real time web analytics
Report - - Lydbrook Tunnel - Monmouth - Wales - July 14 | Underground Sites | 28DaysLater.co.uk

Report - Lydbrook Tunnel - Monmouth - Wales - July 14

Hide this ad by donating or subscribing !

Lenston

Bajo Tierra
Regular User
Visited with a non member

The Day​

Been meaning to get here for a while along with some other interesting places in the area, only a small tunnel but met more people in here than all of the other tunnels put together, stunning view over the railway bridge that once went into the tunnel

Some History ( Forgotton Relics )

1873 marked the opening of the Ross & Monmouth Railway which crossed the River Wye twice and penetrated two outcrops of rock with tunnels. The longer of these, at 630 yards, had its south portal at Welsh Bicknor but took the name Lydbrook. It was situated across the water from Lydbrook Junction Station where the Severn & Wye line branched off towards Lydney.

Both sides of the approach cutting benefit from lengthy retaining walls, resulting in a rather diminutive portal. Inside the tunnel is stoned-lined at both ends, giving way to a brick lining through its central section. Parts of the roof near the northern end have been repaired in red brick and bulging is apparent in places. Trains travelled on a northerly course through the southern half of the single-track bore before taking a tight curve to the west. Refuges of varying dimensions are provided throughout and cable hangers remain in situ on the west wall. Like its distant sibling, the north portal is also flanked by retaining walls. Maps suggest that there was an air shaft around 140 yards from the southern entrance but there is no sign of this within the tunnel.

Whilst the through route was closed in 1959, the northern section of line - including the tunnel - remained operational until 1st November 1965 to serve the AEI cable works siding at Lydbrook Junction. By the summer of 1967, the tracks were gone and the tunnel bricked up. Since then, large holes have formed in both walls providing easy access, although flooding affects the southern end.

Some snaps
The old railway bridge
14402033467_d0c63e3769_c.jpg

The view down river
14608538223_77ce814fe8_c.jpg


14588287585_26fc9bcde5_c.jpg


14586430134_73a31a2a5c_c.jpg


14608371973_a499dc89d0_c.jpg


14401675638_affc14b1f4_c.jpg


14586420784_2b12ae4859_c.jpg


14401669938_a2bcda4186_c.jpg


14587571492_eea326572a_c.jpg



We spotted this on the way out and its one of the reasons why we will be heading back ;)
14565224956_e061522798_c.jpg

Thanks for looking
 

The Wombat

Mr Wombat
28DL Full Member
Fantastic mate
you consitantly find new and interesting stuff
I wander why the bricks were smashed through
 

Lenston

Bajo Tierra
Regular User
We did have a quick look mate and all was quiet, time was against us this time
 

Skirrid

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Really nice photos. :thumb
As a local who walks through this tunnel regularly I have never seen it so dry. There's normally a few inches of water for the first 100 metres or so.

P.S. Not sure why this is listed as being in Wales as it's well in England.
 

Lenston

Bajo Tierra
Regular User
Really nice photos. :thumb
As a local who walks through this tunnel regularly I have never seen it so dry. There's normally a few inches of water for the first 100 metres or so.

P.S. Not sure why this is listed as being in Wales as it's well in England.

Thanks for your message, yeah your right it should be listed in England.
 

tumbles

Drama Queen
Staff member
Moderator
Nice job mate. Did you have a little wander on the other side of the river by any chance.......??

WOOOOOF

I remember this tunnel on one visit a few years ago. Mainly because one of the other explorers took a jungle poo inside it. Hope you didn't find that @Lenston :eek:
 
Top