micklehurst Loop. This line opened to goods trains on December 1st, 1885, passenger trains following on May 3rd the following year. There were four stations, these being Staley and Millbrook, Micklehurst, Friezland and Uppermill. As you stated, they closed early. Micklehurst closed on May 1st, 1907, Staley and Millbrook on November 1st, 1909, and the other two following as a WWI economy measure on January 1st, 1917. All stayed open for goods traffic and through passenger trains continued to run right up until September 7th, 1964, when the section from Friezland to Diggle was closed completely. The section from Staley and Millbrook to Friezland followed on February 22nd, 1965 and the date that I have (which may be wrong) for the closure of the last stub to Hartshead is 1975, although traffic may have ceased some time before. Unusually, considering how long ago they closed, three of the station buildings remain in use as private houses. Only Staley and Millbrook has completely gone. Just north of Staley and Millbrook there is (or was when I last visited) a substantial goods warehouse still standing in a forest of young birch trees. The driver who worked the last through train over the loop is a personal friend of mine and is a member of the Manchester Railways group on Facebook. I almost forgot that there are actually 4 tunnels (including the canal) at Diggle. Another double bore (the one used presently) opened in August 1894. The two single bore tunnels closed on October 31st, 1966, although they are still used for maintenance and during boat trips along the canal. The double bore is connected to the canal at various points and spoil was shipped out by canal boats during the building of the tunnel. Now, when a tourist canal boat goes through the tunnel, an emergency vehicle of some kind (I don't know the details) shadows it from one of the disused tunnels.

[@MartinZero]

Great info Brian, many thanks. Fantastic that you know the driver of the last train. 👌

[@brianrobertson1105]

Worked with him several times, Martin. Incidentally, the irony of this line is that there is very little room for development on the upper Mossley side of the valley. The Micklehurst Loop is where all the housing growth is now taking place, and a railway would be very busy with local traffic. Basically, with hindsight, it should never have been shut, but then that could be said about a lot of our railways. People bang on about the Woodhead line, but their were far greater tragedies than that.

[@piccadillyline9765]

That bolt held the chair (the big metal thing) to the sleepers then the track is held in place on the chair by keys.

[@WakoJacKooo]

Martin. Just been here now. Nice good wander . Cheers pal

[@MartinZero]

You went there Joe ? Did you go all the way in ? Good isn't it ?

[@WakoJacKooo]

@@MartinZero yes i did. Although i was expectin it to be a longer distance than the video made out. I loved the monopoly graffitti and got some good shots mate . Was dauntin walkin into pitch black as i didnt have a strong torch like you did . JJ

[@MartinZero]

@@WakoJacKooo Plus that infill at the end 👍

[@WakoJacKooo]

Yes martin went right to the end on to the hill of what was that infill and tried findin a way thru like you did .

[@Thunderer0872]

Another great video, also explains to me where the four tracks started between Stalybridge and Huddersfield many thanks

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👌

[@Thunderer0872]

@@MartinZero a bit of interesting info on Diggle www.disused-stations.org.uk/d/diggle/index.shtml

[@Thunderer0872]

and the Micklehurst Loop www.disused-stations.org.uk/features/micklehurst_loop/index.shtml

[@cw315]

I've been waiting for this one, once again thanks for clearing up the name of the tunnel for me.

[@MartinZero]

Hello. Someone also referred to it as Brownhill tunnel But I do think the correct name is Butterhouse Tunnel. Thanks 👍

[@simonprice8737]

Great Video very atmospheric,the small tunnels at the beginning are probably to handle run off from the fields after heavy rain otherwise water can gather and look at side of embankment and gradually undermine and weaken it....chair bolts that secure the rail via the chair to the sleepers, the chair is like a big clip that is bolted on the sleepers and the rail is clipped into it, make a nice paperweight !!!

[@MartinZero]

Yeah great paperweight, needs some cleaning. I was filthy after that.

[@Roblilley999]

Great Video Martin. Know the Leeds to Manchester line and the Stockport to Slaybridge line, didn't realise their was this extra bit, like you said, they must have thought it was not needed, so just pulled the viaduct down and blocked the tunnel up (at one end anyway)

[@MartinZero]

People kept mentioning the Micklehurst loop to me and it took me a while to work out what it actually was.

[@SuperHellsbells1980]

Oh cant wait were going this week ,Thank you x

[@SuperHellsbells1980]

Hi Martin,where is the best place to park car to do this ,where do you join path ,taking kids and dont want to get lost Haha x

[@bluemtnsman]

Exactly as several others mentioned,,, stalagmites start from the ground and grow upwards. Stalactites hang from the upper surfaces. Both are the product of calcium or lime infused water. The shiny mites are calcium based and the dull sheen bits are mainly lime or other minerals. Very cool structures though.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Remembered as ....mites go up and ....tites come down.

[@lenniegoodband2677]

Thank you for your reply back Martin. It was nice to hear from you. May I ask if I could join you on a walk one in the new year if that's ok with you please Martin👍👍👍👌👌👊👊👊

[@carolinegray3150]

A nice tunnel explore

[@davidnm21]

6:37 the track clamps are actually known as rail chairs, ( I was a railway signalman for 23 years), but yes I got your meaning and enjoyed your video.

[@davidberlanny3308]

I wonder if you still have the bolts that you found back then, today is 5th January 2022

[@iandixon8562]

I enjoyed that, good work lads. I'd love to go along on one of these walks. I believe that stalactites hang from the top down, and stalagmites grow from the floor up.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Ian, yes it was a good day. I have known Diggle for years but never knew about that tunnel 👍

[@paulspickernell6875]

Great stuff again

[@kennethainsworth1716]

Another good movie. On the other side of the valley at Greenfield Station there used to be a line with a tunnel that went to Oldham. I think the old trackbed is now a street called Oakfield Park. Unsure if tunnel entrances are blocked. I remember as a kid in the 50's seeing the line, but not trains. This might be another good movie for you. Also the disused Standedge tunnel needs to be looked into,( pardon the pun). Its 3 miles long so take a lunch. Keep them coming.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Kenneth. I think the line you mention may just be seen on the initial map. Correct me I could be wrong. Standedge, Now there's a video 😉

[@ianr]

The tunnel on the Greenfield to Oldham line is Lydgate tunnel, last time I was there the portals were fenced off. The east portal is in a very deep cutting filled with vegetation and virtually inaccessible.

[@kennethainsworth1716]

@@ianr -Thanks for the info Ian. I wasn't sure what the situation was there. Do you know Peter Rainford by any chance?

[@ianr]

@@kennethainsworth1716 No I'm afraid I don't.

[@MartinZero]

Ian Roe Be good to take a look Ian

[@gazzblack8327]

Great video Martin never ceases to amaze me I wonder how many bricks they used to build that tunnel amazing

[@MartinZero]

Hi Gazz, yeah I once heard a phrase - A billion bricks. Not maybe for that tunnel but for the Viaducts and arches in cities, the mind boggles

[@gazzblack8327]

@@MartinZero could you imagine the faces of the bricklayers on a Monday morning haha

[@MartinZero]

gazz black Yeah relentless work !!!

[@georgebrown3359]

Could the little tunnel at the start of the video be a path for the canal horses to switch sides of the canal?

[@billbixby6411]

Great video thanks

[@joylunn3445]

Great video, just found it.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Only just came across your, and this, vid/s of yours:( EXCELLENT, OK), and if it's been put elsewhere then apologies but :- tites come down, mites crawl up. Water driving down through carboniferous limestone leaves its mineralised deposits where it lands, and builds up into a mini sedimentary piling, thus a growing mite, and likely a tite from wherever it drips from. Keep on mate, neat vids!

[@MartinZero]

😊👍

[@maveric5381]

Really look forward to your vids. What makes old railways so interesting? Thanks for all the additional information.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you. I struggled to find good info on this one. Plus some of the dates from various places contradicted each other. But many thanks 😃

[@DRILLBABYDRIL]

Another entertaining watch, thanks pal..

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Clay 👍

[@TheMadSc1ent1st420]

hey mate love your videos, Whats the name of the song you used in the very beginning of this one from like 0 sec to about 20 or so