Northern Exposure
May 6th, 2007, 10:32
After a week or so investigation;
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=13046
I had a trip to these tunnels yesterday morning. The trip turned out to be a bit of a disaster overall, but I used the time to better my photography. I have never had to take long exposures before and I'm quite pleased with my shots, however, they could have been much better, so constructive criticism is welcome :o.
Anyway, to my morning out;
I decided to start by taking a walk over Victoria Viaduct;
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0353.JPG
as it overlooks the tunnels
This abandoned viaduct was built in 1838 by James walker and is 150ft high and 600ft long. I've got a good few more shots and will post if there is enough interest.
The main aim of the day were the drifts that connected the quarries at Low Lambton to the staithes on the Wear. The records show these existed from as early as 1600's and were 'demolished' (i.e. sealed up) in 1967. There are 5 portals that I could find but only managed to explore one (piss taking is expected when I explain why :D)
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0258%7E0.JPG
I decided we (my bro-in-law tagged along) should do the biggest first as we could learn from this in a comfortable environment, then move on to more tricky things.
The tunnels snake left to right and there have been partial collapse in places
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0363.JPG
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0366.JPG
This tunnel only ran for about 200 - 250 yards but is deep enough to deter chavs etc and is relatively untouched. I came with the intention of exploring and getting some nice pics so I spent 40 mins or so in the end section.
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0377.JPG
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0322.JPG
My Bro-in-law;
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0383%7E0.JPG
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0389%7E0.JPG
The exit from inside;
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0393%7E0.JPG
Once we were out, we had a drink and a kit check and I realised I had lost my car keys:mad:
I went back in and couldn't find them. As I exited the tunnel, (This would be so comical to watch!!) I stood on a stick which flipped up and poked me in the eye. I now have a bloodshot right eye and no 'effin car keys.
Long story short, I found them on the way back to the car an went home as I was a bit pissed with myself. I intend to do the other tunnels as they should be over half a mile long, running from the quarry at Penshaw monument to the Wear.
This should give a sense of distance
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0331.JPG
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=13046
I had a trip to these tunnels yesterday morning. The trip turned out to be a bit of a disaster overall, but I used the time to better my photography. I have never had to take long exposures before and I'm quite pleased with my shots, however, they could have been much better, so constructive criticism is welcome :o.
Anyway, to my morning out;
I decided to start by taking a walk over Victoria Viaduct;
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0353.JPG
as it overlooks the tunnels
This abandoned viaduct was built in 1838 by James walker and is 150ft high and 600ft long. I've got a good few more shots and will post if there is enough interest.
The main aim of the day were the drifts that connected the quarries at Low Lambton to the staithes on the Wear. The records show these existed from as early as 1600's and were 'demolished' (i.e. sealed up) in 1967. There are 5 portals that I could find but only managed to explore one (piss taking is expected when I explain why :D)
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0258%7E0.JPG
I decided we (my bro-in-law tagged along) should do the biggest first as we could learn from this in a comfortable environment, then move on to more tricky things.
The tunnels snake left to right and there have been partial collapse in places
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0363.JPG
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0366.JPG
This tunnel only ran for about 200 - 250 yards but is deep enough to deter chavs etc and is relatively untouched. I came with the intention of exploring and getting some nice pics so I spent 40 mins or so in the end section.
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0377.JPG
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0322.JPG
My Bro-in-law;
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0383%7E0.JPG
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0389%7E0.JPG
The exit from inside;
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0393%7E0.JPG
Once we were out, we had a drink and a kit check and I realised I had lost my car keys:mad:
I went back in and couldn't find them. As I exited the tunnel, (This would be so comical to watch!!) I stood on a stick which flipped up and poked me in the eye. I now have a bloodshot right eye and no 'effin car keys.
Long story short, I found them on the way back to the car an went home as I was a bit pissed with myself. I intend to do the other tunnels as they should be over half a mile long, running from the quarry at Penshaw monument to the Wear.
This should give a sense of distance
http://www.prowd.co.uk/urbanarchive/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0331.JPG