Chalford Railway Viaduct 2nd Attempt

[@grumpyoleman2152]

We will give you an 'A' for all the effort you put in. There is obviously no flat ground around Chalford. Next time we will rent you a helicopter. The falling leaves remind me of my favorite season. Beautiful. Take care! Jim

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Jim, good to hear from you, I like the helicopter idea, problem is there is no flat ground to land it on. Take care. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

Love seeing the golden leaves on the top of the canal and the canal with water in it too. Shame the New Red Lion is no more. I remember walking over that accomodation bridge, but someone had a load of outdoor gym equipment and ropes off preventing access across last time I was there. Well done on finding that huge great rail! Good view of the arches at that time of the year with the trees mostly out of leaf. Great work - and well done for having another go. Take care & hope you have a good week Ron. Paul

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

It is a beautiful place to walk for sure, a real golden valley. Take care Paul, Ron

[@barryc1968]

Reporting in late Ron, don’t put me on jankers I am no good at peeling potatoes. You definitely deserve a mention in dispatches for your tenacity, I was going to say persistence but could not spell it. Well done enjoyed the video.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Good to hear from you at any time Barry, mind you to get better at peeling potatoes perhaps you need more practice! Like you I can't spell persistence either. Have fun. Ron

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Ron. Greetings from Poland A Very heroic second attempt to get close to the railway arches. What shame there's no direct foot access. A nice walk, lovely video and how beautiful early autumn looks. The water in the canal brought it back to life and the rope burns on the bridge showed Mann and horse working g together all those years ago

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Michael, hope we find you well. That is a beautiful place to walk, autumn nip in the air, sunshine and shadows, lovely. The only problem is getting out of the valley involves a very steep climb. Beyond me these days I fear. Take care of yourself. Ron

[@petepaine5331]

Good morning Ron. Another great adventure. For a minute I thought you were going to attempt to cross the canal by the fallen tree which would have been most entertaining . Have a grand day. Pete Tanya and Syd

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I wouldn't have attempted it without a wetsuit Pete. Hope you are all well. Ron

[@donniblanco5239]

I like this Area Very Much, with its Streams, Trees & Flora/Fauna and of course the Ancient Tech and Engineering that’s being Absorbed back into Nature, tho they Don’t Make it Easy For us Folks that Want to Appreciate it tho I did Enjoy the Notice about the Sheep Lol - To my Eye The Old Bridge was Reminiscent of Greek Temple Doorway,and that Huge Rail Repurposed as a Retainer is A Mystery to Investigate Further - Be Careful What Secrets your Discovering as you may get a Visit From the MIB dept (Men in Black)😉

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Donni, I'll keep my eyes open! You are right it is a beautiful place to walk. Look after yourself. Ron

[@Steve-gy3bx]

Another great vid Ron, Chalford is a beautiful little village.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

It sure is Steve. Ron

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

Morning Ron, very confused by the rope burn marks. You would normally see them where the tow path goes under the bridge. I think I've finally worked it out with the horse going round and then being unhitched and rehitched. The barge having the momentum to carry on under it's own way to the other side. Awkward though. When I was up the midlands on a barge they had a spiral affair bridge for the horse for when the tow path changed sides. A wonderful invention. Simon

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Those Victorians knew a thing or two Simon. Keep smiling. Ron

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Shame we can't build stuff like they used to.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

More revealed on this explore: arches - at least some - are partially infilled, which I suppose also helps stabilise the steep hillside behind the track. How nice to see the canal in water, which gives some idea of it's beauty when this section is fully restored. I salute your perseverance, those roads/tracks look pretty steep.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Malcolm, better second attempt I think. Take care. Ron

[@davidberlanny3308]

Mornin' Ron, Petes just beaten me too it!! Clearly the OS map indicate the path crossing over that fallen tree at 6:25 ..... well I call it fallen, but maybe the right description would be somewhat rustic .... and precarious!! It was a lovely walk and you were rewarded with some Autumn sunshine and enough fallback to make out the viaduct. I suppose the only tantalising detail is sight of the rock face in the arches. It made me think that there would need to be periodic inspections and there will be a way to access it but perhaps that is done by approaching from the track at the end of the viaduct and gradually making your way along. You know, Brunel lacked a bit of foresight here, a well engineered track at the base of the viaduct and he could have made a bit of extra money renting out the lock ups, and more importantly it might have become the set of The Sweeney or Minder!! Autumn is closing in on us too, we have a wet and stormy weekend forecast, but its often forecast but never arrives ..... a kind of reverse Micheal Fish if you will. The good thing is that I have officially opened the walking season and on my first jaunts out came back with some Holm Oak acorns and what I think is a horse chestnut, but I'm not sure yet. Anyway, have a great weekend, all the best!!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi David, you wouldn't think piles of masonry could be so technical requiring the spreading of the load between rockface and foundations. Looks like they got it right. We 'rescued' 5 acorns from an historic tree, we planted them in the garden and one took. It is growing out there now. Isn't nature grand. Have fun all week. Ron

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

Blimey this takes a bit of working out. Ron, I sure the back road from Frampton Mansell to Oakridge Lynch passes under your viaduct. (Old Victorian Map, cross referenced with Google Earth). Might be worth a little trip out to Frampton, and drive down that back road, because I think you may find what has almost eluded you.🙂👍

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Ron you are absolutely right, filmed it last week! Hope all is well with you. Ron

[@jamesweekes6726]

Hi Ron, I think waving at the driver is definitely more important than getting the shot! That's a great idea with the "squirt bottles"...I wonder if that would work with OVM when she exhibits antisocial behaviour...only one way to find out, I'll report back. Whatever the outcome, that was a great walk, and you had all of that almost to yourself...amazing! Thanks and see you soon. James (and soon to be dampened OVM).

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi James, I was going to send a search party out for you, where have you been? Re the water experiment, don't forget you can still post from hospital, - Provided you have at least one finger left unbandaged. Wishing you luck. Ron

[@jamesweekes6726]

@@ParkinsonsWalks hi Ron, I think we've been dealing with some wayward electrons not quite making it from my computer to the comments!

[@marilynbalderstone696]

Good afternoon Ron. Definitely A grade for persistence and getting us a view of the viaduct. Someone else further down mentioned the infill so wonder if that is recent. It’s not an elderly persons or sisters place to walk now. Bit steep round there. Interesting railway relics you uncovered too. Back for more scones and coffee too? I hope the wrist is recovering another week on. I fancied some sea air after seeing your window view last week so got the train up to Morecambe yesterday where the station is very close to the seashore via Piccadilly and Lancaster. So a cone of chips and a latte sitting on the sea wall looking over to the Cumbrian coast for a 30 minutes was perfect. I discovered if you google the station on Rail Enquiries website you get a plan of your prospective station and also a map showing the area 10 minutes walk from the station. Very useful when it’s somewhere new. Well all for now and where are you and Pauline going next? 🚶‍♂🧍‍♀

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Marilyn, I love sitting looking at the sea. In my younger days when I was scuba diving, I had to see the sea at least every couple of weeks whether I was diving or not, or I got withdrawal symptoms. You made me quite envious. With Parkinson's issues we find it hard to plan ahead, so we make it up on a daily basis as we go along. Much like you really. Love hearing from you, take care of yourself. Ron

[@petersmith5574]

Ron the lengths that those early constructors went to to build a railway never fails to amaze me so thanks for shedding, at 2nd attempt, some light on a practical examples of this. Now, and I am almost ashamed to admit this, amid so much expertise of your fellow contributors, but which exactly is the line that we see? At first I assumed it was the main Stroud/London line but is it the one that used to carry the spent nuclear flasks from Berkeley power station? I am in no doubt that many of your colleagues will enlighten me. Thanks and stay well. Peter

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Pete, don't worry, I know relatively little about railways as well and I made the film! I think you will find it is in fact the main Glos to London line. It leaves the Glos to Bristol line at Stonehouse (Film somewhere) Waiting for someone to prove me wrong now. Keep smiling. Ron

[@757trev]

Good morning Ron and thank you for yesterday's video. You were certainly tenacious in your quest to get up close and personal with Chalford viaduct and I think you achieved the best that was possible. It is certainly unique as one of the few viaducts that is actually cut into a hillside and, at 19 arches long, must have been an incredible feat of engineering to construct. Back in 2017 high tensile netting was used to cover a very large area of the cliff face above the viaduct which needed stabilising. Then, in 2018, the viaduct underwent significant repairs and, as a result, all the vegetation between it and the canal was cut back giving excellent unobstructed views along the whole length. Now in 2024 it just shows how quickly nature takes back control again. Another way to view the viaduct may be from one of the hills to the north of Chalford viz: Chalford Hill or Avenis Green. However, as the vegetation goes right up to the viaduct, a view from there may not be possible either. Apart from getting a permanent Way job on the railway I don't think there's much chance of getting any nearer Ron. Talking of which, being a member of the P.Way team at Pontypool and Blaenavon Heritage Railway, we are supposed to be removing a trap point tomorrow. However, the weather is forecast to be monsoon conditions, so much of day sitting in the cabin and drinking coffee will probably be the outcome. Thanks again for this weeks offering Ron and sending best wishes to you, Pauline and all the PW (permanent way??????😅) family. Regards Trev

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Trev, I found that post absolutely fascinating, You truly are the master of research. I don't see me climbing one of the hills for a better look, beyond my scope these days. Have you completed the Scotland trip yet? I suspect you did or are about to get a little damp,. The points replacement should be good training. Thanks for your support of the channel. Ron & the rest

[@757trev]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Thanks Ron, Scotland trip coming up early next month. Reduced threat from midges this time of year, but replaced by probability of much rain! You can't win 'em all!

[@JimNicholls]

You did well, Ron. And as you say, the old canal certainly looks better with water in it!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Well I made it Jim, if only just. I was knac..... a little bit fatigued at the end. Keep flying. Ron

[@JimNicholls]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Sadly, we're not getting any younger, Ron. With my 84th coming up next month I'm definitely slowing down. My kite-flying is getting less frequent and fewer kites are flown each time than used to be the case. Take care!

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

Well done on a gallant second attempt, Ron. That viaduct is sited in an extremely awkward place. I doubt you would get to it with a drone either, way too many trees. It reminds me of the viaducts at Hook Norton, buried in trees. Lovely views of Chalford in the sunshine and a nice explore. Heavy rain inbound for the weekend! Take care. Ron.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Ron, I was enjoying your post till I got to the last bit - MORE rain. Keep smiling. Ron

[@charlespaterson9714]

That was a great attempt. We just don't want you hurting yourself in pursuit on our behalf (I was getting a bit concerned with your breathing) I take it the Railroad thought it was less expensive or easier to build the viaduct rather than excavate a step into the hillside rock. I think you were obligated to wave, since the driver gave you your own special one horn salute!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Charles, thanks for your concern, I must admit I find it hard not to attempt things which I once found easy but these days are risky. Hope I don't learn the hard way! Interesting, I would love to know what influenced the decision to go for a viaduct. Take care. Ron

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

FYI a new Channel 4 series ‘Abandoned Railways From Above’, on Saturdays at 8:00pm. First episode covered the Somerset and Dorset Railway, Bath to Bournemouth. Very interesting and worth a look. Ron.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Ron I watched it, some good archive film clips I thought, pity they are not available to the rest of us. Take care. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Hello Ron. That was more productive. Good view of at least some of the arches. What did that viaduct carry. Road or railway? I've got behind with watching videos, having been on holiday in North Devon for a week. On the bright side, I'll probably get 3 videos out of it. That's if my editing software works properly. Didn't have any sound this morning, but after turning the computer off and then back on again, everything seems fine.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Lionel, that is the main Gloucester to London line. I bet Mary knew that. Looking forward to the films. Ron

[@nigeltift6335]

Download OS maps onto your phone! Gives you exact location of paths!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thank you Nigel. Ron