The Story of a Disused Railway

In this video we urban explore urbex the old Cheshire committee Lines railway from Glazebrook junction to Timperley, Skelton Junction. We take a look at the remains of the disused railway station Cadishead and the disused railway station Partington. We also look at some great railway architecture the Cadishead Viaduct. All these places have now been abandoned. Its fascinating to look at the abandoned railway stations and look for clues from the past. We look at how the Cadishead Viaduct spans the Manchester Ship canal and how the Manchester Ship canal had an impact on this now disused railway. Old tunnels, Old bridges and great drone footage of a Manchester Landmark. Here are the links to Paul and Rebecca's channel. / pwhitewick1 Facebook @EveryDisusedStation www.everydisusedstation.co.uk #disusedrailwaystation #abandonedrailways #urbexmanchester

[@MartinZero]

Here is the Link to Paul and Rebecca's Channel kzbin.info They are on Facebook @everydisusedstation and they have a website www.everydisusedstation.co.uk Martin, PO Box 265, Manchester, M24 0BX

[@stevenchaloner162]

if or when you get around to checking out the old Bradley Fold station (some part of the station exists still in the nearby pub carpark) on the old bury to bolton line be sure to have a look around the bradley fold trading estate. it has world war links being used to build aviation and ordinance components and when i was last there as a child had accessible air raid shelters in a nearby field for the workers. not sure if they will have been lost to time but many of the buildings on the main part of the estate are original still standing since before the wars

[@MartinZero]

@@stevenchaloner162 I will let them know Steven and thanks

[@Gribbo9999]

Wow the Manchester Ship Canal looks so small. I remember as a kid in the 60s I sometimes used to cycle from Altrincham to the canal near Warburton. Scrambling down the slippy bank always felt a bit scary with this dark wide, oily black water at the bottom of the cut. How small, green and pleasant it all looks now from the drone shots. Gone are oil covered rocks on the lower cutting from the ship wash. Now only hawthorn, ivy and nettles and fungi . Beautiful how nature always finds its way back. Thanks Martin for the post-industrial view of my childhood adventure grounds. More green less grimy black!

[@geezeer123]

I grew up in Partington so all the images you posted brought back memories as a kid. The bridge had the shipping containers placed into position because of the fights that used to take place between the lads in Partington and Cadishead. Trust me, when you were being chased or vice versa that bridge was not the easiest to cross at speed and often led to you being caught or just falling over and making a mess of yourself.

[@MartinZero]

Oh dear Rob, Not good 😀

[@BestUserNameUK]

The Manchester Ship Canal & Salford Docks... a sea port 30 odd miles inland.. Magnificent feat of engineering and unique.

[@Odin029]

It reminds me of the Houston Ship channel in the US. Somebody looked at a small river or in the case of Houston a bayou and thought... I can hire some guys to dig that out and open a port dozens of miles away from the sea

[@MrSam4850]

TD problem is now the MSC isn’t large enough for most modern oceangoing vessels...

[@simontay4851]

And only took 6 years to build. They didn't mess about, they just fkn got on with it. No H&S or beaureurcratic (sorry i can't spell it correctly) bullsh*t in those days.

[@robtyman4281]

@@simontay4851 True - but men would have died during its construction........several at least. So although the Victorians didn't dillydally, they just went for it, there was a price, and that was peoples' lives. They would have seen some of the workers as 'expendable' and part of the whole construction process. Difficult for us today to accept as a viewpoint.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@MrSam4850 Correct Sam.... I sailed up the MSC in the 70's. The ship was 56feet in the beam and the boards they put down the sides would smoke from the friction as we went through the locks. A tight squeeze indeed. 56ft beam is a small ship these days. (It think mine was 8,000gross tons)

[@TheFlow2006]

it always amazes me how fast nature reclaim former structures, nobody would think that some 30yrs ago there was still railroad traffice in that place ..

[@matthewbrown2037]

Although its nice when you find the old remnants of the past, tucked away in the undergrowth, i can't help but feel sad that all these things are dissused an derelict. All the effort that went into creating these things, and its all gone to waste and forgotten about.

[@pauloconnor2980]

As Peter Crenshaw, from the Three Investigators, would say:” I’ll buy a double helping of that”

[@tribble_trouble]

@@pauloconnor2980 mercy and goodness and sweetness and light!

[@mainzman7239]

Wow, great video. Albeit a bit depressing to think of all the work that went into that station. Not to mention the thought of people once walking through the underpass, waiting for trains on the platform, workers busy unloading wagons. All of them long gone and only ruins remaining of the places they once walked. A very poignant video, many thanks for making and uploading it.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@christycullen2355]

It's crazy to think all the engineering and hard work that went into that bridge just to let it decay. The arches are a thing of beauty

[@robc3056]

back in the days of actually taking time and pride in what your doing none of this right now this very second rubbish just look at the victorian culverts compared with our `Modern` shuttering and concrete

[@kittyhawk9707]

Well I guess you would rather it be demolished then, and vanish forever.. You simply cannot keep using stuff which is no longer suitable.. just for sentimental reasons.... things become outdated and have to be replaced .. I guess you still think we should be travelling by Stevenson Rocket and Horse n carts

[@christycullen2355]

Quite the opposite. Where did you get that from? I think it should be repurposed

[@kittyhawk9707]

@@christycullen2355 your the one moaning about an old bridge , that has served it's purpose being left to rot .. pray tell what would you repurpose it as .. ..Luxury flats, a school... a Macdonalds??... are you gonna build roads to it and infrastructure??? It is NOT frigging TOWER BRIDGE ..it is an old railway bridge out in the middle of nowhere, that used to carry a railway line that was no longer needed.. Do you suggest they should have picked it up and transported it somewhere .. hmm bit tricky that... Hmm I know .. INSTEAD of building a NEW BRIDGE for the strange reason THAT IT WAS FRIGGIN NEEDED !!! .. Why didn't they just move this bridge then??? COS IT WAS NO LONGER SUITABLE OR REQUIRED , cos of the NEW LINE!!!! .. .. You frigging understand now... That is why it is rotting. You plough the money into saving it then if your so upset about it.. maybe have it in your back garden, or something ?..

[@christycullen2355]

@@kittyhawk9707 mate you've got anger issues big time 🤣 I'm simply saying it's a good piece of engineering. You're the one spouting absolute nonsense. Have you even heard what you're saying?

[@doncoffey5820]

Another gem. I don’t know if people realise how much work goes into editing but I spend hours and I don’t have music and drones and all the graphics you do so I very much appreciate it. Its also kind of spooky how similar the subject matter is on the one I’ve just done but I’ve focused more on Irlam Viaduct and each end of the line you were on.. I love the attention to detail with the close up of stonework and even plant life! I’ve been past both ends of that line dozens of times driving trains but never seen down it. Brilliant, thanks.

[@ianr]

And the icing on the cake will be your new video tomorrow Don.👍🙂

[@pwhitewick]

Fan of your videos too Don. I'm sure you'd probably enjoy our channel. 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m already subscribed and into them Paul and very interesting they are too. For me its a general interest in railways and structures but more so a fascination for what was achieved all those years ago. Whether Martin is up on a viaduct or crawling through some culvert somewhere, I have the same fascination with it and it allows me to satisfy my curiosity without having to do it which is a bonus! If you want to do the Hayfield Branch or Middlewood Way, let me know.

[@pwhitewick]

@@doncoffey5820 thank you. Yes Martin's energy and enthusiasm is an inspiration, he genuinely does try to bring the viewers every detail. We'll make a note of those lines Don. Much appreciated.

[@nickbenke3306]

I spent a wonderful summer afternoon looking over both sides of this bridge, apparently kids from north and south used to meet up for gang fights on the bridge. But then someone got stabbed and the containers got put in place. To the west is Latchford bridge in Grappenhall; it was the Stockport to Warrington line but closed in 1985. It is accessible from the South side but stick to the rails and certainly worth a look for it's outstanding Victorian Engineering. Great work as always fella!

[@richardpettet9996]

Another great film. I like the way you explain it on the map, makes it easier to follow.

[@jackbarnes3041]

When you see how quiet the canal and docks are now it's hard to imagine how busy it used to be

[@antsuxx]

Absolutely,I can remember watching Ships and Trains from some point near Trafford Bar as a youngster,blimey how it's all changed.

[@andrewschmitz9707]

That was so what we all love,plus two additional like minded souls!

[@stephengiles2873]

Your enthusiasm and interest in these subjects is infectious and the research impressive. Thank you for taking us along with you

[@John-nw8uj]

4th busiest port in UK DURING THE 1950s. John

[@clivedavies3]

Nice video martin from a 4th generation railwayman and salt steamers aged 63, people will eventually forget the past if it wasn't for the likes of you keep up the good work

[@nivelan]

Lovely vid, great finds. I worked at Cadishead and often walked the dog round Carrington at the other end of this line, where old sidings including stops remain. There were talks of reopening this as a Metro line. They should.

[@notsohairybiker]

Fantastic footage and story yet again, the old underpass at the end just made it all superb, great work, keep it up Martin.

[@hovermotion]

Wow great vid....the old low bridge was truely lost in time...a great find and without explorers like you not many people would see this....The inner shot of the underpass was cool too.

[@pontiouspilotman]

Brilliant, video Martin its thirty years since I was last there at Partington station, I think the track had been singled by then, but thely did not run at weekends, the subway has be infilled a lot more since, I seem to remember it being half filled at that time. The main use of this line in its latter years was coal and limestone to British Steel and when the bridge was closed Shell chemicals used to receive chemicals in large tanker wagons. In 1966 some of the freight trains were pulled by quite famous named express engines based at Stockport.

[@kohedunn]

Absolute magic as always Martin..... I'm strangely moved when I watch these particular videos of abandoned stations and lines... All my worries drift away , and I'm transported back in time....Thank you so much for all you do ...xx

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much Anne

[@devilman1976]

I was part of the team that painted those containers on the bridge a good few years ago. It took ages, especially removing the razor wire and metal sheets that run alomg the edges. Oh and the containers are filled with concrete so you can't cut through them.

[@simontay4851]

How the hell did they get the containers up there in the first place. They must weigh at least a ton even without being filled with concrete

[@michaelgamble296]

How were the container placed there? Good to know about the concrete - but it will never affect me! Ha-Ha! (I'm 85)

[@davidclark3603]

That is absolutely amazing. That underpass?! Wow, preserved in time and you’re the first ever to document and report on it. Thanks for sharing it. Thanks for the videos, and thanks for the entertainment Martin!

[@tylermundell8516]

I happen to be from partington myself and I've explored the station and the bridge many times and I never new the story behind them both. So thank you so much for giving me all the information!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Tyler

[@nomdeplume798]

I lived in Stretford from '62 -' 66 and on Sundays my Dad used to take my brother and me to Irlam Locks to watch the ships go through. The viaduct is clearly visible from there. I can remember trains going across it. I went myself a couple of times in the '80s and I thought I could remember A DMU going across on one occasion, but maybe I'm wrong on that count.

[@adelestevens]

I wish you had said you were going to Glazebook! I'm a signaller there and could've told you lots more about the old line. It used to be from Wigan Central (closed in the 60's) to Stockport. The low level line went to British Tar Products with the last train being as late as February 2002. Most of the sidings at Glazebrook were used as exchange sidings for the ship canal company and the Lancashire union steelworks at Irlam. The reason for the lines closure was the cost of renovating cadishead viaduct costed at £4million in 1985 and that was too much for BR. There are plans to reopen the viaduct for foot traffic and eventually for a heritage steam railway funded by the Hamilton Davies foundation but personally I doubt it will happen, the last time I was on the viaduct in 1999 it had rotted through in places where you can see the canal below. I would advise anyone thinking of getting on to it to not do so , it's very unsafe. Have you looked at Irlam station? There is a cafe / bar / museum in the old station building with pictures of the surrounding lines. Cool video, live the drone footage.👍👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks for the extra info Adele. Yup the bit where you saw us eating cake was filmed in the cafe on the Irlam Station. 👍

[@richardclarke376]

those shipping containers obviously there for a reason then !

[@simontay4851]

It would cost a lot more than 4M now.

[@michaelgamble296]

@@richardclarke376 Yes!! And filled with concrete I understand . . . .

[@macfast71]

Another quality video Martin. Nice co-op with Paul & Rebecca. It still amazes me how much history is under our noses.

[@floor993]

It’s a amazing that all those unused beautiful viaducts still exist and have kind of part in modern traffic. Such a pleasure to see the exploring you are doing and also the wonderful drone parts! Always looking forward to your videos👍🏻👌🏻

[@regulator67bj]

Another "Classic" information/visual -packed presentation complimented with blue skies

[@extrude22]

The containers on the viaduct make it look so ominous. It’s like something from 28 days later or some other zombie film.

[@gazzaka]

Exactly !

[@firefly24601]

Reminded me of video footage of RUC police stations in NI during the Troubles...

[@devilman1976]

They were a bugger to paint too when we did them

[@memgrubb]

Yep thought the same 😂

[@G1NZOU]

"Don't Dead, Open Inside"

[@wladniem]

Excellent video, thanx Martin , Paul & Rebecca

[@Dan23_7]

Finally got time to watch this. Great intro, imposing music for an imposing structure 👍🏻 On with it now..... 🎥

[@philtimson5449]

God Martin, we have lost so much of the railways haven’t we And the roads are busier than ever! Off I go now to ‘everydisusedstation’! Thanks for sharing 🚂

[@pwhitewick]

Look forward to having you over Phil. 👍👍

[@brianartillery]

Timperley. The home of the much missed Frank Sidebottom (AKA Chris Sievey, R.I.P.). Another fine video. Your picture, editing, and presentation are top notch, as always. I showed a friend one of your videos (the superb 'Trapdoor' one), and he asked me what day and time it had been shown on TV. He was fascinated with it. That's how good your videos are. Nice one. You could get a lightweight folding shovel from a camping or Army surplus store. They're very light, and you could carry it in your pack.

[@thedativecase9733]

I still have my copy of Frank Sidebottom's song "Mull of Timperley" (The mist is on the golf course) given to me by a friend long ago. Miss you Frank - and Little Frank...

[@garahammacdonald3928]

The underpass in partington station never ust to be blocked off as many years ago (around 20) me, my brother and friends ust to use it as a hide out. Many of times we ust to walk from partington station straight down the old tracks and across the bridge of doom. The good old days lol. Great video bright back lots of memories

[@peterjones6497]

When I saw the first few seconds I thought, I know that, it's Cadishead Viaduct. I lived in Cadishead for the first 30 years of my life. Went to school there and worked at Lancashire Steel, now long gone. The iron footbridge I know well. Used it twice a day for five days a week to go to school. I lived in sight of that bridge and remember the trains. I used to watch shunting operations too in the sidings. The old map showed allotments which I walked through on my way to school. The site of the steelworks is on the Cadishead side of the canal and on the Manchester side of the viaduct.It was the main employer for the area. Mt father worked there too. I didn't know the reason for the two bridges over Liverpool Road, your explanation answered that question. Thanks for the memories and nostalgia Martin.

[@stewriley1183]

Another goodun Martin, Paul & Rebecca have a job for life, but good documentary info for future generations 👍. Next time we drive in to Manchester We’ll have to go via Cadishead for a #martnzerotour photo, you really are getting us out and about.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Stew

[@johnboardman6025]

Hi martin we use to play on this bridge as kids when living in irlam, then moved to partington as a young teenager and still messed about on the bridge...lol

[@ryansleftboot]

Martin, what a top, top video. My wife is from Partington and my in-laws live just down the road from what was Partington Station. We take their dog for walks down there. All explained now. Top one. Nice one. Get sorted mate!!!!

[@rickorider]

These engineering monuments are fascinating! To think that once these areas were filled with smoking steam engines, carriages, trucks, passengers on their way to destination....a hustle and bustle....but now left for nature to take over. What a distruction of some amazing engineering feats gone for ever....and have we really progressed? The whole culture of the eara has gone. Why do we destroy our heritage and culture? Why do we leave these amazing buildings like to signal box to disappear. Why destroy these lovely old stations? We are a strange race. Great work folk to show us this stuff. So nostalgic!

[@knowlesy3915]

A lot of these abandoned lines are ironically newer, less well engineered than the ones still in use, like the grand junction/London & Birmingham or Manchester-Leeds. Often were built to stop a rival building one or to tap in to a rivals area. Some never saw profit or much traffic. Or became duplicates. Although some of the decisions to close are baffling & is always sad to see the efforts gone to waste.

[@Tobeshadow]

Superb video! What a treat to see you all working together, and as always a fascinating watch. Thanks!

[@barbaraking6980]

Another amazing video Martin, the tiled underpass was a great find, they certainly built things to last in Victorian times, many thanks for taking us along on your exploration

[@simontay4851]

Its still in as good condition as the day it was built.

[@michaelgamble296]

Tiling like that is known as 'Victorian Lavatorial' Ha-ha!

[@malcolmcog]

I used to go for a pint and sometimes a meal in the Cheshire Lines pub in Cheadle. Its a well preserved station put to a good use !

[@irenerawlinson607]

Amazing as usual Martin. Brought back memories again of my dad. He worked as relief signalman in the 50's so would have been in the Cadishead box and the Glazebrook box at various times - can't remember how far he went certainly- to Irlam but I think further than that. So much history out there hidden from sight.

[@cfairless1184]

You’ve done it again absolutely fantastic Martin your a brilliant presenter captivating keep it up Mate

[@ianfrench1577]

That Partington underpass is seriously impressive

[@AndyBilham]

You've done it again Martin! Great video with loads of interesting photographs and maps, some drone footage courtesy of Paul and Rebecca (what a challenge on their hands!), and some perfectly chosen music to complement the whole production. I particularly love the inclusion of the shots of Mother Nature showing her beauty in the midst of such wonderful and historic remains. Please keep the videos coming, I love them all (and yes, I have almost watched them from top to tail!). Proper Good Job (sic.)!!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Andy very much 👍🏼

[@davidbrayshaw6162]

Thank you for looking at this old route! Historically it was more important than the other line into Manchester as this line carried the crack express trains to both St Pancreas and Kings Cross from Liverpool. I’ve always wanted to know more about this lost main line route!

[@anneforster510]

You always explain so well where the line went and where from with the maps Martin. I'm a map freak myself (Never use a sat nav) so appreciate seeing how things fitted together. There used to be branch line off the now Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire (runs now between Bridgenorth and Kidderminster) just past Bewdley that went through Stourport on Severn. Some of that line is still walkable , I used to do it years ago when I lived that way.

[@Michelle-fy7vj]

Absolutely fantastic video Martin really enjoyed it I love your old railway videos keep up the brilliant work!

[@bran756]

Thank you guys,I lived in partington from fifty nine as a five year old till eighty one,when I moved to Devon with my young family,I remember as a ten year old boy,buying my ticket from partington to altrinchham to go ice scating,I walked under that lovely white tiled underpass which you put the camera down,and the ship canal and the viaduct was my adventure playground,we used to risk a five pound fine,by walking over the bridge to cadishead to save the threepenny ferry crossing so as to be able to buy sweets at irlam swimming pool,so verry dangerous but it was a adventure for us young kids,thanks again.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Dom glad it brought back the memories

[@martinquinn7804]

Great insight into the glory days of our rail networks thanks for this great film

[@michelleking5221]

Great video once again just love every second, well done 👍🏻

[@Caustictherapy]

Another great find. Damn why was I so impressed with that underpass Lol

[@dunc1958]

Paul and Rebecca have just got another subscriber, talk about setting themselves a task! 7000 disused stations! Thanks Martin just loving this so much.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Duncan. Pleasure to have you on board.

[@majorpygge-phartt2643]

I've been along part of this line. And last time I went there in the very early 2000's the lower line from Glazebrook to the ship canal was still there, but it had been closed and lifted by 2003. The higher line over the ship canal has been closed and lifted much longer. I think there is still some well overgrown track in place on the Partington side leading down to Skelton junction near Altrincham.

[@Leonard_Smith]

WoW! Three of my favourites in one video! Keep it up chaps, and chapess...

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Leonard

[@pwhitewick]

@Robert In-The-Moment cheers Robert. 👍👍

[@adrianford2336]

What a great video Martin really enjoyed it the music the editing fantastic, its amazing the workmanship what went in to the railways.

[@kenlowe3673]

Great video, Martin. The old arches you found under the older, (low-level) line on the Partington side of the viaduct are part of the bridge where the line crossed the River Mersey before the Ship Canal was built, (the river ran slightly to the South-East of the present canal course at this point. I travelled on the line in a diesel train from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool around 1974, when the train was diverted due to partial closure of the normal route. It went Eastwards from Manchester towards Guide Bridge and then via Woodley, Stockport Tiviot Dale, (remains of) and through to Glazebrook via the Cadishead Viaduct, rejoining the normal route at Glazebrook Junction.

[@MartinZero]

I am very envious that you travelled this line Ken and Diesel haulage

[@seemorebeer2848]

Thanks again Martin,loving the railway nostalgia. Very informative as per, looking forward to your next vlog 👍🏻😉 Ian

[@bigladjonnyboy397]

Another top video Martin thanks for the tour and keep up the good work

[@TestEngineer1982]

Love the video. Amazing what history is just beneath the surface.

[@nealehassan3222]

Such a fascinating walk. Really great post. Many thx..

[@steamsearcher]

Never in the history of exploring underpasses has a Mobile Phone been so tightly held!!! Superb and thanks. My Grandad worked for Cheshire Lines for 2 years but their Safety Record scared him!! My Dad worked in Partington for several years in the early 1960's. Their safety record was little better!! David and Lily who returned to the area a month ago for the Oldham Model Engineer Exhibition.

[@davek8318]

Another interesting and educational video that Underpass is amazing. Keep up the good work Martin

[@jinksonyou]

What an AMAZING video! This is exactly why I started watching ur channel, the "WHAT USE TO BE" sites and sounds of good 'ole England! Although I am Scottish lol, Cheers from Canada

[@kohedunn]

I'm British too ! and in Canada !! Love the old country..

[@roberttaylor465]

Just brilliant. The underpass was a brilliant find.

[@franktuckwell196]

Thanks to you the amazing architecture here would be missed by us and again your enthusiasm is infectious and so beautifully described for us all to see. If not documented by you all this would be lost. Thankyou for sharing. Great work!

[@darrenstouchbury427]

Very interesting video history I liked it very much keep up the good work I can't wait for your next video

[@leemullarkey7096]

Wow that's absolutely amazing. I live in Partington and always wanted to see what was up there. keep up the brilliant videos

[@English_Dawn]

Nice collaboration on the Cadishead - Partington line and what a treasure. Seeing the mix of the keystoned old line it was like Athens yet the platforms of Partington look like they were made yesterday and surreal to be overgrown. A lovely shot of Cadishead Station with a War Department "Austerity" locomotive. The line was dieselised quite early with d.m.u. enough for the traffic. I think the ex-CLC route had previously enjoyed the services of railmotors. A steam engine permanently coupled to a carriage which was fitted with a cab at the rear with brakes and regulator. The driver switched ends at the termination of the service whilst the fireman stayed on the locomotive. There was normally a giant gong over the cab in the coach. I know there was a service from Warrington Bank Quay (Low-level) to Stockport Tiviot Dale that traversed the CLC route using railmotors and am 60% sure the Partington line was equipped with them. There was considerable objection when public services were withdrawn and stations like West Timperley and Broadheath also lost their services. Occasionally locals campaign to get it reopened. I think there are development plans for Carrington and Trafford Waters that would make services more viable and more environmental than adding to the road. It is amazing how much nature takes over. With so many birch trees perhaps you should take a trowel for the truffles. In the credits you didn't acknowledge the Great Tit's voice-over when you where on the new bridge looking down at the plate-girder green bridge (old). That "teacher, teacher, teacher" sound means you weren't alone. Mighty quest of that couple getting to the site of each disused station. Here in the North West were Beeching struck, but not just him, he takes the can but there were shut before and after him must be a labour of love. There are that many. I remember as a kid seeing Blackpool Central and Fleetwood stations you'd never guess they would shut. Fleetwood was a lovely LYR yellow brick station with covered walkway to the ships. My understanding was they were never on Beeching's plan for closure but the local councils wanted the land for development and let Beeching take the can. Politics eh🤔. I think Blackpool Central and Talbot Road (Blackpool North) had 23 platforms combined. Thanks for the film.👍

[@morethan4mph]

Just a few days ago, maybe even while you were there, I was driving past this viaduct and musing what an interesting structure to climb and abseil from. Nice video!

[@Englishman-Abroad]

The underpass was the highlight for me, especially the peril of wondering whether you would drop your phone 😀

[@_wood]

Great video, the ship canal has so many interesting sites Latchford has a similar viaduct on the LNWR Stockport to Warrington railway which is now a part of the Trans-Pennine long distance path. access to the viaduct is obstructed for safety. The Latchford area also has working locks and a working swing bridge There seems to be currently an increase in the container ship traffic on the ship canal. Keep up the good work!.

[@stevefoden7853]

Thanks for the video. I have been under these bridges many times in the past and never knew about why or even wondered about the two bridges. wonderful, thanks and keep up the good work. Living in the US its great to see my old homeland narrated with such enthusiasm, cheer bud

[@totherarf]

It is hard to imagine how those who designed and worked on those structures felt about it all! They had gone from pre-industrial rural economy into a modern industrial one almost overnight. The tombstones of that industrialisation can still be seen ..... but how long until even those last remnants are gone? I used to go to Harry Ramsdens in Salford (alas no more eather) .... they had many pictures on the wall, some of which were the construction of the Ship Canal in that area! I wonder if someone in the future will be doing an equivalent thing with the remnants of the Manchester Tramway? It may be an idea to show how these different sections of railway linked up before Mr Beecing got his hands on them! All in all, another great video!

[@tobys_transport_videos]

It was *Beeching* not *Beecham* and he was on a contract with British Railways to try and improve things as they were running at a huge loss. His report was based on *ONE DAY ONLY* in 1963, just before the Summer Holiday season, but Beeching cared little for any of that. In 1974, surprise, surprise, he was asked to officially re-open one of the many lines he'd closed in his damning Report, but as a Heritage Railway. He did, but I can't remember which one. I'd love to read of his comments on that day. I think it would be a HUGE backflip from a man who cared little for anyone or anything...

[@totherarf]

@@tobys_transport_videos .... I stand corrected!

[@10p6]

Nice Video. Been there, seen it, done it, and for a long time I even tried to get the government to convert this line and bridge into a road to make it quicker to get to Partington / Trafford as I hated driving around over Warburton Bridge (Note that Toll is not for the big bridge, but a tiny creak close to the Toll house) :-)

[@fredbloggs545]

Before 1890, but after that: "The Manchester Ship Canal (Various Powers) Act 1890 expressly provided for the diversion of the Rixton & Warburton Toll Bridge to a new high-level cantilever bridge and authorised the transfer of the Bridge undertaking to be a part of the Manchester Ship Canal Company’s undertaking, including the levying of toll rates and charges."

[@cubicinches18]

Another magnificent vid. When will the powers realise and understand the value and wonder of Victorian industrial architecture? Great to see at least Irlam station has survived.

[@scottgibson7534]

Another fantastic installment of past history, professionally presented as always. and added interest via the hook up with Paul and Rebecca.

[@williamgeorgefraser]

It's depressing to see abandoned railway lines but great to see that remnants of them still exist. I love searching out old railway lines. I wish the best of luck to Paul and Rebecca in their search. I'm originally from Dunfermline and last visited in 2007. Dunfermline Upper station has now totally disappeared and is a retail park. Kelty, which I visited in the early 70s, is now farming land and one would have difficulty believing there had ever been a railway. Great Yarmouth South Town disappeared when they built the ring road.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much William.I do love an old railway line

[@steviebaby2857]

I always like your videos before I watch them. 👍👍👍👍

[@johndufton9686]

What if he films paint drying?

[@steviebaby2857]

Pointless comment ####

[@memebigboy1024]

Love your videos they are amazing keep up the good work and content👍😁

[@Duranie9]

Really enjoyed this video some fantastic finds, especially the underpass at Partington Station. Thanks Martin.

[@MRPUD1]

Another insite into our list heritage on the railways . Love these hidden gems been a Railway fan as you well know . You make some great videos & find some surprising stuff

[@MrRRHHMM]

I hope Dr Beaching will never be forgotten, for the lunatic that was responsible for the greatest act of self harm/vandalism that has ever been inflicted on our Country, by one man...

[@bimb0cat]

Every railway line was closed by Labour and Conservative governments, not Dr Beeching. He just made proposals. Governments had the option of ignoring them. The real scandal was why so many lines weren't closed in the late 1940s, and 1950s.

[@MrRRHHMM]

... Bull...t

[@michaelgamble296]

Dr. Beeching will NOT be forgotten - there's a road 'Beeching Way' in East Grinstead on the track-bed of a disused railway

[@Slag362]

@@MrRRHHMM Beeching only drew up the report, under the direction of Mr. W Marples, who was a minister and heavily invested in road transport. Mr.Marples was the then transport minister, with interests in road haulage, Beaching was a "money" man, and looked for "cost savings" which were then used to justify the closure of lines costing money, and the money that was saved in wages etc together with the loss of freight on the rail would have to taken by road. by the "new" industry of road haulage to the benefit of Marples and his new Motorways.

[@wossisname4540]

@@Slag362 'ang on, 'ang on. Don't you going forgetting Barbara Castle: equally guilty.

[@Phleeper]

The reason the line closed in the 1980's was because the viaduct needed extensive repairs and British Rail couldn't afford to do so. It was cheaper to divert services onto other lines, so the bridge has just been left to rust, hence the containers preventing access as it's extremely rotten and there is a danger that anyone trying to cross could fall through and into the canal.

[@evilgrin123]

Paul Phillips is the canal below still in used. Will the bridge or fragments of the bridge fall on to the ships/narrow boats below?

[@Phleeper]

TEB561 It’s still used, it’s the Manchester ship canal, albeit not as busy as it was. There are plans to renovate it and reopen possibly as an extension to Metrolink or a steam railway with pedestrian access.

[@amacca2085]

It’s still open very much so it is good seeing a ship even when your older hahaha I read they want to open it up to get more trucks off the road but I am from Warrington and some of residents in Stockton Heath complained about the swing bridges being out as it causes bad traffic so who knows seems a waste

[@takethehighroad5027]

the containers were not put there for that reason, the bridge is in pretty good shape, the containers were to stop the gangs from crossing the canal and causing trouble there was many a turf war and gang fights that they decided to block off the bridge to stop them getting at each other. i have been able to cross over the bridge and its pretty secure to walk on

[@xattr8403]

how did you manage to overcome the containers? @@takethehighroad5027

[@McMieke]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you

[@hamshackleton]

If I'd known you were filming there, I'd have called to say hello! You were about five miles from me! When you were on the high level over Manchester Road, did you notice there are TWO low-level bridges? One was the through line, and the other fed the industrial estate of steelworks, and co-op oil, soap and wine factories. Then, a bit further along is the old CLC line to Stockport, starting from Warrington Bank Quay Lower station, running through Latchford sidings (still in use), and ramping up to cross the Ship Canal at Thelwall after passing Latchford station. It goes on to Lymm, and apart from the closed bit from the sidings to the unsafe high bridge, is now a cycle-way. That bridge is five minutes walk from me! Bits of the original low-level can be found when the undergrowth permits. Another spur went through Glazebrook junction and station, to join the Liverpool and Manchester line.

[@geoffc1385]

The arches on the older (lower) line were where the River Mersey flowed before the Ship Canal was built. The Mersey was diverted into the canal at Irlam locks a couple of miles towards Manchester. To help to replenish the water losses through the enormous locks.

[@robc3056]

What is it with your vids... i keep checking for new ones ...love the old stuff thaks alot for putting in your time and effort top work !!!

[@rydermike33]

Wonderful Martin, as always. Good luck to Paul and Rebecca in their quest. That subway was just marvelous! Thanks so much for sharing, a fascinating video.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Mike. 👍

[@davidberlanny3308]

Nobody will be getting into the Partington Station underpass with that spider guarding the entrance!! Great video!!

[@paulbury1220]

Maybe do a video series on the MSC, I'd gladly help with the Runcorn section. Great videos, such honest commentary👍

[@seansw3043]

Hi Martin, another great video! I was born in Cadishead and remember the lines being used for freight and the old diesel shunters passing over the bridges spanning the A57. I hope you don't mind but I've posted a link to the video on a local Facebook group. I'm a photography tutor at the Manchester college, if we can assist you in any way with future explorations let us know. Keep up the good work!

[@michaelgamble296]

You were born in Cadishead? Now. YOu can answer this: How do you pronounce Cadishead . . ? Cadshead . . ?

[@stephenprice9849]

@@michaelgamble296 As it is written

[@dchalkie]

Great video Martin, sad to see everything now when you see how it was. Thank you 👍

[@garyh1572]

Finding that underpass was brilliant !!

[@johnwilliams9240]

You’ve kicked of so many memories Martin. Andover, I was stationed just down the road from there at Middle Wallop. Irlam many years later I worked out of premises there when I used to help maintain the Manchester Police Helicopter at Barton. Manchester Ship Canal, best publican I ever knew bought in with the Redundancy payment he got from being a docker at Salford. So many good memories, thank you. Any idea the maximum size of ships that could use the MSC. John

[@patagualianmostly7437]

I sailed up the MSC in the 70's. The ship was 56feet in the beam and the boards they put down the sides would smoke from the friction as we went through the locks. A tight squeeze indeed. 56ft beam is a small ship these days. (I think mine was 8,000gross tons Was on the UK-West Africa trade.)

[@wideyxyz2271]

Damn....Now I want to get some picks n shovels grab my mates and dig out that underpass!!! Lol imagine what you could do with that space!!

[@MartinZero]

Yes it was a fab find

[@markthomas6045]

Brilliant as always Martin, Thanks!!

[@rachelforrester2333]

Very interesting martin, the subway was amazing. Looking forward to the next video x

[@chucky2316]

Interesting I love you're knowledge, to the other people I'm down in the southwest and the disused railine into Brixham still survives you can see where Brixham station was also where the track ran through Churston, some of it is still in use by the dart steam engine that goes down to Agatha Christine's home in Galmpton they may be aware of it also a lovely brunel viaduct in broadsands, and in torquay brunel Manor was isambards retirement home he died before he finished it but he put the foundations in and the house was built from his specifications and is open to the public lovely restraunt and grounds. Also In Paignton hollicombe beach and park was a huge gas works with a halt which is in undergrowth adjacent to the mainline. Coal would be bought in for the running of the gas works.

[@barbaramyers6604]

That's very interesting History. I lived in Brixham 47 yrs ago, but never saw evidence of the railway, Could you let me know something about it. I live in Australia now, but love Martin's videos, they make me nostalgic, when I see the places where I used to live.

[@chucky2316]

@@barbaramyers6604 hello Barbara between Churston and North boundary Road there is still rail bridges. Also you can see the embankment in parts if you look hard enough, and station road in Brixham is where the tunnel remains and you can see where the station would have been its got housing there now but its easy to invisage. Also a great pub :), like alot of those branch lines beechem cut we could have done with that line in 2019. Especially in the summer when it's busy

[@chucky2316]

The funny thing Barbara driving around or walking and not taking a interest is why these things go unnoticed, I'm like martin I am a curious person if I see something old I want to know all about it and who built it and how lol. Do you remember brunels broadsands viaduct when you lived here that's still in use of course by the steam train that goes to greenway, that viaduct is a work of art always fascinated me.

[@barbaramyers6604]

@@chucky2316 Than you so much, I know Beechem did a lot of damage when he closed down lines and stations. They did the same over here in Australia, they've made walking tracks, but to have kept them for trains to still use, would have been a great tourist attraction. Some lines here, steam trains run for tourists which is great, but only a few. I walk the train tracks and the beauty of the countryside is lovely. People driving in cars just miss out. I remember Brunel's viaduct, but It must of all changed since I was there. Thank you again for the information.

[@chucky2316]

@@barbaramyers6604 actually Barbara alot has changed but Brixham is pretty much the same as is broadsands and chrurston. The only change in Brixham is the multistorey car park in the town has gone and the harbour has had a bit of a clean up, the change has come to Paignton and torquay mostly the old telecoms factory and garden centre on the Brixham Road has gone it's big supermarkets and a whole new housing devolpment, industrial units, it's like a extra town up there . I don't know when you left but some has changed and some remains the same. You can't change Brixham to much Barbara.