Four Tunnels from the Peak District Railways. CHPR. 4k.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers for the comments peeps. QUESTION: Weather permitting, where should we head on next week's adventure???

[@antmerritt]

Whitewick's Abandoned Railways leek and manifold light railway. There are several disused stations nearby as well and it’s the best part of the Peak District as it’s Staffordshire and is always being photographed from Derbyshire and labelled “the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District” when we have the( true to description ) crap view in their direction ! 🤣😂👊 and you can ride bikes. 😁👊

[@tobys_transport_videos]

I'd like to see more on the lost railways (and bypassed lines) of the Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne areas, what you can access. I visited these areas over the last 3 weeks, thinking of your videos in the process as I recorded scenes for my own general "trains (and trams) of today" videos that I do wherever I go. I found a tunnel near Oldham that had been bypassed by the tramway. I got to the Manchester end, but the Oldham end appeared to be buried in a deep cutting.

[@pwhitewick]

@@tobys_transport_videos thank you for the suggestions. Yup we have a few trips planned 'up north' just need to get a decent weekend of weather in the bag and we will make a few treks up.

[@pwhitewick]

@@antmerritt we were so close to filming from that line last week!!

[@tobys_transport_videos]

Good to hear! I look forward as always to your finished product. That current "Tropical Storm" is still annoying me over on the Continent! 😡 Doesn't it realise that my holidays are more importantt?!? 😁

[@richardland5563]

I haven’t scroll down all of the messages so I might be just repeating this. It was built during the Second World War as a magnesium extraction plant the idea was to process the hill unfortunately or fortunately it was later discovered that the magnesium limestone was not the correct compound and could not be extracted. This is why the ruins remain and Hopton rocks are still there there’s also accounts of a family that lived in the cave during the 18 century.. less than 300 yards north from Hopton rocks is the rooming of an old paint works on the right hand side.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Tha reet yoth.

[@20kilovolt]

5:57 A beautiful antique transformer house the 3 top holes had ampere meters. And at the back of a volt meter each cabinet had 6 fuses and a blade switch. I suspect 400 volts 300 Kilowatts. The empty room on the other side used to house the 10,000 volt transformer.

[@andrewholloway231]

Breathtaking highlight, 11:57, the walk leading to Burbage tunnel ... superb.

[@pwhitewick]

That walk was quite something!

[@andyrolland8693]

BT cables used to run through this tunnel, but I believe don't anymore (I know the guy who was the 'local' engineer responsible …). It was used during and after WW2 for munitions storage - part of the RAF base at Harpur Hill, now HSE laboratories (where the blown up tube trains are - part of the investigation into the London 7/7 terrorist attacks). The bricking up dates from, I think, the 70's when BT took it over. About 8 years ago I walked past the northern portal and the door was open ! Underfoot it is very wet and muddy for the most part, there is no door at the southern end. The tunnel itself has been well maintained by BT and is a mixture of gritstone blocks and bare rock with sections of concrete and brick infill/reinforcement. There is a concrete plinth running the full length which, I think, supported the BT cables (as opposed to them being encased in it - there are no access panels …). There are tractor tyre tracks along the length from portal to portal that presumably date from just prior to the time of portal closure !

[@BadGaming101]

the bunker at RAF Harpur Hill was the largest in uk , after the RAf left the site used for mush room growing and now a wine and cheese store , during ww2 the fields surrounding the massive site and small bunkers were full of bombs . captured ww2 chemical weapons were disposed of at the site too with Devonshire hospital providing a dedicated wing for any unlucky staff exposed or injured . the railway was partly operational in1941 as it was used tio transport the bombs to the site around the quarry area

[@cyberdonblue4413]

Excellent video again, Rebecca and Paul. I was worn out just watching you walk all that way. The mixture of rock and stone/brickwork is a feature of many tunnels I've worked through in days gone by but it always fascinates me to see it and, when I was driving trains through these places, it usually started off my line of thought regarding who built these places and what hardships were they suffering in this dark, damp and cold environment that I was travelling through in the comfort of a modern locomotive cab. After all, we take so much for granted these days with almost every aspect of our lives mechanised in some way or other. Anyway, many thanks to you both for your troubles and the wonderful results you've provided us with. Stay safe both.

[@pwhitewick]

Very well put, indeed it's easy to look at these structures with rose tinted glasses not realising the hardship of those that built them.

[@dickdastardly5534]

Yes I agree we view all the work toil sweat and sometimes life through a disposable lenses, very sad indeed.

[@BigKelvPark]

I think that that BT number is for maintenance engineers to use before entering so that they know someone is inside. I work on the railway and occasionally have to phone a control center miles away before entering some places even though I have the key to get in. It's most definitely a safety measure.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Kelvin. Yup even after making the phone call we weren't quite sure who we had spoken to. Only upon editing it did we actually get it!

[@Riddlestar01]

At Harboro Rocks: What you see there are the remains of the lead ore crushing and smelting process. Bronze age artifacts have been found in the cave and if you search around a bit among the rocks, you'll find some Roman lead mines, some neolithic rock carvings and a rock carved into the shape of a throne which is possibly Bronze age too.

[@pwhitewick]

Wish we had more time, thank you for the additional information Juergen, very much appreciated.

[@ZT742]

Thank you for this video! It got me back wanting to go out and explore, so that’s exactly what I did today by walking the southern end of this Railway trail! Very interesting indeed. Looking forward to seeing more from you both!

[@lindamccaughey8800]

That was fabulous. I so love the brickwork in the tunnels. Biking with you is great and refreshing. Haha. Keep up the great work

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Linda. Biking with us is tiring 😉

[@davekirwin]

Nice to see Hopton and Newhaven tunnels being used and not left to decay. Harboro Rocks - very interesting abandoned structures, love that kind of thing. Hindlow tunnel line is a freight line, serves Hindlow Quarry (Tarmac) which is now closed (I believe) but the Dowlow Quarry (Breedon Group), where the line terminates, is still used.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Dave. Yup, we drove back past the next day and saw a DB 66 sat there which confirmed that.

[@davekirwin]

@@pwhitewick I thought they still ran but couldn't find any timings - so wasn't 100% sure but I know they put in new sidings at Buxton for longer trains to run round. It's been a few years since I was up that way.

[@grahamhall8249]

I've always liked Derbyshire, but the views from your video is something else, it's a beautiful landscape. Great video.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. We have been to Derbyshire a few times but never seen the stunning Gout valley.

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

I believe the concrete structures are the plinths that held the lead/rock crusher mechanism above it.

[@pwhitewick]

Would love to see some original pictures of this.

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

@@millomweb if it's not on a map it still doesn't take away the fact it was a structure, it certainly isn't a mayan place of worship.

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

@@millomweb More to the point, what are you saying? It's a known lead ore crushing plant/mine and because it's not on your OS it doesn't exist?

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

@@millomweb I never said you owned it, time to grow up pal, go do some searches on the internet. It's well covered.

[@trek520rider2]

Could well be. The machinery itself would have been taken for scrap or possibly but not likely for reuse.

[@andreabeck4409]

Landscape up by Burbage tunnel was beautiful. The last time I walked 4 miles (in one hell of a mood!) In wellies I ended up with huge blisters! Hope your toes didn't suffer the same fate. Excellent video as always. Have got a bit behind in watching so I'll watch EDS19 right now!

[@pwhitewick]

Funny you should say that. We did a walk last weekend in wellies and it nearly killed me!.

[@ninjagoggles]

Love the creepy stairs to nowhere!! Excellent drone footage! What a gorgeous area!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Kiwi. All part of the lead mine by all accounts.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another great video! Burbage Tunnel is just up the road from me and I didn't know about it until I watched this video! I'll go up there one evening next Summer! I have traveled on that bit of not closed railway near Hindlow on the only and only steam tour which has been up there since the 1960s. It's the highest mainline steam I've had in the England as I believe it's higher then the Settle & Carlisle!

[@pwhitewick]

Make it so Henry. Make it so.

[@happygardener28]

I wish we had such interesting hiking/biking trails, such a beautiful landscape. At 2:17 that looked like a "doorway" or safety niche but could be a partial collapse from damage in the 1940's.

[@colinburton113]

hi Paul and Rebecca two great videos on CHPR love the tunnels and the high embankment what a great area to explore, what if trains still ran magic, thank you both. xx

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Colin. Last one to follow this week coming.

[@nickshipway8199]

You pointed out that the in-fill of Burbage tunnel looked as old as the tunnel itself. If you look at around 13:12 , you see that a large part of the portal is actually missing, so quite possibly they built the wall out of the re-used materials to save cost.

[@Tobeshadow]

Perfect timing for my afternoon break and on a Wednesday! Awesome work as always, this looks like a great explore!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers TK. Thought we would experiment with timings.

[@christophersmith5691]

Seem to remember from going over the same ground as you forty years ago while living in Buxton that the southern end of Burbage tunnel emerged in or adjacent to a farm yard. Didn't you at least try to look?

[@grimpeursdusud1533]

Thanks! I've cycled the CHPR several times but didn't realise the trackbed avoiding the Hindlow section was still navigable.. From memory the line was originally a "canal without water" and trucks were pulled up Middleton incline by a stationary engine and hauled along the line by horses before moving steam engines came along.

[@Leonard_Smith]

Back to your best team! Geography, History and P.E. for both of you. Had to laugh at the sunglasses in the tunnel...

[@pwhitewick]

Looooooots of PE!

[@bleeksbentbits3150]

Some 'random' history (or nearly history?) you missed on your trek eacch side of the 2nd tunnel which rans under the A515... Back in the late40's/early50's a race track for cars & bikes on a closed road circuit, a first in mainland Britten, was proposed in the Peak District starting at Parsley Hay railway bridge, just after the A515 tunnel, which was a short walk to the Start/Finish line with the community hall looking building, a telephone exchange as far as I CAN tell, is located on the corner.. The proposal was abandoned after the incidents at Monza, then le Mans & shortly followed by Dundrod in 1955 which broought an end to closed roads being used for motorsport in many countries across europe.... The track would have been approximately 11.6miles to a lap, in rough figure-of-eight 'double triangle' layout which intersected the railway twice... The second meeting of the two 'tracks' is in the xxx at the '1st' bridge a little before the A515 tunnel, where a bend before, back along the 'race' track you will find a block of houses VERY similar to the abandoned ones in your clip, but currently fully occupied & in good repair but two steps from the road.... Back on the A515 where it crosses the railway tunnel we go back 'up' the 'race' track a mile or so we find the Jug & Glass Inn, located again a few steps from the roadside, which shut down only a couple of years ago (as far as I can tell from their FB page). How does a random Aussie thats never been there know this & why??? Besides an interest in old railways & machinery, I also have a fascination with old roads & race tracks.... Ive been working on a rendition/model of this track for a few years now, below will be a link to my last work-in-progress upload (now a bit dated) & a link to an article which is nearly all the information about that I can find on it.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHiQdXd4rZd3msU www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-2012/92/peak-practice Hope this might spur ideas for another trip out that way at some time as the countryside around that area very much 'peaks' my curiosity... :) Thank you for sharing, BLeeK

[@pwhitewick]

That's brilliant. Thanks for sharing all that info we had no idea. I'll check out the links shortly as I've a mild interest in all things Motorsport.

[@justvin7214]

Interesting but I was told Blandford Camp racetrack was Britains first closed circuit, having said that it was a Signals officer that told me so it could have been a wind-up.

[@bleeksbentbits3150]

It wasn't closed public roads though, was it??? They were more private roads used for the purposes of racing I thought.... I could be wrong though, Im only going by what the article I linked above & from my reading in classic bike magazines... ;)

[@bleeksbentbits3150]

Did a quick search, just to be sure.... ;) From wiki; "Blandford Motor Racing Circuit On 25 July 1948,[8] the 3 miles 247.1875 yards (5.05 km)[9] perimeter road around the camp was used to form the UK's first post-war road racing circuit" Also from wiki; "Brooklands was a 2.75-mile (4.43 km) motor racing circuit and aerodrome built near Weybridge in Surrey, England, United Kingdom. It opened in 1907 and was the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit[n 1] as well as one of Britain's first airfields, which also became Britain's largest aircraft manufacturing centre by 1918" Memory had gone crusty & had to check just to be sure myself... ;)

[@justvin7214]

@@bleeksbentbits3150 Blandford Camp was closed for general use to the public as it was an active army camp but the circuit wasn't built for racing, it is the camps perimeter road. I worked there around '95 and drove around the old track quite a few times (not too fast especially past the barracks and workshops as I'd have been in trouble) and often got to watch the White Helmets display team practicing on their Triumphs. It does appear that the Blandford Camp circuit isn't as old as I thought it was and Brooklands would have pre-dated it by a fair length of time. Funnily enough I worked there too for one day when the industrial park was built in the 80's iirc. I wanted to drive on that too but my foreman wasn't having any of it.

[@stanleyclark7758]

Hi Paul and Rebecca. Loving you vlogs. I am gradually catching up on the backlog and enjoyed this one relating to the C & H P railway. I don’t know if you have already viewed it, but there is a lovely 1.5hr commentary about this abandoned line on the KZbin channel. It is called “Cromford and High Peak Railway 1: The route”. The inclines are explained and also there is plenty of footage of the railway in action, including travelling through the tunnels! I hope this is helpful. Take care and stay safe! Stan

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Stan, we haven't seen it through completely as yet, just snippets at a time.

[@marklake4275]

The abandoned house at Harboro rocks, I stayed there about 20 years ago during a few very cold days in December and climbed the rocks behind. The house was then owned by a youth charity in Aylesbury though no idea who owns it now.

[@pwhitewick]

Would make for a beautiful setting aside the nose across the line from the quarry.

[@aganwisnu]

Wow.. nice video and beautiful places, Sir! 👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you very much!

[@theovanstaden5766]

Another great video, Paul & Rebecca!!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Theo. Much appreciated.

[@robinjones6999]

Awesome video guy -thanks!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Robin.

[@richardbird4702]

The section containing the Burbage Tunnel was closed in 1892, along with most of the line to Shallcross in Whaley Bridge. You may have come across - while researching - a fascinating extract from Edward Bradbury's book "All about Derbyshire" published in 1884 in which the author takes a trip on the line from Whaley Bridge to Sheep Pasture incline (probably in an open truck!). This is also reproduced, in part, in John Marshall's book on the line (1982). Marshall tells us that the tunnel is 580 yards in length and that it is stone lined throughout and is completely sound. (Or it was then!). It took him about 6 minutes to walk through before it was sealed.

[@pwhitewick]

Fantastic, thank you Richard. I'll dig a copy out and try to add some of this info into next week's video which is our last from this stretch of the beautiful line.

[@richardbird4702]

Can send you a pdf from my original book if it helps!

[@pwhitewick]

@@richardbird4702 yes please. If you are happy to email that would be great. [e-mail]

[@stephensaines7100]

I love this stuff! Blogs and comments at their best. We all learn and experience the adventure in a much fuller way. This is fascinating.

[@10wanderer]

Obviously a load of Bollocks from BT to keep you out , kick the door in then Rsoles

[@thomasolsson8816]

Damm good video. Thanks for cheering whit us all. Keep on the good work.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Thomas, much appreciated.

[@mal_752]

Absolutely love your vlogs. Very interesting. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Malcolm, glad you are enjoying them.

[@jonjon9047]

SprayCrete. Technically not reinforced although it does contain polymers to aid strength and adhesion.

[@MartinZero]

BT Deep control. Love it What are they hiding !!! ???😏

[@pwhitewick]

You need to call that number too!

[@yankeeclipper4326]

That's where they store the Strategic Steam Reserve!

[@meichong8278]

@@pwhitewick did you ever get an answer on this number at the tunnel entrance? Is there a follow up video ?

[@pwhitewick]

@@meichong8278 not yet..... But watch this space! We got emailed.

[@meichong8278]

Martin did you ever get permission to get into the Burbage tunnel ?

[@jaundicedoutlook7247]

Ye gads, that was good, especially the walk to the Burbridge tunnel...sublime. Now, ... reinforced concrete or concrete reinforcement.

[@pwhitewick]

A beautiful walk even in the low cloud!

[@The2wanderers]

So pleased to see an explanation for the concrete pillars in the comments. As an unusual coincidence, I'd been looking at the sustrans page for this trail earlier today, and there's a photo of these on there, too, but also offering no explanation.

[@GhostTheory]

Really awesome sense of adventure with this video, really cool tunnel to ride through too. Sweet exploring. I was wondering why she still had her sunglasses on though lol sweet job on the map too, just to put the length in perspective.

[@garryhammond7616]

Great video as always. I realise that when I watch your vid on the smart telly via Amazon I can't leave a comment. So back to the PC. It would be great if someone in BT Deep saw the video and came on board to help you with access, that last tunnel looked so interesting. As far as places to visit, I'd love to see you explore Dinorwic Quarry no stations as such but a wealth of railway interest, and I would still like to see your take on the necropolis railway, and I am aware there are other videos, but its all about the style. Your research and style is why I come back and so do your subscribers. Regards Garry

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Garry and thanks for taking the time to reply. Yup we always hope for the odd invite or two! Perhaps as subscribers increase we can aim for that to happen.

[@traceyprescott8347]

I use the 515 a lot, and i never knew that tunnel runs underneath it at Newhaven. Top vid again from the both of you. Regards Paul.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Tracey. Yup I would call it a glorified bridge but still an impressive structure.

[@andrewholloway231]

2:56, wow, that is one amazing tunnel. I took a .... feast of that, oops, I meant I feasted my eyes on that. What a tunnel ...

[@pwhitewick]

😂😂😂

[@fastacesus8499]

Lucky enough to live in the peaks. Great to get an outsiders perspective off stuff I have seen many many times...

[@Wulfbear99]

Agree the tunnels were in great condition probably had some funding from various sources to get them safe for walkers & cyclists. The BT call was quite entertaining as well!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Brian. Caught us off guard a little!!

[@simonrichardson5077]

Nice work team,thanks

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Simon. Always a pleasure.

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

Another good one. Staggering, the amount of unspoilt nature to be glimpsed and traversed in Old Blighty. That phone call sounded suspiciously like something out of Monty Python.

[@pwhitewick]

Not the first time one of our videos has been referred to as a little Monty Python 😂

[@G1ZQCArtwork]

If ever you get to Ilkeston Derbyshire, please let me know, I grew up there, there is an interesting foot-bridge that is still in use and Three arch river tunnel not far away, where the River Erewash goes under the railway. There was a station near the foot-bridge, now long gone, but I could easily find traces of it. A609 Trowel junction.

[@bobingram6912]

You're at it again, playing around with time - you said this would be worth the wait so will to let you off due to the content, cracking tunnels and ruined buildings with bits of rusting equipment. I'll be sending you some maple syrup for your waffle!!!!! 👍❤

[@pwhitewick]

😂😂😂.... Syrup would work very well with the waffle for sure.

[@ianbrown9108]

Very interesting. The only times I've been up near Hindlow and Burbage is when I've been driving up the 515 to Buxton so I knew nothing about the tunnels there.Typical Peak District weather I see.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers. Yup day one beautiful. Day two very foggy!

[@marcdebruin2425]

Lovely combination; cycling and railway exploring. Like to dk the same over here in Holland (not so much lines) or across the border in Germany.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Marc. We know little of abandoned railways outside of the UK. Would be keen to know more.

[@jonathandriver3415]

Another great video as always

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Jonathan. Much appreciated.

[@murrayfranklyn84]

Just imagine if the railway was still there , what an incredible tourist attraction that would be.

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely. The entire route from start to finish is breathtaking.

[@mileshigh1321]

@@pwhitewick I thought the same! Seeing this scenery i thought to myself,how generally the British Isles are beautiful!

[@pwhitewick]

@@mileshigh1321 absolutely miles. We consider ourselves lucky everyone we go on a little adventure.

[@charlesharwood4724]

The Peak District abandonded railway lines ARE a great tourist attraction for walkers, cyclists, horse-rides and mobility scooters already. Better than any railway.

[@stephenbray410]

Maybe the railway should be reinstated.

[@rob235ioa1]

ooh look a tunnel !!! HOW EXCITING !!!!!!!

[@pwhitewick]

Always.

[@rodsmith3911]

I walked through Burbage Tunnel in the late 1960s when the northern portal had partially collapsed making access possible. It was in excellent order inside except at the very northern end where some earth movement had taken place causing the portal to collapse. The present wall has been built since then using the collapsed material. Hope this helps your understanding of the current tunnel end. R. Smith. Retired railway civil engineer.

[@breaking_mowers3811]

Hopton tunnel, don't want to be the know it all pain, but the bits you referred to as reinforced concrete is actually something called shotcrete, I used to use it on tunnelling and mining projects. Its kinda like really strong glue that is sprayed onto loose faces for stabilisation. Hope that is interesting rather than annoying. Nice to see sensible investment to preserve these structures. Great video's, always interesting. Thank you for all the effort you put in.

[@tjp353]

14:12 The farmer at the opposite end of Burbage Tunnel (Burbage end) suffered a serious case of 'get off my land' when we tried to explore there as kids. It's got worse in the last couple of years, with the land owner blocking public access to the line that has been enjoyed by walkers and cyclists for decades.

[@mickd6942]

Another Very interesting video

[@SteveMorton]

Harboro Rocks, I found reference to it being a disused lead mine on Flickr.

[@pwhitewick]

Ah lead mine. Ah ok that's different. Is the structure typical of a lead mine?

[@philipsmith6181]

The lead mines were to the south west of the railway. Brassington which lies very near Harboro, did have an ROC presence, and those concrete and brick structures do have a wartime utilitarian feel. They also do not appear on OS maps for that time, like so many other wartime sites. Just a suggestion. Am searching various archives and will say if I find further. PS liked the film as well !!

[@terryansell6641]

Very interesting video thank you.

[@saltleywsc]

Historians sounds right !!

[@imarobotking]

great channel, ive watched a load of your vids. i like your content and you have earned my subsription :P keep up the interesting waffle

[@pwhitewick]

Ah thank you and thanks for subscribing

[@steveparker1466]

The section through the Hindlow Tunnel is most certainly an active railway line. If you'd like to see what it looks like the first part of this excellent video on Don Coffey's channel is a cab view ride from Hindlow initially up the LNWR route to Buxton where the Loco runs round the train and follows the old Midland line out of Buxton, Hindlow Tunnel is about 6 minutes in but the whole section is well worth a watch as Don adds quite a lot of info both about Train operations and interesting features in and around the local area. You may even find another place to head for your 'Every Disused Station' section on there.

[@celticwanderer6407]

Great video very enjoyable , keep up the good video

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Anthony.

[@edbridges1164]

If I'm not Mistaken that Line you say is "Mothballed" is actually used atleast once a week it looks like Dowlow Briggs Siding (leads down to Dowlow Quarry it's called Siding because it's basically used as a Long Siding! I'm sure it leads down to Peak Forest or around that way

[@pwhitewick]

Correct Sir.

[@davegeard1]

I belive that Harboro rocks used to be a lead mine... what you found was the remains from the smelting process...

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks David. I'll get googling as I'd like to see how the process used the remains that we saw.

[@richardpettet9996]

Great video, fascinating stuff

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Richard.

[@jonntischnabel]

You were so close to the "peak forest tramway" opened in 1780, and still working in 1935. Stodhart tunnel, although blocked at one end, is still visible, and most of the line is walkable.

[@pwhitewick]

Here's part one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYCoZmWMqbt6mLM

[@Threelinkdave]

The brick built building at Hrbro Rocks looks like an electricity substation with the switches and cables remved. The clue is the three holes above three holes, one hole per phase

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks David. Yup a few have said that now so you're definitely on the right track.

[@Threelinkdave]

@@millomweb If you scan the background there are a number of power lines in the vicinity so could well have had a grid suply

[@stewriley1183]

pmailkeey there’s a wood pole adjacent to the building, the switchgear is 1930’s BTH (British Thompson Houston), I’d guess 3kV, there were indeed wood pole lines in that era, as were pylons. Electricity was initially rolled out to industry as they were the only ones who could afford it, but since it’s out in the sticks it’s likely there was a generator very close by and then connected to the grid at a later date. What was it used for? Possibly wartime facilities. Also it won’t have been three circuits, it will have probably been one incomer out to two circuits / transformers. Don’t which electricity area that’s in, but you can be sure they will have plans with some evidence of what it was! Hope you don’t mind my comment by the way, yours was the first one I came across referencing the switchgear.

[@stewriley1183]

pmailkeey it’s all old equipment, with nationalisation in the 1950s things have altered significantly since it was last used, it doesn’t look heavy enough for HV (6.6kv or 11kv nowadays) but pre war there were all sorts of voltages, the line has probably come afterwards to pick it up, I say that because the wood pole appears to be an ‘angle pole’ so it’s taken a diversion to that point. I didn’t notice the transformer but that will be a more recent addition and still in use. I should probably watch it again more closely as I didn’t notice how many wires the line is, although so much has changed it’s largely guess work anyway. You will have noticed that the gear is in one room and there was a larger room next door where Paul entered first, I would imagine that was the private switch room or possibly where a transformer was sited. I’m tempted to make the 70 mile journey to try make sense of it 😂

[@stewriley1183]

pmailkeey sorry, miss read, getting tired, though you made a good point point re the swa cable, that’s generally (not always) HV on power networks. We’ll never know but enjoyable trying to work it out, where I work there there were all kinds of obscure voltages some of which were still in use in the 80’s. Your correct regarding lines to farms end with transformers on poles but 200kva is the max (today), I’m not sure when pole mounted transformers came in either, I still come across very small very old ground mounted transformers that predate any pole mounted I have seen, I have heard stories of small transformers being installed below stairs in large town houses (probably Chinese whispers rather than fact) Anyway I digress, been good chatting, thanks

[@carolinegray3150]

Good music and video too

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Caroline.

[@musiccrazy9939]

England is a Paradise of Tunnels. England have a beautyful Landscapes.☺️💟💟💟💟

[@pwhitewick]

We are indeed lucky with some of the beautiful countryside we have here.

[@shaunwest3612]

Great video Paul and Rebecca,hope you have success in gaining access it would make a great video 👌😀

[@pwhitewick]

Working on it as we speak!

[@JP-su8bp]

4:03 Quip worth a thumbs-up all by itself.

[@TIMMEH19991]

I wouldn't put money on it but I'm sure when I was a kid in the mid 70s Burbage tunnel was open (possibly where the door is now) and I'm pretty sure it was a few feet longer. I remember walking through it so far. I also remember it was in a pretty diabolical state even back then, however I believe a phone trunk line runs through it so it might have been maintained since. Cheadle tunnel is the only one I've been in that was more scary (only had one entrance!)

[@pwhitewick]

Yeah much of the portal arch (external) seems to have been eroded away which is a shame. You'd hope that it was maintained for such an old relic. I doubt too many more where built before this.

[@TIMMEH19991]

@@pwhitewick Off hand I can't think of an older standard gauge one that still exists. Shame this one is virtually unknown and uncared for. A bit of research has revealed that the entrance was dismantled and the stone was used to replace a concrete plug that had been used to block the tunnel previously in 1975, so I must have visited prior to that which mean was was under 8 years old at the time!

[@phayzic4039]

Good thing you didnt gain access to burbage tunnel, there are reports from urban explorers who have in the past and from those pictures it looks pretty grim and flooded for the most part. There is also history of the tunnels being used to store chemical weapons and thus could still have contamination.

[@pwhitewick]

Yup we didn't do a great deal of research before we left but did hear a few stories once we got back.

[@leegreveson]

And these things make abandoned tunnels more interesting, there is such a place near me, Rowthorne tunnel, closed off but allegedly used to store wartime equipment, during the war obvs 😂

[@rogerwatson7205]

Very interesting video as always. Have you ever thought of putting together some sort of book with some of your walks along with directions? I would definitely buy a copy.

[@pwhitewick]

We actually started a little while back but we have no idea where to start! Plus finding the time. Tricky but we are still keen.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Tunnel 2 was a cut and fill tunnel 👍🏻 Burbidge Tunnel looks cut and fill too.

[@pwhitewick]

Agreed with tunnel two. Not so sure about Burbage though. There is a peak above it at over 430 meters which would be a 45 meter cut.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

excellent.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Keith.

[@DadgeCity]

Not reinforced concrete, just concrete or cement.

[@UTubeThePatient]

Also in the same area around Buxton they do unusual things. Like blowing up tube trains to test them.

[@pwhitewick]

Yes! We didn't see it in person but saw a few pictures online of the train.

[@UTubeThePatient]

@@pwhitewick I hope you are also considering the Monsal Trail. Another route from Buxton-ish to Cromford, but this is a grown-up railway. Disney-esque and pretty it goes from tunnel to viaduct to tunnel. And all the tunnels are in one section so you can return without being tired! Cromford to Whaley was always going to be a tough one, especially when a lot of it past Parsley Hey was overgrown - but then that's your thing.

[@peterw2845]

love me an unscheduled whitewick vid ❤👍

[@pwhitewick]

Wednesday could be the new Friday. 😬😁

[@nyrongristwood]

Years ago Probably 1982 I worked for the tube I knew that 'getting permission' was a nightmare So I simply put on a HiVi at St Pancras Station There use to be a disused platform and I crossed it, then climbed stone stairs through an open stone arch, just like a castle and came out on the station roof I actually waved at the signal cabin I climbed all the way to the top on the Duck Boards In those days security was almost non existent and huge areas of railway architecture were easily accessible As long as you had a Hivi and a lot of Hutzpah you could see so much

[@pwhitewick]

Hidden in plain sight... Or at least a High Vis. Cheers for sharing Mark.

[@JonGilb]

Loving the hoodies

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Jon. MERCH!!

[@davie941]

hi paul and rebecca , another wonderful video , i love the tunnel ones , pity about the phone number but he sounded like a jobsworth guy anyway lmao , :)

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Davie. I think when he realised it wasn't work related he decided he had better things to do!

[@stripybadger9880]

Didn't expect to see that - I spent a couple of nights in the Harboro Rocks house as a child. It wasn't in a much better condition back then to be honest.

[@groupcaptainbonzo]

YARDS ! Lovely Y A R D S ! ... not a meter or a Kilometer in sight. Fan.. blooming... tastic ! Then you went and said you were about 390 Napoleons high. .. shame on you 😊 great vid. Loved the atmospheric music. P.S. I think your career is cute 😂

[@bobparsons77]

Sounds like a real interesting railway. Bob Alberta.

[@danieltoth-nagy5097]

I'm fascinated with that embankment before the final tunnel. That seemed quite deep on both sides and very narrow on the top! I think you should chase up BT and that number and get access to the tunnel. If cables run through it should be safe, and at least they need to do checks sometimes and maybe get an invite to an otherwise necessary check, so no unneeded trip by anyone to the tunnel.

[@Raveneffect1989]

BT strictly control access to their sites. They own the underground tunnel complex under Manchester and hardly anyone has ever been granted access to my knowledge. I imagine that tunnel will be a similar situation.

[@danieltoth-nagy5097]

@@Raveneffect1989 I’ve seen a video from 1995 inside the Guardian in Manchester

[@rufflycorrect]

In 1830 they would almost certainly have dug out the tunnel the old-fashioned way - navies with pickaxes! it's doubtful they used Dynamite or even nitroglycerin as they weren't invented for another couple of decades.

[@anthonysibley1021]

The Cast Iron frames in the red brick building look like old electrical switch-gear...I would think its a disused substation / Generator House

[@pwhitewick]

With three of them that would make sense I guess?

[@anthonysibley1021]

@@pwhitewick Yes. Ring In,Ring Out and Spur...and the straggly this wires sticking out the bottom of the 3 housings are/where the wire armour off the cable (I do this for a living :) ) Keep up the great videos! Thanks

[@pwhitewick]

@@anthonysibley1021 haha... Brilliant. Thank you.

[@rogerbradbury9713]

I think it was a radio station, which would account for them needing that much power on top of a big hill. The concrete objects would have been for the aerial bases and guys. The other end of that red brick building looks just right for a transformer, and I think I saw a steel beam at high level, which would allow for lifting gear, for maintenance.

[@johntyjp]

Nice to know there are still like minded people willing to explore the unusual !? Keep you fit too😊😄

[@pwhitewick]

Deeeeeefinetly keeps us fit!

[@tonylucky2724]

Just finding your channel. Living in Western New York in The good U.S.A.! We have lots of old railways that have been closed and converted to cycle trails. But I do have a question... I wonder if you can find someone in BT to let you in. Maybe even a fan of this channel... or maybe if they are doing service work and they can get video or images for you. It's worth a shot. It might be really insightful for all involved.

[@Bugster42]

another interesting vid i have seen one about th wholel history of the line including pictures

[@davidcutts2650]

Again enjoyed your interesting & informative video. Re Harboro, the remains of the structure look like some sort of mining installation? With possible winding gear? Was there mining in the area perhaps?👍👍😎

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks David. Yup we now think that it was an old Lead Mine.

[@dianekivi5349]

When are you going to make the four tunnels & a viaduct video?

[@andrewthornegeo]

Have you tried contacting the BT Group Archives or the BT Press Office. You are journalists so you might get a favourable response. Just an idea :)

[@pwhitewick]

We have a few plans for another video, just working on a few more first and then maybe back again soon!

[@JohnyComeLately]

Intriguing

[@michaelpilling9659]

4 tunnels. Wonderful scenery espcially around the last tunnel. Did you manage to sort out to BT problem? Great video full of very interesting information.

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

great video :)

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you 👍👍

[@Sim0nTrains]

Nice video, maybe you should try and get into Burbage Tunnel and try and get BT to sponsor the video lol but in serious I think it be doubtful that you would get access to that tunnel but IF you try again in the future, good luck

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Simon. Much appreciated.

[@michaelhilton6066]

Burbage tunnel is regularly accessed by BT engineers - they have cabling going through there

[@EdgyNumber1]

8:30 Gas/oil pipeline in the background?

[@pwhitewick]

Didn't see that. Not sure, need an expert in the field.

[@EdgyNumber1]

@@pwhitewick Usually, a white post with a fluorescent marker on top denotes some kind of underground infrastructure but I wasn't sure which. Interesting video, anywhoo 👍

[@pwhitewick]

@@EdgyNumber1 thank you 👍

[@paulnicholson1906]

I always find the number of tunnels in UK railways to be amazing. In the USA railroads go through much more difficult terrain with very few tunnels. The main line that goes from Philly to Pittsburgh only has one and the railroad traverses the Allegheny mountains that are more than double the height of the Pennines. The NYC route from New York to Chicago only has one really short one on the Hudson River. The tunnels on the Cromford and HP would have been bored without dynamite, it wasn’t invented in 1830. They would have used brute force and gunpowder. Even nitroglycerin wasn’t available.

[@anthonybryan7315]

Another superb production, you seem to have mislaid your bikes going towards the last tunnel how did you get back to your car Regards Rob Edit I just read your reply to another peep, vlog split over 2 days.

[@pwhitewick]

Sorry Anthony. We realised that we didn't make this that clear.