Delph Donkey Railway
Constructed in the mid-19th century, the tunnel was part of a vital railway line designed to connect Delph with the busy Manchester to Huddersfield line.
It facilitated the movement of goods, particularly coal from local mines, and revolutionized travel and commerce.
Carved through Saddle worth's rugged terrain, the Lydgate Tunnel's creation was a feat of determination and grit.
The navvies (Manual labor workforce) faced formidable challenges to connect places, people, and industries.
However, as the 20th century progressed, the importance of many railway lines declined.
The Beeching cuts, which reduced railway infrastructure nationwide, marked the end of an era for the Lydgate Tunnel, decommissioning it to history.
This had been on the list for a while when i had an afternoon free i decided to go for a wander.
The western portal shows signs of failed security with palisade fencing coated in old vandal grease, Theres even another set of palisade not far in the tunnel.
Heavy mineralisation is present around a quarter of the way in with multiple brick patching up through out.
Annoyingly what seemed around halfway a lake presented itself with over ankle deep silt and having not packed wellies i made for a retreat.
The eastern portal has a ladder going upto a small hatch.
Constructed in the mid-19th century, the tunnel was part of a vital railway line designed to connect Delph with the busy Manchester to Huddersfield line.
It facilitated the movement of goods, particularly coal from local mines, and revolutionized travel and commerce.
Carved through Saddle worth's rugged terrain, the Lydgate Tunnel's creation was a feat of determination and grit.
The navvies (Manual labor workforce) faced formidable challenges to connect places, people, and industries.
However, as the 20th century progressed, the importance of many railway lines declined.
The Beeching cuts, which reduced railway infrastructure nationwide, marked the end of an era for the Lydgate Tunnel, decommissioning it to history.
This had been on the list for a while when i had an afternoon free i decided to go for a wander.
The western portal shows signs of failed security with palisade fencing coated in old vandal grease, Theres even another set of palisade not far in the tunnel.
Heavy mineralisation is present around a quarter of the way in with multiple brick patching up through out.
Annoyingly what seemed around halfway a lake presented itself with over ankle deep silt and having not packed wellies i made for a retreat.
The eastern portal has a ladder going upto a small hatch.
