Sleeping in an Abandoned Tunnel. The Meltham Branch Line

[@dilwyn1]

As always, such an informative and interesting vid, Paul and Rebecca. Railways to one side I'm so glad you explained the circular track that David Brown tested their tractors on... I would never have guessed that!!

[@pwhitewick]

We assumed at first it was a turntable for the rails... which would make sense given its location.

[@mileshigh1321]

Nice to see you check off a few more disused stations! Beautiful what they did in the tunnel! There was a night club in NYC at a disused subway station. Down one of the tunnels they put two bright lights to simulate a subway train coming!

[@pwhitewick]

Scary depending on your chosen substance!!

[@neilurwin9670]

A Really Good Video All The Very Best Everyone.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Neil.

[@SimonAmUnique]

The large viaduct Is called Lockwood viaduct

[@lindamccaughey6669]

That was lovely thanks. Did see that B and B on another channel I watch. It is just fabulous. Thanks for taking me along. Please stay safe and take care

[@Sim0nTrains]

I'm guessing it a lovely little branch line back when it was opened, the calvert with the flowing water and the AirB&B looked beautiful as well but I do agree that you shouldn't break in to private property. Brilliant Video.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Simon, much appreciated.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Culvert.

[@Deebz270]

Some properties shouldn't be *private...* However, the Air B&B is so cool an idea and its repurposing beautifully realised, that we'll turn a blind eye. . Lovely video *Paul & Rebecca,* one of your best of late

[@Deebz270]

@@AtheistOrphan I suspect Eddie Calvert would have loved that culvert... (?)

[@RAFchurchlawford4469]

"you shouldn't break in to private property" unless you are a train coming down the tunnel getting louder and louder with horn blaring and as it's about to crash through the AirB&B back wall the noise STOPS. You climb back into bed cursing the owners for playing a joke on you.

[@kitkatv3]

Thank you for creating and uploading.

[@pwhitewick]

Always our pleasure

[@davie941]

hi paul and rebecca , another great video , that place is so nice , what a cool idea lol , well done guys and thank you :)

[@JuliaHopewell]

Loved the whole walk. What a beautiful area! The very picturesque "culvert" was definitely a highlight, (although as an arachnaphobe I was happy not to be there in person:). Hope you slept well!

[@nuggsify1]

Wow ,brings back memories of when i was kid,used to play in them tunnels.

[@markthompson3577]

awesome video paul & Rebecca .....

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Mark

[@chromiumphotography5138]

Right on my doorstep and never knew it existed. Thanks for another great video.

[@HoxieDan5369]

Great journey! Thanks enjoyed very much!

[@theBusManiac]

Cant believe I just came across this, it was me that was talking to you on twitter about this early last year. I explored this route almost 30 years ago and was so much clearer. Hope you enjoyed your stay, great video and happy new year!

[@divarachelenvy]

what a fabulous idea... love it

[@christinaburton9297]

Oh wow thanks!

[@CJH2703]

I’m so pleased that you mentioned David Brown Tractors, many thousands of tractors were shipped out on the line from the factory in Meltham. I got excited when I saw the DB test track behind you in shot 😂

[@TheEulerID]

The same DB of Aston Martin fame.

[@CJH2703]

@@TheEulerID 👍

[@captaindbheadcase1303]

@@TheEulerID The profits from the tractors kept Aston Martin going. David Brown never made any money on the cars.

[@biffothebear5717]

Great video was that, It's amazing how a little creative thought and muscle, can turn an old damp tunnel into a thing of beauty...👍

[@Jimyjames73]

Hiya - I thought that I had recognised this - back in 21st August 2021 "Trekking Exploration UK" also stayed in this very same Tunnel!!! 😉🚂🚂🚂

[@jontownsend8090]

I am booked up to stay at the Butternab tunnel before the end of the year. Whether the owner will let us explore the naked tunnel is another matter. Thanks for sharing.

[@pwhitewick]

I am almost certain they will

[@timothycharlesmuff9823]

i grew up in netherton in the early seventies until leaving in the 80s, used to play in this tunnel as a young lad..walked the line from meltham to huddersfield many hundreds of times, its amazing up by david browns scientific test area, quite sci -fi back then. when you get to the lockwood road cemetery beaumont park is amazing. been in the tunnels. may i recommend you walk from berry brow station (where my uncles joiners shop used to be) and get to brockholes..

[@chrissayers7076]

I doubt the Marshall has slept in a tunnel, you two have definitely outdone Geoff.

[@Bender24k]

Excellent episode - I started smiling right away. Surprise walkable culvert? Rebecca did you set that up just for Paul LOL! Thanks!

[@pwhitewick]

Was perfect wasn't it.

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Lovely video. Lovely setup, lovely storytelling. Also lovely delivery. And the pictures, impressions and views you gather!

[@malcolmsmith6615]

A B&B in a tunnel! News to me even though it’s not far from where I currently live. So, fascinating! I recon they were refuges in the tunnel. When the blue brick lining was added it would have reduced the clearance between the tunnel wall and the train, so leaving some openings maintained the status quo. It does of course assume that the original tunnel width allowed you to stand flat against the wall and still be clear of the train (such tunnels didn’t need refuges). And I’m pleased you got the floor of the culvert in shot. Many forget the construction below the feet; it is often one of the most important parts of the overall design. Fascinating, informative, and fun!

[@daveallen63]

Very cool.

[@gledhill56]

Live in Netherton so glad to see you’ve paid a visit along the Meltham line. Plenty more closed lines around this neck of the woods I’m sure you’ll pay a visit to in the future.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Gavin. Yes we love the landscape here

[@MrGreatplum]

That’s one heck of an Airbnb - fantastic. There was an awful lot going on with that branch line in such a short distance!

[@Lichfeldian--Suttonian]

How fascinating. Thanks, you two.

[@pwhitewick]

Our pleasure.

[@Hairnicks]

Brilliant as always you lovely pair, the culvert was lovely, beautiful stone work and that Air BNB has to be one of the best I've seen in a long time and I like the unusual ones. Thanks for such a good trip.

[@pwhitewick]

Unusual is good!

[@spoid54]

I managed to get booked in for a weekend after a bit of a headache with air b+b,we can't wait.A dream of mine for a long time

[@pwhitewick]

You are one of a few Dirk!

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

A great video. a very cool place to stay

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Trev

[@commander5640]

Fun times, hi from Melbourne Australia

[@bobsrailrelics]

So much on the line. Will hold back for a booking in the Air BnB for a couple of years, might actually get in. Thanks for another great one.

[@JOHNMONO]

Really enjoyed that, what a great idea . An air BnB tunnel....Thank you Paul and Rebecca

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

That’s a great Air BnB. The name of the town is pronounced Melth-am 😃

[@pwhitewick]

Ah yes, we started with MELT - HAM. Then changed half way through!

[@shirleylynch7529]

What a great tunnel or culvert. Stunning Air B and B. Fabulous vlog and filming. Thank you.

[@deborahingles9392]

What an amazing idea to convert the tunnel entrance into an AirB&B ....such a romantic setting indeed....was it a special occasion XXX there is so much potential with repurposing many structures albeit structural integrity would play a massive part in such a project but could you imagine many of the out of the way places to set up this way that one could just stay ....thanks again you two for another interesting vlog... cheers Debz from Oz

[@johnmwarr]

That was very different! Well done!

[@billyruss]

Very envious, guys! After Trekking Exploration UK did a video of this a month or so ago, I checked online for availability - at that time there were, I think, one or two weekends in November available (which I couldn't do) but, checking again now, there's nothing available at all! As I commented on his video, it was a dream of mine as a kid to own a disused railway tunnel and convert it into something like this - I actually imagined living quarters at the entrance with a recording studio out back (think of all that natural reverb!!!). Another great video :-)

[@pwhitewick]

Yup fully booked for sometime now.

[@davefrench3608]

What a stunning place to stay!,

[@michaelmiller641]

Lovely!

[@bcoldgoalie]

Wow! An amazing B&B! You guys always find some real jewels out there. This channel gets better and better. Cheers from British Columbia.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Hans

[@eddyhenningsson3121]

Supercool!!!

[@paulharvey9149]

Amazing Airbnb - and just made for you, Paul! And there was me thinking you'd be in a draughty tent!

[@pwhitewick]

Haha... I would love too.... just not brave enough!

[@HenrysAdventures]

Love this! I wonder how many other abandoned tunnels could have this use made out of them!

[@pwhitewick]

Quite a few me thinks but it would be tricky to keep the damp out

[@davidcann4329]

Wow, that is one amazing AirBnB, thanks for sharing, a good video and lots of things to explain about, very enjoyable as always.

[@ruinedheels]

What a nice way to let off some steam.

[@charlottewilson8740]

I’m from here guys that was fascinating as always Xx

[@terryansell6641]

Amazing video always so interesting thank you

[@phillunn4691]

Another brilliant video Paul and Rebecca, I didn’t realise it was a proper furnished apartment! Unusual place to stay for the night. But I always say… “don’t knock it, till you’ve tried it!” Brilliant and very interesting as always!Take care both of you!

[@markhunter4815]

Hi Paul and Rebecca I live near where you are and have never been there very interesting vlog

[@stephenquinn6485]

Excellent vid so interesting

[@dieNadel01]

Cool adventure, thanks!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Leigh

[@simonwinter863]

Serious envy guys

[@richardhalliday6469]

Marvellous

[@a11csc]

wonderful

[@EandEFC]

Amazing Love it

[@andyhill242]

I've been looking forward to this video since you talked about it in the live stream. Lovely Air BnB too.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Andy. Glad you approve.

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

Yeah that is one COOL airbnb. I'd love to stay there, but it's probably outside my budget. Kudos to the owners for building it.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Samantha. We booked it around 6 months ago as a treat, almost forgot about it!

[@ReubenAshwell]

That looks pretty cool putting a B&B in a disused tunnel. :)

[@pwhitewick]

Its such a great idea, really hope they keep it going.

[@ninjagoggles]

fantastic!

[@SBCBears]

Interesting that you manage to vary your adventures.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Crow. We certainly try and keep things fresh.

[@digsdrains]

Like your channel guys !!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Stu. Hit that Notification button

[@michaelclarkson2218]

Great video I really enjoyed this like all of your excellent videos. I've been reading up alot about the Melton branch just lately particularly the fascinating Butternap tunnel. I would be in my element there as I'm a bit of a tunnel fanatic and may consider a trip and book in there some time in the future when there's a vacancy. A lovely part of the country.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Michael, twas an amazing place

[@graemehannam3950]

Great video thanks walked part of the old Meltham branch line, the viaduct you mentioned is on the Penistone line which runs from Huddersfield to Sheffield, via Penistone and Barnsley, I've walked many of the old branch lines in and around Huddersfield, the Kirkburton branch, the Holmfirth branch, the Clayton West branch, which is now the kirklees light railway, running from Clayton West through Skelmanthorpe to near the junction of the Penistone line, I've also walked plenty of the old woodhead route, Penistone to Dunford Bridge, Penistone to near Deepcar (there's a live line there taking trains to the steelworks, and from Silkstone Common, down the Wath branch

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

Wow, what a place to stay 👍

[@garycross228]

It's a brilliant re use for a tunnel, although the views are somewhat limited. I have never slept in a tunnel before, but I have slept in a subway! The subway at Crystal Palace High Level no less! It was back in 1996 and the Crystal Palace Foundation had organised an open weekend to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the fire at Crystal Palace of 1936. The Foundation had organised numerous local history societies, trade stands and our model of the high level station. But they needed security to stay down the subway the Saturday night to keep an eye of all of the items and to ward off trespassers. I foolishly volunteered! It was freezing (it was the end of November) and extremely draughty and noisy. In spite of a thick sleeping bag. It is not an experience I would like to repeat!

[@Blade_Daddy]

Wow!

[@hilaryfraser5608]

My home town (Mel -tham, pronounce the 'th') . Both parents worked at DBT.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Hilary. Ah yes, we changed the pronunciation half way through I think when we realised. A lovely home town it is too.

[@Eeveevolve]

Great video. Hope you come over to do the Golcer and Minsbridge disused stations. Also, Meltham is pronounced Mel Fam. Just dont ask how to pronounce Slaithwaite or Linthwaite further North. :)

[@russellb1212]

By Folly Dolly Falls, there is another amazing stone built culvert, that looks very similar, right under the track bed

[@anthony2806]

Nice when your videos pop up from time to time

[@pwhitewick]

Every Sunday 5pm bst. Cheeeeeers

[@Transit_Biker]

Fun!!!

[@spatrompete2601]

You missed a very beautiful waterfall just after the test track round about very cool when it has rained

[@lapiswake6583]

Awesome video, as always. Seems like I'm catching you up but with my total of mainline stations visited. My current total is 346 plus 105 tube plus 2 DLR plus all 60 tyne and wear metro, 100 of the mainline ones being in 2021 so far. However, I'm in the London area again for a bit, so I'm gonna aim to add about 50 mainline stations plus some DLR and the entirety of the Waterloo and City line and all of the Northern line extension before I go home.

[@markstott6689]

Welcome to Yorkshire.

[@pwhitewick]

Why thank you.

[@rubbishsignup]

Great upload as ever. Some of the sub titles are amusing typos!

[@pwhitewick]

Kind if enjoy keeping them in!

[@thebrowns5337]

With Butternab tunnel you can see the blue brick skin is a later addition even at the portal - when you are sqt on the decking wrapping up the video the original stone work can be seen disapearing behind the brick skin. Those 'fake' refuges were left at certain points to prevent pressure build up from ground water that made its way through the original stone lining. Being a shallow refuge may have been seen as an added bonus although it's not a great place of safety looking at the depth. It might do but would still be scary.

[@christopherthompson2078]

Wow excellent. Should put speaks up at the back .just as you nod off .sounds of trains coming towards you .that will make ya jump x Chris x

[@Simon_Nonymous]

You look much younger with no beard (Paul) - a great place to stay by the looks of it!

[@pwhitewick]

Best grow it back then!!

[@danq.5140]

My great grandfather was a David Brown dealer back in the 1950's/1960's.

[@60_Degrees_North]

You left a lovely review Rebecca. So much so, I checked dates to book... I got as far as August 2033 and gave up. Fully booked 😢 Thanks so much for the video guys. 👍

[@pwhitewick]

Yup, its really booked u and they are sporadically opening up new dates, so keep checking back!

[@chrisrich152]

Love ya both XC

[@colinarmitage3631]

That was really nice and what a good idea to use a tunnel as a bed room. i used the trains which came down through Melthom to take me home to Ravesthope from work as an apprentice with Brooks Electric Motors in Huddersfield That was them the Bradford branch. Interesting video brought back loads of memories.Thank you. All a very long time ago.

[@Zanth123]

Must have been hard sealing the tunnel against water infiltration.

[@2H80vids]

The owners of the B+B are doing well out of the KZbinrs; Ant and Aimee stayed there in a recent video too. The conversion was a great idea and very nicely done. It makes a wee change from the usual bat sanctuaries and mushroom farms, without completely spoiling the tunnel.

[@cradleyardfilms2362]

Hi guys, can I ask if you ever got to see the little bridge tunnel on the Basingstoke canal? I know it's private land but if you go down the south east chalk path you can get to the tunnel. I tried the westerly approach last week and had a bad fall at the top of the steep slop so when down the other way instead. I do NOT recommend the westerly side as an approach.

[@pwhitewick]

We did try when we made the Basingstoke Canal Video, but the eastern end had a farmer working and the west, as you suggest, was very steep indeed.

[@cradleyardfilms2362]

@@pwhitewick I took a photo and short video - there was a vehicle in the tunnel so decided not to get too close. A suggestion which you may have thought of... You channel will suit the Dove & Dearne & Barnsley canals near me. Over the years it is slowly disappearing completely but there are still lots to look for if you know where.

[@nathanlucas6465]

At 7:05 is that a repair to the roof with expanding foam?!

[@pwhitewick]

It did actually look that way!

[@nathanlucas6465]

@@pwhitewick eeeek!

[@musehic1953]

There’s video by Trekking And Exploration about the tunnel also.

[@ianworley5730]

Thanks for the great video. Did I miss the site of the embankment that the train slipped down?

[@pwhitewick]

Good Point. It was the section near Woodfield. We completely forgot to mention it!

[@TheEulerID]

I see a fuel station without a queue at the start, which as I write is a rare thing in the UK... nb. the eponymous David Brown of the tractor company was the very same person who owned Aston Martin between 1947 and 1972 and who lent his initials to their iconic cars. Strangely, Lamborghini was (and still is) a tractor manufacturer that branched out into making sports cars, a business now owned by Audi. I don't know what it is about tractors and fast cars.

[@pwhitewick]

A rare treat indeed.

[@dannyg2360]

Subtitles at 30s 😂😂 Paul says " ... I love me home comforts, me wi-fi and me big mattress" but the sub-titles come out as " ... i love me home comforts my wife i'm a big mattress" 😁😁

[@marksmith334]

I know which I’d rather have 😉

[@richardkerry6552]

I slept under Twickenham train bridge... and a badger ate my chow mein... cricket do.... cold uncomfortable..... but too drunk to drive...

[@coalcrackerchris]

WOW!!! A b&b made in a tunnel!!Beautiful!!!They should do that in the U.S. Was that place they tested tractors once a turntable for the rr? As always, great video and photography!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[@AtheistOrphan]

I thought that at first but on closer inspection it appears to have been especially constructed for tractor testing. Far too shallow for a railway turntable. (Unless it’s been filled in of course!)

[@expat0149]

Think the guy you watched sleep in the tunnel was Haze Outdoors :)

[@doingstuffoutdoors3002]

Could it of been haze Outdoors... Spent the night in the Sandsend tunnel

[@Poultrymad]

Great video! Amazing conversion of the tunnel. I'm not familiar with AirBnB - how on earth do you find 'The Portal'? I've had a quick look but there's no search by name...?

[@pwhitewick]

Currently offline, but will be back next year

[@spiffyspits3605]

SWEEET!!!

[@Lennymcgra]

No chance of getting that one reopened then :)

[@pwhitewick]

What with all the housing developments on this line, very unlikely.