Exploring Catesby Viaduct on the GCR

Join me as I explore the area around Catesby Viaduct and the Viaduct itself. Starting at the Northern Portal of Catesby Tunnel I discover a plate layers hut in great condition, a occupation bridge, a removed bridge and a water 'feature; which i cant figure out! finally walking onto the Viaduct, and its a real beauty! This is one of my favourite ever explores and all done in 30 degree heat!! enjoy!

[@galaxycoder]

The structure you thought was a water tower actually has nothing to do with water at all. It was a victorian theodolite they used to align the air vents for the tunnel, using semaphore like arms to indicate left or right to line-up the position of the ventilation shafts. They were usually dismantled after the construction was complete, but they obviously left this standing.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. Thank you for the information. It seemed out of place and it was only because of the water I thought it may have something to do with drainage etc. Thank you for letting me know what it is it now makes a lot more sense.

[@nickslater2680]

Another really interesting video and an amazing and incredibly well built and graceful structure. It’s mind boggling to consider the colossal amount of work sheer toil that was required to create the structures shown from the tunnel to the bridges and then the gigantic embankments and the viaduct itself. It’s tragic to see them in that ongoing state of decay. Your videos capture and highlight the appalling and wasteful decisions that were made by Beeching, Marples and their short sighted followers in the 1960’s. In this age of global warming we absolutely need infrastructure like that and it’s going to cost a total fortune to reinstate it. Not everything that went at that time could or should have been saved of course but to loose main line railways was something else….

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. I totally agree. The labour alone deserved more respect but the total lack of future planning is a blight on the history of this country. Sad example of money ruling common sense

[@johnlarkin2980]

Great video mate enjoyed it. The first bridge north of the tunnel has different cap stones on top. This was done at the landowners insistence. The stones on top are the same as the buildings on his estate. This bridge is also supposed to be the lowest on the London Extension.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. I wondered why that bridge looked so different. The 'squat' arches and capping stones now make more sense. Thanks for the information 👍

[@declan210606]

Another great video. Took a trip past Calvert and Finmere last week. All gone to HS2 unfortunately. The twin bridges at Finmere station have been removed and replaced by the HS2 bridge. Bricked up old entrance to the station can still be seen

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. I have a video of Finmere coming up and of Woodford Halse which is one of the grandest structures I have ever seen. Always tinged with sadness with the GCR as it was a terrible waste.

[@TruthSeekerInvestigations]

Thanks for the adventure. I can never get over how amazing these structures are and how they have stood the test of time. Like forgotten gems for the lucky few to discover and hopefully will remain for many years to come. Nice video mate 👍

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching. Thankfully there are many forgotten gems still out there that have survived the onslaught of bulldozers and housing developments! Thanks again 👍

[@simonballard6413]

I walked from the tunnel over the viaduct some years ago. There was another viaduct at Staverton (over the river Leam, I think) which was gone, so, in crossing the river, I managed to stumble in ! A nice wet drive home followed!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching and sharing your story! I was going to look for that old viaduct but a local farmer saved me a journey by showing me that there's nothing left! A real shame

[@Will-bm1ev]

The brick tower by the underbridge to do with water. It's marked on the c1900 OS map as a 'Force Pump', which aided drainage of water from the tunnel. I first saw it in 1970, and water was pulsing through it even then!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching and for the information. It is certainly so e structure and definitely built to last! More videos on the gcr coming soon. 👍

[@only1hawky]

You promised me that it (the viaduct) would be a belter, and boy you were absolutely spot on! The sheer size and scale of the thing when viewed from ground level is enough to take your breath away. The obvious bonus is that it’s completely graffiti-free. It’s a shame about the damage at the lower levels, but overall it is in fantastic condition. That plate layers hut and “water feature” are the icing on the cake of another excellent video, and one that I shall be returning to for another watch before too long.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you David and as always thanks for your support. It really is a belter and one that I will probably r visit in the future just to see it again! Shame about the lack of maintenance but it is still in amazing condition

[@andyle-hair9228]

cracking video as usual Pete. Keep em coming.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks Andy glad you enjoyed it! loads more coming up from the GCR and beyond!

[@seamusmcevoy2011]

An excellent effort, really informative. When I called in at Catesby north portal a few months back I was losing the light as it was quite late, so didn't make my way up to the viaduct, however, I do have firm plans to do so when I am next down that way. The GCR certainly knew how to build grand structures and this is a fine example. The Platelayers Hut looked in remarkably good condition, apart from the roof, so a visit there is also planned.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks as always. Incredible viaduct and definitely worth a visit. The platelayer hit was a bonus as well. Certainly worth the effort to visit.

[@seamusmcevoy2011]

@@MiddyExplores Agreed, I'll be down there as soon as I can👍.

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

How nice to see a place with no graffiti, even if some of the engineering bricks had been stolen. The approach on that wonderful embankment, with a view over the fields must have been quite something having emerged from the tunnel out in to the light, with the beautiful viaduct ahead. I'd only seen one other look at the viaduct and that part where you can actually see the building process. Fascinating to see!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it. A real gem that comes straight after that tunnel! I would have loved to see it running I bet it looked incredible.

[@mickcorbett6724]

The navvies, built the railways Workers from the British Isles. Those from Ireland & Europe too The Irish fled their famine land Died in their hundreds Produced our canals, bridges & embankments By their sweat & guts. Thank you 👌🙌

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. I mention this on a regular basis as their blood sweat and tears deserved such respect and more respect than a faceless politician decided to waste all their hard work a century later , in the name of progress.... A line that would be well used now along with many others that were deemed surplus to requirements

[@bobadacious]

What a great video…, presentation, subject and production, fantastic….thank you Middy

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you it means a lot to get such a positive comment! This one was very enjoyable! Thank you for watching and there's loads more coming up 👍

[@evebeinguniquebeingme6205]

Always love to see your adventures especially in this heat take care and enjoy! 😎

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching. It certainly was a bit warm!! Great adventure though and loads more coming up!

[@sturmtigerking4263]

Another great GCR explore video. I love these GCR structures. Seeing the layers in the trackbed was really interesting to me as I've always wondered how they made the trackbed. No graffiti as an added bonus

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. This one was an absolute pleasure even if I picked the hottest day ever! The structure is showing its age a bit but still a belter. More coming from the GCR over the next few weeks!

[@ians3930]

Brilliant video! I arrived at the viaduct from the otherside and it’s hidden all the way until the path takes you to the left and then underneath we one of the arch’s. I started my journey all the way from Flecknoe a bit of a trek but crossed the line a little further north as well

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching. The area is littered with footpaths ! It was actually really easy to approach and a pleasant walk from the side I chose! Will be going back at some point so may choose a different approach.

[@craighobbs3708]

Another fascinating video! How did you access the site? Where did you park?

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. access by following the Jurassic paths that encircle the area.

[@smithyhouses100]

Hi Middy, On your opening introduction shots there`s a view of a really long viaduct, it`s the picture just before the shot of you and your dog.What`s that one called? Also any chance of exploring it,if it`s not been demolished ? !!!!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. That is Fledborough Viaduct which is on the Nottingham/Lincolnshire border. Still there 👍

[@smithyhouses100]

@@MiddyExplores Cheers for that Middy.

[@nigelfrewin4404]

Really great video Middy, thanks such a lot. Such a shame it is being allowed to deteriorate. Is it know who owns it and whether it would attract any maintenance funds?

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching. It really is a beautiful structure and no I am not sure who owns it. Unfortunately it seems a bit like out of sight out of mind! Would be a real historical loss if further damage happens.

[@liamsrailwayadventures1482]

The tower was to pump the water out of the tunnel

[@MiddyExplores]

Cheers mate. I did think it was something to do with the tunnel but seemed a long way away! Thanks buddy 👍

[@liamsrailwayadventures1482]

@@MiddyExplores no probs pal whetstone viaduct is just little bit bigger than catesby , catesby has 9 arches and whetstone has 13 arches

[@mickcorbett6724]

Portals to an earlier century. Truly fascinating. Railway infrastructure should be preserved & revered as national monuments. Symbols of the skills & sheer gut wrenching hard work of poorly paid workers which made those with money even richer. Nowt seems to change.

[@mickcorbett6724]

Blue (clay) bricks will outlive us all.

[@MiddyExplores]

@@mickcorbett6724 absolutely correct. Unfortunately everything I see has been sadly forgotten

[@lipsee100]

Really when you think about it we have all that wonderful infrastructure ,then we are spending zillions on HS2, we must be crazy,,no just stupid,, Why did they not use the old main line and branch off to Birmingham .I really do,nt think it would need to go 200mph ...It would have cost a dam sight less ,,but are they really bothered about the cost when you and me are paying I think not..

[@MiddyExplores]

Totally agree. I will never understand it and as for HS2 I really don't get it. Thank you for watching.