Abandoned Tunnels and Viaducts on the S&D railway

[@ColinH1973]

How on earth can anyone give this a thumb's down? Two enthusiastic people providing totally non-cotroversial and gentle enjoyment. It certainly beats me!

[@pwhitewick]

There are always a handful Colin. No clue why!

[@alanwhite1458]

Completely agree, Colin.

[@danielbarrows7144]

Some people just want to watch the world burn! Alfred to Bat Man 😄

[@whatchwhatch628]

Probably the homeless people who lived in the ducts!!!

[@saltburner2]

Probably because it does not meet standards of diversity, equity and inclusion: which is why I love it.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

What a delight it has been to watch this. The Ham Wood area looks stunning and it's viaduct looks truly awesome. Thank you so much for this fine film.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you, high praise, very kind indeed.

[@drewcyprus3714]

You guys seriously deserve a tv show together!!

[@peterjackson6547]

Exploits such as yours are wonderful for we 'oldies' who are no longer fit and agile. Each of you has special interests which, collectively, provides those of us in the 'audience' with a vast range of (often worldwide) experiences. Thank you. p.s. One marvels at the size of some of the viaducts and tunnels when you remember the much smaller population at the time of their construction, and the primitive technology.

[@mileshigh1321]

The high quality of your video's including the great music,add to the interesting History! The workmanship and time (and bricks!) put into those viaducts alone,should be enough to preserve and use as a trail system,and keep the history in use and alive! Your videos help preserve history and let people see what used to be part of the rail system! Thanks! (Martin Zero's channel sending me here was a great choice!)

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Miles. Definitely makes it worth while reading comments like this. Thoroughly appreciated. Martin's a gem!

[@susantaylor927]

Hi you guys! We have soo enjoyed this video! All the info and the wonderful countryside you take us to! Stunningly beautiful! We love coming along for adventures new! Thank You!😊

[@Forest_Ry]

Hi there sir/madame😁. I have recently discovered your channel, and wow, I love it. Right up my streak. As a professional bricklayer/stone Mason and a outside enthusiast I cant get out my head the craftsmanship of the older brick/stone masons is out this world. I have a video of a viaduct local to me and the farmer wants to take it down. Criminal in my eyes. Back then these railways etc helped Britain progress and maybe without these we wouldn't be where we are today? All I can say is we cannot let these old structures alone and to weather away, a great bit of engineering history for britain. Maybe my generation will restore them. A new sub btw, keep them coming guys Have a good day All the best RJM✋ ⚒🇬🇧

[@stevegower7011]

Wow, what a shame those tunnels have once again been fenced off! We used to play there back in the 70's. The first tunnel you visited had massive ,red oxides steel doors, that we used to climb over. There's a concrete plinth in there ,that was used to test the Concorde engines on! It wasn't so wooded in those days! You could Walt along the viaducts too. Happy days🤗

[@pwhitewick]

Yup agree, we were expecting to be able to walk right through.

[@julianleyton8668]

The Whitewicks I walked through both tunnels only about a year or so ago.

[@julianleyton8668]

Just checked and WOW ! doesn’t time fly - it was four years ago !

[@enhancesoutheast5964]

What beautiful countryside.. And so well filmed... You have a feeling for this environment..

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Karen. It drew us back again, and I doubt it will be our last visit. Such an amazing area.

[@davekirwin]

Hi guys! Great video, choc full of tunnels and impressive viaducts. The chat with the cavers, Dave and Jeff, was a nice bit of interaction. Good choice of music and all in all, a fascinating watch.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheeeeeeers Dave.

[@daveking2111]

Another Dave K :-)

[@davidcollins9512]

12:11 It's almost like something out of 'Lord of the Rings'. "Wow" is a bit of an understatement. Wading through nettles and brambles is worth it when you get a view like this. Thanks for taking the stings and scratches for us!

[@davidcollins9512]

Oh - I've just read through the other comments and seen that kiwi tayro, and Ynot6 had the same thoughts. (Something about 'Great Minds Thinking Alike' springs to mind!)

[@pwhitewick]

Most definitely!

[@tonymaries1652]

I live in Shepton Mallet and Windsor Hill tunnels used to be one of my favourite walks. You found that one of the tunnels was open, on the north side. The metal fences are notorious locally and were vandalised not that long after they were put up. Well done for managing to get in. In my opinion, from walking through those tunnels for the last 20 years the tunnels are in excellent condition. I have never bothered to take a torch with me and the arguments of the landowners that they have closed the tunnels in the interest of protecting the general public is just complete B.S. I must know almost every inch of the paths you walked in this video and it is such a weird feeling. Waterloo Road was a road improvement scheme built, surprisingly enough, about a decade after the Battle of Waterloo. Near the brick built building in Ham Wood Quarry there is the remains of a Ford Cortina. Apparently some teenage tearaway drove it over the cliff many decades ago and all there is left is the transmission tunnel, outriggers, front wishbones and part of the front subframe. He still lives in the town and maybe his grandchildren come to play in the woods. Under the central arch there is a Morris Traveller, which has fared rather better from the ravages of time. I could help whizzing down the comments to see whether there is anybody I know in there. Sadly, so far, no. I have met the caver before and they do explore the local caves very frequently.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks for sharing Tony, I am pretty sure if I lived locally as a kid I would have spent some significant time there too. We were really shocked when we saw that the tunnels where fenced off too.

[@nwae8812]

A great video! I was a train driver in England, now a driver in NZ. I used to work with an old chap who fired on the S&D ( Swift and delightful). You may already be aware of Ivo Peters, he took many films along the line when in use. Enjoying your videos from down under .

[@Paleoman]

Another stellar video. One thing i just discovered, if you watch these videos on an Apple mac pro computer the videos are full of annoying commercials and advertisments. On my other laptop , no commercials or ads. Sadly the mac wont let download ad blocker software,.i dont know how they managed to do that but i will figure out some way to get around it. Your videos are much more enjoyable with no interuptions.

[@RichardWells1]

So much Victorian engineering expertise is evident in structures that, sadly, no longer have a use. Great photography and beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing your explorations again. Always worth watching!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Richard.

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

I'm only halfway through, but I have to say: the photographs in this one are absolutely magnificent! I'm in awe.

[@pwhitewick]

Keep going, this was good fun.

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

Glorious opening evocative of the sound of pastoral 12-string guitars. Dead Can Dance, early Genesis. England is truly breathtakingly beautiful . . .

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Hubert. Breathtaking indeed once you scratch the surface.

[@leey7h]

Extremely interesting .....always thought tunnels were lined all through................youve given so much pleasure doing what you do. Do you know how fortunate you are both to enjoy a pastime together.? But of course you do.xxxx

[@pwhitewick]

We love what we do herb 👍👍. Not the first tunnel we have seen with some bare rockface, quite common I think.

[@ynot6473]

@ 12:10, almost looks like "middle earth". very tolkienesque, and beautiful.

[@pwhitewick]

Yup, the image we took there in that shot doesn't do it justice either. If you have a chance to visit... It would definitely be worth your time.

[@andrewholloway231]

This was one helluva video. Beautifully made, stunning scenery and, oh wow, Ham Wood viaduct. Still standing proud. Thank you Paul and Rebecca, you're doing a grand job.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Andrew. It felt like a big one as I ploughed through the edit!

[@steveboarder518]

You were right, I loved this video! Another well produced gem. My wife watched it with me and was impressed too although less so by me chirping on every few minutes like an excitable child "look look I've been there and walked that bit"!! 😂👍

[@pwhitewick]

Hahaha.... Brilliant. I am pleased you both enjoyed it!

[@leightonsquibbs970]

A smashing video have been there several times. Also very emotional soundtrack especially when the viaduct loomed up out of the trees brought a tear to the eyes. Thanks both loved it.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Leighton. Very kind words. A very enjoyable video to edit.

[@mikeholdaway2412]

Another fantastic video Paul and Rebecca.😀 Here in New Zealand we just not have all this history Looking forward to your next adventure. 🎢

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Mike.

[@bullettube9863]

I remember reading that "ham" is the Saxon word for hill, and town names ending with "ham" indicates a location on a hill. So you can't say "ham hill" as that would mean "hill hill" in Saxon! I've said this before, but I just find it amazing that these structures are still standing! All that work on digging those tunnels and building those viaducts, and now there they sit, unused, but thanks to you, not forgotten.

[@pwhitewick]

Haha. Yes that's a good point.

[@tonycook1624]

Like saying River Avon - thats river river

[@bullettube9863]

Or the Saxon word for river being Ouse and then naming a river Ouse! @@tonycook1624

[@daveking2111]

Great video Paul & Rebecca. It was great to chat to you on your walk. I'll have to look up your other videos now. For info, the small double skinned brick huts were once explosive stores from the old quarry.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Dave. We learnt so much from you in our 15 minute chat. Thank you again for your time.

[@3kimcarter]

Thanks guys absolutely stunning film highlight of the week

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Kim. Glad you enjoyed.

[@chrishinchliffe2512]

Hi, some great videos on this channel. Plenty of old disused lines, stations and viaducts to explore in West Yorkshire. I've walked many a disused line for over 15 years around Tingley, Morley, Beeston and beyond. Found an aqueduct crossing an old line a few months ago in Northumberland. Keep making the Videos 👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Chris, we love making them so won't be stopping anytime soon.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Lived in Ringwood for over 20 years and can recall the remnants of the Slow and Dirty. Your video was fascinating. I really enjoyed it.

[@joannefender4913]

Another fabulous video, they just get better and better! One of my favourite lines. Spent ages this week on a so called "express" stuck behind a slow stopping train on the Hope Valley line. It may be stunningly beautiful but why oh why don't they re-open the Woodhead line to add capacity across the pennines? I am convinced the problem is not speed, but simply capacity, both in terms of lines and trains. Beeching never appreciated this and so killed one of the most beautiful railways of all time..the famous S&D!. I really appreciate all the work that goes into your productions and look forward to the each one....truly wonderful!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Joanne. Very kind words. Yup and that problem remains today. Capacity.

[@johncarter649]

According to the Mac Hawkins book "The Somerset and Dorset Then and Now" the Up line went in the Bath direction. I enjoy your videos and your amazing enthusiasm.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks John. That adds up with someone's comments from earlier despite us thinking it was the opposite!!

[@davidforrest4942]

My favourite disused railway. So many books written about it. But thank you for taking us there Amazing to see it now in 2019.. Thank you

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks David. Yup, a mass of resources available should anyone want to know the nitty gritty. A pleasure to film.

[@annepegum3351]

Ah back to the good old "Slow and Dirty" - excellent news !! And that was some pretty impressive brickwork - in both forms. Thanks for another terrific video guys.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Stephen. We love the S&D too. More to come!

[@thewriter6546]

Swift and Delightful.🙂

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

The view is stunning, nature reclaimed it and it looks nice

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely.

[@jambarreturns9060]

The skills and Craftsmen that built these Beautiful Tunnels are, sadly, gone forever.

[@keitholding8541]

Beautiful scenery and a terrific video. An eerie, other-worldly look to some of - a touch of Hollywood's idea of a land that time forgot.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Keith, the scenery made the exit a lot easier.

[@stephengiles2873]

Another cracking video incredible these places are left. You both have a passion for what you are doing and the background information is first rate. Crack on and waiting for the next video

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Stephen. Plenty filmed and plenty being filmed. 👍👍

[@Wulfbear99]

Another incentive to get my boots on and go out exploring an old railway route, the S & D is definitely on my list. I understand a long section is cycleway now so hopefully I can do some by bike. Thanks for another vlog showing us what is still there. B.

[@pwhitewick]

Definitely get out there Brian, this line has many beautiful spots. I think a good section of the northern extension is cycleable

[@thomashenderson3901]

Must have been wonderful seeing that viaduct slowly creep into view, amazing find.

[@andrewince8824]

You two have such wonderful energy together.

[@StephenWilliams]

The last time I visited Winsor Hill tunnels was in 1991 where I was able to walk both tunnels on my own. Strangely enough, I survived. So sad to see that the H&S brigade have thought it necessary to block off access to both tunnels. I really do despair. I think we are living in one of the most fenced-off countries in the World! Incidentally, I loved the accompanying music to this video. You have spurred me on to visit again a.s.a.p

[@pwhitewick]

Yup, the amount of times that we research first and see an accessible tunnel only to find it has recently been fenced off.

[@jonnawyatt]

You're right. We shouldn't interfere with natural selection.

[@dizde2008]

As soon as anything goes. public the fence goes up. TV bad news

[@stevelomas4119]

Some good stuff up the Northern end, walked the length with my Father in 2006, Tucking Mill & Midford Viaducts are intact and of course Coombe Down & Devonshire Tunnels, brought back memories of a great week spent on the line...you could walk through Windsor Hill in those days but Coombe Down was closed...think its a cycle path now from Bath to Midford.

[@pwhitewick]

Yup. We want to do that section as a separate video, I think there will definitely be enough content!

[@lotsofspots]

Those shots of the Ham Wood Viaduct are gorgeous!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Cheers. Very easy subject matter, makes me look like a photographer!

[@lindamccaughey8800]

That was fabulous thanks. What beautiful landscape you go thru too. I so enjoyed that 🥰

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Linda. 👍

[@GhostTheory]

Beautiful viaducts and awesome tunnels. It was evening when we watched it by the way lol. Your production is pretty awesome in this with that music too. Reminds me of the viaduct near me too. Cool soundtracks all the way through, and sweet map idea.

[@pwhitewick]

Haha.... Thanks guys much appreciated.

[@andyscooter3461]

it's amazing to see ,just how much abandoned engineering there is in this country. so many places just left to disappear back into the landscape.

[@pwhitewick]

It surprises us continually!

[@EandEFC]

My favourite line I have walked took me four days to walk it from start to finish! Yes nearly killed me ended up with shin splints but so worth it such a fantastic line yes the tunnels were opening when I did the line a few years back shame they are shut now, so many great structures and so much still to see and find loved the video well done again.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. Walking the entire line is a commendable thing!

[@simonthompson9067]

Great Video. I came across the Ham Woods viaduct totally by accident whilst walking the Dog from nearby Croscombe. It Literally Took my Breath Away suddenly appearing through the Trees so I had to find out more about it so found your Video very informative. Off to watch a few more of your Videos having just walked The Wye Valley near Tintern.

[@pwhitewick]

Best way to find it is when you don't know its there

[@70something.89]

Another great video. There's a film available on KZbin called 'All change at Evercreech Junction' which gives a great insight into life working on the S & D with interesting references to tunnels from the footplate. On the line you've just walked.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks is Griff. I'll check that out.

[@ralphcaton3462]

BBC I think

[@alistairshaw3206]

Great video again Paul and Rebecca, the old Slow and Dirty was a lovely line. The coach park in Bournemouth is where the S&D station was. I have parked my coach in it often.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Alistair. I'm.thinking Broadstone?

[@alistairshaw3206]

@@pwhitewick Yes, I think you are right Paul. I haven't been there for a few years. The old Station Hotel was next to the coach park.

[@pwhitewick]

@@alistairshaw3206 yup. Have a look at our first video in the "Every Disused Station" playlist. 👍👍

[@pwhitewick]

Yup!!

[@deanwood2332]

im a new sub but i have watched 55 videos in a week and really enjoyed them all very interesting informative but above all fun . great work you 2

[@peterw2845]

610 am tasmania , cuppa in hand , morning 😃, its like another world your videos come from , another excellent job , thanks for your time and efforts , words cant say… .

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Peter. Makes it all worth while. 👍👍

[@josepelotudogomezcredulo6993]

Guys ! at the end I got confussed ... picturesque or picaresque aqueduct ...haha love you two!.

[@pwhitewick]

Well it's definitely like something out of a fairy tale!

[@thomasmann9216]

Beautiful journey. The Ham Wood viaduct is amazing. Wish I could have been with you.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Thomas. It's something else for sure.

[@colinburton113]

Beautiful video always loved the S&D, caving interesting, but the viaduct in the woods magical, thank you both for your time and hard work xx

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Colin. A pleasure.

[@radiosnail]

Love your videos. Very interesting and often breathtaking views. Your choice in music is superb as well.

[@DB34IPS]

All I can say is WOW! such a good video. I look forward to your video every Friday, plus I'm playing catch-up on your old videos. Keep up the good work and well done. Looking forward to your next one already.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks David. Get binge watching good Sir. 👍👍🛤️🚂👍👍

[@shaunwest3612]

Great video Paul and Rebecca,such a beautiful place,I love that part of the country,that viaduct wow amazing, looking forward to your next video 👌😀👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Shaun. 👍👍👍

[@joefielder1556]

Awesome video. Lived in Shepton for ten years. So many people have a downer on the place but your video shows it off beautifully. My wife and I regularly walked along the routes on either side of the town. Bath road viaduct collapsed at one time the stone was to commemorate the rebuilding I think. Tunnels were closed due to bats and safety issues apparently.

[@pwhitewick]

The town certainly has some significant railway history. A big shame, I wonder who owns the tunnels?

[@joefielder1556]

Whitewick's Abandoned Railways there’s a group on Facebook (Windsor Hill Tunnels) trying to find out what happened. I think they’re managed for Highways England.

[@pwhitewick]

@@joefielder1556 thanks Joe. I'll take a look.

[@johnsparkes8963]

Awesome viewing love watching your vlogs, fair play to you and your wife for making these fantastic vlogs.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks John!

[@gorsjack]

Wonderful informative video once again Paul & Rebecca ..... I’m getting addicted to your wonderful videos ... thanks for all your efforts 👍

[@HenrysAdventures]

Very interesting! I've not been to these tunnels but I have walked through the old S&D tunnels near Bath and they went on for ever!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Henry. Yes i think I recall your video.

[@bobingram6912]

Ham Wood Viaduct, a sleeping giant in the forgotten undergrowth, a sad site/sight especially as I'm up in Tebay/Shap area where there are viaducts around every bend, live ones and especially the disused ones just standing in their historical magnificence (as you well know, Lowgill?!). You cant beat a straight tunnel with a bend in it, did they start at each end and went "whoops" when they met in the middle I wonder? Is it next Friday yet??????

[@pwhitewick]

6 days to go. I'd best get editing!

[@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction]

I have been enjoying your lovely Vids. I think the Victorian would be astonished on how we have neglected their efforts and wisdom. All this needs reopening. Even if it does mean knocking down a few houses. Regards Alan..

[@pwhitewick]

Couldn't agree more!

[@ianfrench1577]

This was truly a fantastic video. Keep up the great work. I love the use of inspiring and uplifting music, it really helps to captivate the feeling of craftsmanship and the discovery of a lost and magical world. You clearly put in a lot of research work and I love the use of twin maps. Martin Zero brought me here a few months ago, and I've been absolutely glued to your channel ever since :)

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Ian. Very kind, thanks for taking the time to comment. We owe a lot to Martin that's for sure!

[@robinnicholson4009]

Great time watching this, as usual by chance, and even better seeing the two cavers. Pot holing was my main hobby till 2015 and boy, did I have some adventures and 'tight' pinch-point moments ~ 12". Main rule 'keep calm' . Making fair progress digging for Floating Harbour sluice material

[@pwhitewick]

I could never do that.... I'm built to... 'panic'.... no idea why and not a great quality 😕

[@robinnicholson4009]

@@pwhitewick You can confirm your view by watching kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ3GnaB8js-EkKc (Goatchurch cavern and The Drainpipe) from about 2m 40secs.

[@pwhitewick]

@@robinnicholson4009 madness I tell you. When the only thing you have to propel you is your toes.

[@pedwards10]

I'm sure someone has commented on thos already but I wasn't going to scam 200+ comments lol. The two small brick buildings, at least one was a spring house. Back when the cold water would have flown through there, probably spring fed. They would use the low one that's partially submerged in water to keep things cold and fresh. Milk, meat ect. Pretty common states side in the 1800s and early 1900s. Basically an early refrigerator!

[@pwhitewick]

You are the first and definitely the most plausible. Thank you. Also the first that we have seen on our explores. Much appreciated.

[@terryansell6641]

Brilliant video thank you it’s such a treat to watch your videos in New Zealand

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Terry

[@shanerwallace7912]

I grew up in not far from ham woods, Windsor quarry was for lime stone and we used to jump on to the side of the trains and get a lift to school, the tunnel with the bend was used to test the Pegasus engine for Concorde

[@mikejennings7779]

Well done, right amount of chat, good use of music, pleasure to watch. Anything like this always saddens me what is lost and disregarded due to supposed progress, truth of the matter is if all these lines still existed the inferstructure and economy would be better off. The housing issues and rush hour commute would be halved over night as the roads and businesses wouldn't need to work around a poorly neglected system.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Mike.

[@Tobeshadow]

Great to see you both exploring the S+D once more, it's my local disused line! The down tunnel at Windsor Hill was used shortly after the line closed to test the Rolls Royce engines for Concorde

[@pwhitewick]

Ah yes, now you mention it that rings a bell. Is that the slightly curved tunnel??

[@Tobeshadow]

If I remember right, the down tunnel was built first and is the straight one. They were sealed shut after the Concorde tests until the early 90s, but were then open again for a long time. Real shame that they are fenced once more. Hopefully they will become part of the walk again soon!

[@juleshathaway3894]

@@Tobeshadow Rolls Royce wanted to run an engine without oil to see how long it would last before it disintegrated. They even obtained planning permission to change the shape of the hill in case the bang was a big one. RR expected it to last for about 20 minutes, it ran for over TWO hours. Info from Mac Hawkins excellent book, the S&D Then and Now.

[@Tobeshadow]

@@juleshathaway3894 Wow, they really did put them to the test. Two hours without oil is incredible, the noise in the woods nearby must have been something!! Thanks for the fascinating info!

[@juleshathaway3894]

@@Tobeshadow You're most welcome, yes the noise would've been deafening. If you can find a copy of Mac Hawkins' book I can thoroughly recommend it.

[@Lordshaw]

What a lovely little film.

[@frankparsons1629]

Yes, the "sloping" buttresses on that viaduct (which adds strength and stability to the structure), the "slope" is correctly termed "batter" and is an architectural term. Not having thought (during the last 65 years of studying buildings) of how it might exactly be described, here is an concise explanation I stumbled upon. A battered wall is a common element in construction. In simple terms, it is any kind of wall that has been built with an intentional slope; the word 'batter' in this context is an architectural term that refers to a particular type of angle. Hey presto!

[@fredskingle3503]

Love your videos, so well presented and edited. Fascinating and very accessible.

[@williamarmstrong392]

Those are such beautiful structures !!

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely William. Breathtaking.

[@send2gl]

Great video, lovely scenery and nostalgia, well presented by you both.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Geoff, much appreciated.

[@Leonard_Smith]

Looks like you are beginning to get the hang of this whole project... Almost grown up and everything! Except for Rebecca's skin tight leg apparel that is. Keep up the good work for us couch potatoes.

[@pwhitewick]

Always a pleasure. Never a chore.

[@2sail42]

A very enjoyable 23 minutes. I will look forward to the next video.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. 👍

[@TheNgandrew]

Another very interesting video. The scenery around and including Ham Wood Viaduct looks like some magical woodland (good photography there) and now I know where that viaduct is that you Tweeted about the other day.

[@pwhitewick]

Haha....yup that's the one

[@saltleywsc]

Another great video both ,such a shame this line was closed ! and that viaduct appearing thru the trees .......awesome !!!! and as to caving used to do it in my younger days but shudder at the thought now !

[@pwhitewick]

Couldn't agree more Merv!

[@juleshathaway3894]

My son Ross and I were at Windsor Hill back in May, having both been there many years before. In the past I have walked through both of them after the north one had the doors removed. Have not been to Ham Wood though, looks great.

[@pwhitewick]

Definitely worth the extra few hundred yards Jules. Definitely. 👍👍

[@juleshathaway3894]

@@pwhitewick Yes I can see just how close it is to the tunnels now. When ever I watch one of your videos it sets me off onto a couple of the maps I use, like the National Library of Scotland and the OS map and I'm then away for hours. I used to while away the long night shifts at work pouring over the OS maps on the computer system. Initially it was Scotland only but I managed to get a couple of national ones put on thanks to a mate in IT!! :-)

[@bigladjonnyboy397]

It always seems a shame to me that what appear to be perfectly intact viaducts and tunnels are blocked off, you'd think in these times local authorities would actively encourage cyclists and walkers. Another great video guys a pleasure to watch.

[@pwhitewick]

It was quite a surprise to see both blocked, must be a recent thing. I'm not sure who actually owns those tunnels bit as you say, seems a complete waste.

[@bigladjonnyboy397]

@@pwhitewick Yes it does.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Nice video! The subject itself I find fascinating: those 19th century viaducts, tunnels and buildings look medieval already, I'm amazed there's so much left at all. You're reading the landscape like you would in the underground of an old city. A good variety of shot types, some from drones but not too much, a lot of filming-while-you-walk. Pity perhaps that you won't scale those fences and go into the tunnels, but you've given your reasons, and we have to respect that.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you for understanding. We definitely aren't "urbanexplorer" types (but respect those that are). We just like to explore and hopefully get some invites by respecting the boundaries of those that own these places.

[@robinhayhurst5943]

Your tunnel shots are amazingly detailed!

[@robertoboocock6443]

Excellent video. Lucky man having a partner who has same interests as your self me and my partner go away a lot at weekends all over the country.but my partner has zero interest in history where I'm called the nerd and enjoy exploring.will look forward to your next adventure.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Robert. I am indeed a lucky man!!

[@pwhitewick]

@@RussellNelson keep trying..... It's good fun!

[@pdtech4524]

Interesting video😎👍 It's incredible just how much old railway infrastructure is out there, it was all so well made and able to stand the test of time. I fly my drone over an old abandoned railway viaduct, in fact one of the longest wrought iron viaducts still standing, just outside Ilkestone, Derbyshire. I only found Bennerley Viaduct in the last 12 months or so after driving past it for years and never realising it was there! It's a fantastic structure and in really good shape despite being abandoned for well.over 50 years. 😎👍

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers. Yup, we are never ceased to be amazed by how much remains and thankfully so. There are plenty of people out there in their local areas doing a great job of ensuring these structures remain. Hopefully we are doing our (little) bit too.

[@pdtech4524]

@@pwhitewick Yes it's important to preserve our industrial heritage. After almost being dismantled for scrap, Bennerley Viaduct was deemed too expensive for demolition. It since got grade II listed status and was sold off by British Rail, the new owners have applied for Heritage Lottery Funding to turn it into a cycle path and connect it to the National Cycle Network by the end of 2020. The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are a voluntary group who have been helping preserve the viaduct and raise awareness and funding so future generations can enjoy and use the stunning structure and beautiful surrounding countryside. 👍😎

[@pwhitewick]

@@pdtech4524 sounds good, we will definitely explore there one day soon.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

A very exciting documentry. At times I felt very excited. Thank you very much

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Keith. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm still a few behind on your videos!!

[@johnwillis9511]

Great video again 😊 we have an S&Dr old line near us. The Stockton to Darlington railway line.

[@davie941]

hi paul and rebecca , great video , love the tunnel ones , those cavers were really interesting but im with you , could never go down into one , nope lol :)

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Davie. Nope nope nope is all I kept saying!

[@johnsmyth6283]

davie941 as a former caver I miss the excitement of exploring underground.

[@paddy9021]

Happy New Year! My suggestion would be exploring more abandoned urban stations. A slight twist as some might have been replaced by a more modern equivalent with the same name. Urban stations might have had a more industrial function where extensive sidings and yards used to exist. Others are smack in the middle of busy connurbations with modern frantic roadways passing within yards while the station itself is an oasis of quiet ghosts and rusty ironwork. Have fun in 2020!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks for the suggestions Patricia. I like the idea of the twist, anything that might help promote is worth a go.

[@Christophers-Assorted-Stuff]

The Ham Wood viaduct reminds me of the Treffry viaduct near Luxulyan in Cornwall. There are a few interesting viaducts in Cornwall.

[@pwhitewick]

Yup we must get down that neck of the woods come Spring.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

just viewed this again. it is so beautiful and full of exciting finds and interest. Stay young and keep up this wonderfull entertaining channell.

[@martinhew981]

Another great video. Totally enjoyable

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Martin. 👍

[@ews60062]

I like watching abandoned railway walk and June/July time I did one of my own walk of the Taunton to Barnstaple railway and was surprised at what is still left of that line.

[@pwhitewick]

Yup, no matter what, there is always something left to find.

[@ews60062]

Whitewick's Abandoned Railways yes there are some great bridges and tunnels and 2x viaducts there but one of the viaducts is on the a361 road from South Molton to Barnstaple but its 43 miles long so lots to see. if you get the chance have a look at my video of it feel free to tell me what you think thank you

[@paulsealey2822]

fantastic video and the tunnels & viaducts was stunning thxs for the video

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Paul

[@sheriffjohn2498]

I've been wondering. What's your next project? What if Baby comes along? What to do?? I've decided....buy a narrowboat, work remotely and visit all the locks in GB! I just saw a video of a narrow boat going through the 1 mile lone Foulridge tunnel south of Yorkshire. Thanks to you guys, I knew more about the tunnel than the folks doing the video! The idea of cruising the canals seams very appealing. Knowing the history of all the canals and locks would be cool. Of course, I have no idea where the Foulridge tunnel is and Yorkshire, for that matter. SJ

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome again Sheriff. It's truly a pleasure. Babies... We have 5 already good Sir. Alas, no more. Please.... No more. Narrowboats. Now that sounds like a lovely retirement.

[@sheriffjohn2498]

Sorry that I haven’t responded in 3 weeks.... I was in shock! How do you manage all these free weekends? Don’t know why I’m shocked, we have 4 ourselves! SJ

[@s1bur]

Watching this in lockdown 2021, great vid👍

[@johnjephcote7636]

On ist Feb 1946 the later-built (for the line's widening) viaduct at Bath Road Shepton Mallet collapsed in the night leaving the original one alongside intact and still fit for traffic. It was rebuilt as one can see from the concrete arch soffit. There is a plaque to commemorate the rebuilding at the roadside.

[@andrewhaselgrove7474]

Nothing more can I add to the comments already made. Well done you two.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Andrew. 👍👍

[@whitemoor66]

Great video. Only just stumbled across this, now subscribed!

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome.

[@danielsedgwick5476]

Stunning video, loved watching.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Daniel