GCR - The Great Central Way. Rugby Part 1

[@johnlarkin2980]

The reason that the 5 arch bridge at Newton is in such good condition, is because it was filled in on both sides in the late 1970s. So it was buried for nearly 40 years and protected from the elements. The problem with that was tree roots were forcing their way up and the bridge was being damaged. So about 6 or 7 years ago they dug it all out. I remember climbing inside when it was half dugout. I was amazed at the detail of the brick work which had been invisible for 40 years.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and for your helpful comments. For me this is an incredible learning journey on the GCR and whenever I post a video someone will have a story or fact to add, its fascinating how this railway touched peoples lives. I bet that was some undertaking digging that out! and was great to see. Thanks again.

[@greigs9384]

Still showing on google streetview as filled in from old footage

[@aljarprod]

Great to see. Thanks

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@michael42158]

Those GCR bridges were certainly built to last.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. They were definitely built to last forever.

[@glennrenfrew8155]

Another great video 👍 Your enthusiasm is infectious! 😁

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching! yes I do get a bit excited seeing these wonderful structures! part 2 is even worse!!

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Such beautiful bridges! The five arch that had been buried then dug out is a real beauty. Just looked on Google maps and it was in the process of being restored...then I ended up following the alignment up to the former Lutterworth station and found an article from 2021 saying there are proposals to rebuild it and re-open the line to Rugby and beyond. Time to watch more of your explorations!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching and I have filmed the line pretty much from Leicester to rugby and slightly beyond! Plenty for you to watch. The lutterworth proposal would have used the old midland Counties line from ullesthorpe and rejoin the GCR near Cosby before joining the Birmingham -Peterborough line after narborough and would be predominantly freight ( they failed to mention this when trying to win votes in the last election!) I think it's now been shelved as would be so expensive. Thanks again for watching.

[@davidpoulton2860]

That recess you saw, was to be a signal box, it was never built.

[@MiddyExplores]

excellent Thank you for that I just couldn't see it! What a shame but like so much on this line it is just another sad story. Thank you for watching.

[@willumwhitmore9419]

Signal box shown on 1914 maps for a gravel pit opposite

[@nigelbenn4642]

Ah maybe that was it. I was informed it was water tower (removed) and coal storage. Signal box looks more likely due to the size

[@only1hawky]

You were certainly very spoilt for bridges on this particular video! I bet you couldn’t believe your luck, and were struggling to keep count of how many there were. Already looking forward to the next instalment.

[@MiddyExplores]

I knew it was going to be a good day when I could see 2 bridges from the car park! Part 2 has some great architecture and the highest bridge I have ever filmed. Should be out next week. Thank you for watching.

[@willumwhitmore9419]

The second feature (between the first and second overbridges) was the site of a signal box. There was a junction to gravel pit opposite. Shown on 1914 maps.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and thank you for that! I could see that there was something there as the trackbed is much wider there. That makes sense now why there would even be a signal box.

[@kevinenticott2206]

Hi, just a note for you, that signal box ( Newton ) was never built.

[@willumwhitmore9419]

@@kevinenticott2206 Hi Kevin/Middy - refer to the National Library of Scotland Map images. It is shown on the OS 25 inch 1914 series. The box being in the walled indent. Can't post a 'capture' because of copyright. Maybe the OS just took the proposed info from GCR to avoid a survey of the Newton section, so maybe it wasn't built.

[@NWP_EXPLORING]

I love the way you get excited about seeing these finds! Man after my own heart! I’m heading here very soon to check it out. Great vid once again buddy 👍

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and I can't help but get excited every time I find new structures! Part 2 is even worse !!! I recommend having a good look at this route as there is loads to find 👍 part 2 next week 😃

[@ronaldhaynes4042]

Morning you guys I started my working life at Market Harborough. To see and witness what the government of the day did to the railway network. The brickwork that you sore may have had a signal box in there.As you were so close to Rugby thanks you for your work. Ron

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. Apparently it was supposed to be a signal box that would have seen an line go off the GCR and up to Birmingham via Coventry but apparently even though they prepared the area the line and signal box were never built.

[@seamusmcevoy2011]

On my way out of Rugby I called in here too, it was a fantastic place. I also called in and found the platelayers hut just south of Dunton Bassett Tunnel, thanks for the directions!!!!!

[@MiddyExplores]

Glad you found it! No problems 👍

[@peterwarren5412]

As a local I only discovered the northern part of the Rugby remains of the GCR you walked on during lockdown and have since used it as part of a running route. I look forward to seeing part 2 on the rest of the northern part and the central/southern part. Well done on another great video!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and your comments. Part 2 turns up some lovely surprises!

[@nicholasswift2480]

The GCR either side of Rugby has to be arguably the best disused railway in the UK, plenty of infrastructure still to be seen. Thanks for another fine GCR vid, looking forward to 2/2. And of course the Marina estate car, last time i saw one of them i was still in short trousers, way back in the 1970's!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. Yes the GCR is a great explore but I think that is testament to how well built it was. The marina estate was a real surprise I haven't seen one since the 80s!!!

[@edbridges1164]

The gap at 3:48 was for a Signal Box that was never built but the GC & LNER Left it there Just incase one would have been required later on however sadly it was never required and the Gap remains there waiting for a Signal Box that never will be built

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. Thanks for that it seems obvious looking back. Very sad that the line never reached its real potential.

[@edbridges1164]

There were a few oddities when it came to the GCR like the Station that was never built at Swithland the stairs up to the Platforms were built but the station was never built! Then there was the This gap in your Fantastic video also the Motorway Bridges that you've been to in other videos with those it seemed like British Railways/BR wanted to keep the truncated line open but by 1969 the axe fell ending the "London Extension" and of course the Destruction of Brackley Viaduct by accounts I've read the first few rounds of explosives the viaduct blew but then settled back in place and now most of it is under Milton Keynes! The Birdcage Bridge being another being left in place for 40+ years after seeing it's last train even though none of the electrification catenary was attached to it! There are a fair few others that I've probably forgotten now! I'm glad that parts of the GC are still Alive and in keeping with the Old GC the GCR & GCRN Reunification work is something that when done will be a fantastic and true reminder of the Mainline that Britain lost

[@DaysofHorror]

Brilliant video. We have similar structures here in the Rossendale Valley but a fair few the council have decided to make no public access. There are ways to get to them and one or two have private residences slap bang in the middle of them. I guess the owners would allow you to nip through their gardens if asked nicely though 👍

[@MiddyExplores]

That sounds like a future video! Thank you for your comments and thanks for watching! part 2 out next week and the structure count increases!

[@seamusmcevoy2011]

I've got to get myself down there it looks fascinating with some very decent finds along the way. As you rightly say, this is what all counties should do with their old railway lines, not allow them to be blocked off by landowners who literally never use the land. I've lost count of how many times I have been following a disused line, only to find it inaccessible at certain points, when all it needs is a bit of clearing away of the undergrowth and then it's 'game on' for a much more productive future.

[@peterstudley1804]

Pity it wasn't a railway preservation area 😕.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. Totally agree but the volunteers who look after the area and keep it in great condition do a fantastic job.

[@stevecutts5450]

Hi,I've just stumbled across your channel and I'm loving your videos 😁 I'm a midlander myself (Coventry) so I'm finding these really interesting. I knew there was a 2nd station in rugby as I remember the bridge for the line that used to pass over the wcml at rugby station. I had no idea where rugby Central station was located though. Am I right in thinking that the line carried on to Aylesbury and then on to marlybone?

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching. Yes the line carried on as you say. I am in the process of trying to follow it as far as I can ! I will be filming around Coventry in the future 👍

[@stevecutts5450]

@@MiddyExplores great! I've subscribed so I'll look forward to your uploades. Have you walked the battlefield line from Shenton to Nuneaton at all?

[@MiddyExplores]

@@stevecutts5450 I have started at Moira junction where it used to join the Ivanhoe line and I have so far walked to measham station. The next video in that series will see me get to the battlefield line👍

[@stevecutts5450]

@@MiddyExplores Excellent 😁

[@ianwilliams1448]

Signal box area on that brick recess?

[@MiddyExplores]

Apparently it is but was never built!

[@andyblakeman1]

Looks like a very nice section of the GCR to have a walk down, I'll have to check it out. Some great bridges and a Morris Marina estate, what more could you ask for?

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. A really lovely walk and the Marina Estate was a real bonus! absolutely lovely condition and I can't honestly remember the last time I saw one!

[@gwr5029]

Okay, I've your answer to the recess. It was occupied by 'Newton Sidings Cabin SB'. It controlled a junction to a siding that went to a gravel pit. The junction itself was under the bridge. From what I can make out the siding took off to your right. I hope that helps.

[@MiddyExplores]

thank you and thank you for watching. that now makes sense as the area in front of it was very wide compared to the rest of the cutting. Thanks for your help with this one.

[@wetdogFBK]

Interesting stuff as usual but sorry Mate, Daisy was the star.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and you are absolutely right! I think she should get her own channel!! 👍😃🐾🐾