Forest of Dean Lower Lydbrook to Mirystock Tunnel Site

Forays into the Forest of Dean railway system. There wasn’t only wood to be had in the forest there was coal, minerals and stone, large parts of the forest were taken over by these industries. As they needed transport to export goods as well as bring in supplies, an extensive railway network was formed. At first a little ad-hoc, but as the scale of works increased, a more efficient network was built. Today we look to see what remains, if anything, of this once thriving industrial network. Mirystock (there are several spellings), was a busy place 200 years or so ago. It had a huge mine complex with extensive workings, and a railway nearby which entered a tunnel in a few hundred meters on its way down to Lydbrook. The original plan was to walk to mirystock from Lydbrook along the abandoned railway line. Unfortunately this plan was thwarted when the track was lost among residential development. Not to be beaten this walk starts from Mirystock and heads for Lydbrook, looking for relics still in situ after all these years.
Home to the adventurous subscriber. As well as films we have a bi-weekly Vlog to keep up to date on the previous and next week’s videos, and a chance for all to air views on a variety of subjects, why not join in.
My passion has been walking, a while ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and walking does not come naturally any more, however the more I walk the easier it gets, for now anyway. I hope these videos will inspire others to keep going and hanging on in there. I try to cover variety of subjects, such as old abandoned railways, and canals. I love the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, with its rich history and I usually take my camera whenever we holiday in the southwest and Cornwall. The rugged coastal paths are a magnet for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. I live close to the Cotswolds Hills and have done quite a lot of walking around there, recently, following some of the lovely rivers. Hill walking on the Malvern’s is a challenge but worth the effort. I try not to let Parkinson’s get me down and take every opportunity to get out with my camera and film, I hope you enjoy watching. P.W.

[@757trev]

Another great video Ron. You certainly had better conditions at the northern end of Mierystock tunnel than I had last time I went. There was a small river running out of the tunnel right back to the "No entry fence", covering the complete width of the track! You may be interested to know that, travelling towards Lydbrook, lines went off on the left about 100 Metres before Mierystock bridge, up to the screens at Arthur and Edward colliery; these were laid in 1915. The lines fanned out into several loops which curved through 90 degrees to the east up and over the tunnel bore. Their location, and that of the colliery screens would lie between the tunnel portal and the A4136 Mitcheldean to Monmouth road. The actual colliery was further to the west and was linked to the screens by a tramway. Final closure of the sidings came on 5th August 1960. A siding had actually existed around this location since 1874 to serve Speculation Colliery (the colliery site is now Speculation car park). As regards the wooden bridges, there is one of very similar construction over the River Lyd near Lydney. This was built, with money raised, by the Forest of Dean Ramblers. Whether the ones you encountered were also built by them I do not know; if they were then maybe one of the rambler's names was HORTON! On the subject of flood defences, beavers have been introduced into Greathough Brook above Lydbrook as part of the flood defences. Apparently, they can build dams holding back up to 1000 Tonnes of water!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Brilliant information again Trev, thanks for your time and effort. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Hi Trev, I notice you have also mentioned some of the information I had put in my comment some hours earlier. The Junction to the Arthur and Edward Colliery sidings was actually 528 yards from the tunnel entrance and were in use from February 1909 (I do not know the date they were laid but it was obviously before 1915) I have listed the details of the layout in my comment. The connection to Speculation Colliery was 748 yards nearer Serridge Junction, 1276 yards from the tunnel entrance, the layout of this changed from being a facing connection from Lydbrook Junction to a facing connection from Serridge Junction sometime before 1898 but I don't know the exact date. The lines to serve Speculation Colliery were all taken out of use and removed in 1926. Thank you for posting the information that I had not it was very interesting to read and I have given it a thumbs up. Take care, Andrew.

[@michaelmiller641]

Yes, I did enjoy that Ron

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Great Michael, thanks for watching. Ron

[@garydwyer641]

Hi Ron very nice video what beautiful scenery please Don't over do the distance you walk we all care about you poor Sumac loosing the ball have to wait till the snow thaws Andrew came up with the information that's always a pleasure to read Bye Ron

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Gary always lovely to hear from you. You get a mention next Friday. Ron

[@sumacmacarthur3380]

...found it Gary, after a lot of digging! Thanks, Sumac

[@kelvinphelps3012]

Found your channel after walking to explore this tunnel and surrounding areas today. I can't wait to watch more of these videos to find inspiration for more walks in the wilderness

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Kevin and welcome, there are lots of forest walks in my back catalogue, I must update my playlists sometime. Because of my Parkinsons I upload a film every other Friday and a vlog the other weeks, which is based around comments received. If you would like to join in feel free. Ron

[@sumacmacarthur3380]

Ron, thanks for the nice walk. It was just what I needed yesterday. Something terrible happened. I lost my ball in a snowbank! I dug and dug, but turned up nothing. I don't think my sniffer works well at these temperatures. It was nice to imagine walking with you and the smells I would have encountered. I do miss my ball though. Have a nice week Ron. Sumac OVM.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Sumac thanks for making me laugh (sorry about the cold sniffer). Don't worry, James will find a new ball somewhere, get something brightly coloured this time. Have fun. Your friend Ron

[@leeclift4666]

Lovely part of the forest. Thank you for posting take care Ron

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

My pleasure Lee, thanks for watching. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

Thank you Ron! I loved this. What a find! That tunnel portal was a magnificent piece of the stonemason's craft, and, like you say, it should be displayed in a museum. Yes, housing developments seem to be getting everywhere, and evidence of previous railways are fading away. Brilliant background and history in your description above. I find great inspiration in your stoical attitude and determination, but look after yourself too. Thanks again, Paul.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Paul, thank you for those kind words, we both know it is better to be outside doing something and fighting back than sat indoors, but it is hard at this time of year. Still we have got this far. Take care. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Yes, it certainly is! I was thinking 'what am I doing talking to a camera standing in a cold, wet, muddy & foggy field' yesterday. But, as you say, it keeps the mind (and body active) and stops thoughts dwelling on things that can drag one down. Here's to some warmer weather, and drier conditons underfoot. Spring (hopefullly) will soon be here. Thanks again Ron, take care, Paul

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

A wonderful adventure, with gorgeous landscapes and beautiful railway structures. I thoroughly enjoyed watching that. Thank you Ron.👍

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Glad you enjoyed it Ron, hope you are still doing well. Ron

[@grahamlee3296]

Very enjoyable film. With all those trees there would have been plenty of branch lines!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Lol - go to the back of the class, Thanks Graham. Ron

[@derekp2674]

Ron, thanks for another lovely video.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

My pleasure Derek, thank you for watching. Ron

[@rodneymasters5996]

“What am I doing? This better be worth it” accurately reflects the admirably adventurous spirit of Parkinsons Walks. Much appreciated by this viewer. Grappling irons available on Amazon.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

All is well that ends well', covers it I think Rodney. Take care. Ron

[@JimNicholls]

Another great video, Ron, and your exploration proved very worthwhile. Do take care of your health and don't over-tire yourself, as we need you to keep going a good while longer. I wish we had interesting walks like that here, but outside the town everything is fenced-off farmland with nothing like the English footpath system. I really miss that.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

We are lucky Jim, but it is surprising how relatively few people take advantage of the paths. Use it or loose it. Ron

[@philippankhurst6680]

'What am I doing?' at 7:36. Like so many others, I'm so glad you did. Brilliant video. I love the way that you champion the craftsmanship that went into building the railways - in every way the equal of the way that our churches and cathedrals were made. Like you, I'm always on the look out for similar evidence - the difference being that you are walking safely and I'm usually driving.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I don't know about walking safely Philip, but that is the general idea. Take care. Ron

[@michaelpilling9659]

Yet another fabulous video Ron. Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into making it. "Explorer" is definatley your middle name. The tunnel and bridges were magnificent. The workmanship using hand held tools is remarkable. Digging out the cuttings must have been a mighty task. No mechanical diggers. No power tools - just muscle, explosives, picks shovels and barrows. The railways have now long gone. Only the ghosts of the trains remain along with miners memories. Stay safe old friend. See you again next Friday.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

'Only the ghosts of the trains remain along with miners memories' What a beautiful poetic thought Michael Thank you. Hope you are staying warm and safe. Ron

[@michaelpilling9659]

Mum was born in Symonds Yat. Maybe Ihave empathy for the Free Foresters and the people who worked in The Forest. I love the place very much

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@michaelpilling9659 You could be right Michael, I loved that comment. Ron & Pauline

[@bromyardcoachouse4876]

I remember the Forest when I was a child. Back then there were large areas without trees, a lot of open cast mining, Steam trains and coal trucks and many level crossings. The people of the area were always a little strange, either miners moving on to the next pay cheque or locals who were very insular foresters, almost their own language. Long time ago.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Valuable memories, thanks for sharing. Ron

[@petersmith5574]

What a great complement to your earlier one Ron, truly a walk of two halves - and how about those abutments; they look as if they were built yesterday. I hope you got back to your car safely, I was concerned for you at the finish. So thanks once again Ron

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Peter, you know the saying about the bad penny that keeps coming back, well I'm still here. Ron

[@paulsingletonis65]

Thanks Ron, hope you made it back.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Paul, pushed a little hard on that one. Ron

[@TrainDriverRob]

Great video Ron, as always. I’m always pointing out bits to my cycling buddies when I’m down there, but they don’t seem to share my enthusiasm 😅

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I can't understand them either Rob. I'm always puzzled by folk walking around down there, and taking no interest in the history all around them. What ever floats your boat I guess. Thanks for posting. Ron

[@thehairygolfer]

There is so much we can no longer do. Skills replaced by pre cast concrete, steel and glass. We now make ugly in huge abundance.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Yes, you are right as usual, and so say all of us Simon

[@vishengro]

Ron there are clear signs that you are definitely over doing it…[6:48] ‘I wonder if they ( sleepers) talk to each other’ 😂……nice thought though for these silent sentinels. I enjoyed this walk immensely thanks for guiding me.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

If you spoke to my wife, she would tell you I lost it a long time ago Richard. Beats talking to myself but only just. Ron

[@jamesweekes6726]

Hi Ron, thanks for going through the fence and braving the mud, as well as gaining and losing gravitational potential energy so many times. Wouldn't it be nice if you could just whistle for your car at the end of a walk that was slightly longer than planned? Maybe I should get to work on that concept. The stonework is indeed magnificent and what a tribute to the craftsmen that it still looks as solid as ever after all this time. Take care and we'll see you next week.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi James, good to hear from you. 'As well as gaining and losing gravitational potential energy,' I think we call that 'slipping'. 'Sumacs video is teed up for next week. Hope you are coping with the weather ok. I'm just reading about the truck convoy across Canada, sounds like fun. Stay warm. Ron

[@jamesweekes6726]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Oh she'll enjoy that Ron, thanks. Yes the truckers...a bit misguided I'd say. I'm afraid we're a bit too close the the USA for our own good. Sometimes a few of their more alarming aspects creep over the border.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@jamesweekes6726 Ha well done James, you and Sumac are cheering me up today. By the way, I thought the problem on the tunnel approach, was more a reduction of the traction effort due to friction loss at the footwear/ground interface, caused by the lubricating qualities of the hydroscopic surface layer of the local substrate. But I might have just slipped. Ron

[@jamesweekes6726]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Okay Ron, I see now that you are an aspiring physicist. Your analysis is brilliant...full marks! I just got some new hiking boots on Friday so I'm almost ready to shoot some "footage"...but I'll likely find another excuse to postpone. Sumac shot a short for you to keep a smile on your face...check it out when you feel the need. One of my students whose sister is at school in Edinburgh visited her there over the holidays and brought me back supplies...Club bars, Penguin bars and the ever popular Jammie Dodgers. I'm just enjoying an orange Club bar with a coffee before OVM and I head out to look for the missing spherical object...sigh...I hope we find it, for some reason the other twenty odd balls she has pale in importance to the missing one. As a parent, I'm sure you understand.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@jamesweekes6726 James did you read the post from Gary Dwyer? He suggests wait until spring when the snow melts and you will find it no problem. Simple. I'm certain OVM will. Mind you if she is like my children you won't be getting much sleep between now and then. Have fun (And sweets), Ron

[@johnsparkes8963]

Thank you Ron another great video with very interesting content in it. Shame its not put to good use but as it is it reminds us of days gone bye. Take care Ron and all the best.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi John at one time it was being used as a council dump. Then it was going to be a cycle/walkway. Still waiting. Hope all is calm. Ron

[@pidster767]

That area with the CCTV signs is a fenced off area that is home to some beavers ... I'm not sure if they are still there but back in 2021 when all you could do was walk for leisure..me and my daughters used to walk there to try and see them ... The pluds end is where all the info signs are

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Amazing, thanks for that. Ron

[@rogerphelps9939]

Having been born att the Dilke hospital and brough up on Joys Green yhis area is very familiar o me. I walked hrough the tunnel shortly after closure and before it was blocked due to safetty concerns. As I am nolw living away from he Forest I was aware that there were plans to unblock the tunnel but not that they had been shelved, a shame. As kids we used o visit Speculation which has several massive swee chesnut trees aith an abundant harvest.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Happy memories Roger, happy days. Cycle paths are becoming more and more popular, they might reopen the tunnel if they get some spare cash or a grant. Take care. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Lovely walk Ron. You certainly persevere and it’s easy to walk from one interesting spot to the next, without realizing how far from the car you’ve gone. The stone work in the tunnel and bridges was, as you said, the work of a craftsman. Just think of the time and effort that went into building the line in that part of the world. I’m so pleased we can still see those magnificent structures. Plus, all those wooden fence posts still standing. I get so used to seeing concrete posts down in my part of the country. I guess it depends which part of the rail network you live near, but I don’t believe I’ve ever come across a wooden post fence. You caught some wonderful bird song too. Keep walking and stay safe.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi both, I really wish more people would appreciate the amount of skill shown by those early railway builders, they were heroes. Concrete posts were for the posh railways Lionel, we could only afford the scrap sleeper post on ours. Take care of each other. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Morning Ron, I am a little concerned you are over doing things on some of these walks, this weeks was a prime example of this. Please if necessary do a little less, we all need you to keep going as long as you can, it is quite clear many of us, myself included, obtain many hours of pleasure from what you do in making such good videos of places many of us know about but may never see. Another fascinating video around the area of the 242 yard long Mierystock Tunnel, the area contained a number of railway lines but interestingly enough no tram ways. 528 yards on the Serridge Junction side of the tunnel was the connection for Mierystock sidings, this was quite an elaborate connection splitting into two sidings and a headshunt using a Double Slip (this is a Diamond Crossing with two Crossovers built as one unit) this went off to the left when travelling from Serridge Junction and climbed quite quickly. From this connection 418 yards near the tunnel was a loading Wharf added in 1932 on the left hand siding, from here the two lines, via various connections, became six lines going over the top of the tunnel at right angles to the main line just beyond the parapet to Arthur & Edward colliery which finally closed on 5th August 1960. This was later than the Main Line which closed from Lydbrook Junction to 66 yards before the Mierystock Sidings Junction on the 30th January 1956. The rest of the line to Serridge Junction closing on 21st November 1960 although a Special Passenger train, the last to use the line from Serridge Junction ran on the 13th May 1961. You showed many of the features mention during your vide so I hope my explanation will provide some back up interest to your viewers. Please look after yourself, I am sure I say that on behalf of all your viewers. Best Wishes, Andrew.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Andrew, I do try to be sensible on these walks, the problem is you never know whether there is something of interest around the next corner, it's hard to turn back. Thanks for the great info as always. Ron

[@vishengro]

Great info Andrew! Thanks

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron, I know what you mean about what's round the corner it is hard to stop. I must admit I admire your determination and your attitude to not giving in, an example to many who do give up, you just need to find the balance point, not easy! Take care, Andrew.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@vishengro Thank you for your kind comment, it is much appreciated, any other information you might find of interest please send me a comment I will always try to do my best for Ron's flock. Andrew.

[@petersmith5574]

Andrew, all through Ron's walk I was wondering "what can Andrew find to comment on? " Now I know. Thanks

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Wonderful video which nicely captures the atmosphere of the Forest and the skills embedded in some magnificent railway architecture. This must have more than made-up for your strenuous efforts in bringing us another great walk. Is it too much to hope that Mirystock Tunnel might be reopened as part of a trail from Lydbrook into the depths of the Forest? In the meantime, I hope that we will be able to enjoy more of your splendid Dean Forest walks. Well done, Ron!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I think that one was well worth the effort Malcolm, wonderful railway architecture. Thanks for you kind comments. Ron

[@lewisbiggs3956]

Hi Ron great video as always, in answer to your question regarding Horton bridge I can tell you exactly how it came to being called Horton bridge. No significance to the GWR or anything but basically my friend called John Horton of Lydbrook fell off his bicycle there many many years ago and took it upon himself to make a placard and name the bridge after himself. Take it easy and look forward to more videos . Best wishes Lewis.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Is that for real Lewis? Or are you pulling my leg. Loved it anyway. Ron

[@lewisbiggs3956]

100% true fact Ron, I grew up in this area and like you have a real love for the industry that once thrived here. I'm extremely proud of my heritage and really enjoy your videos, it's a shame you just missed the beautiful stone lined drainage addit right by that branch line that would of took you round to what was called the creeper! The creeper was the old haulage line from waterloo colliery up to the coal screens where you crossed the road that runs over the top of the tunnel. You actually mention the embankment as you cross the road well that was the end of the creeper. Keep up the good work , all the best lewis.

[@genealogy6179]

Not sure if anyone else mentions it, but I noticed that the tunnel entrance has the date 1874 at the top.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Well I didn't Gene, well done you. Ron

[@FireballXL55]

Great video as usual Ron, just a thought about the intro shaky bit had you managed to turn off the image stabiliser by mistake?

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

No I think its mainly down to Parkinson's. The stabilization works quite well but is gets caught out now and again. Take care. Ron