Report - Lywood Rail Tunnel nr.Ardingly 31/01/08

[the126]

Ive been meaning to do this tunnel for a while and was working out that way so decided to pay a visit,
The tunnel is on a disused piece of track that used to link the bluebell line to the london/brighton mainline, not sure of exact date of closure.
I believe the Bluebell Railway has now bought up this whole section of line so the tunnel may get used again one day,

Considering its quite short i was impressed by the grand architecture and the height inside

East entrance

it was quite light inside until a really black cloud went over

one of the many recesses(no white paint around them?)

collapsing recess

water was dripping through everywhere, the puddles inside were worse than outside(and bright red with brick dust),this drain from the road was pouring in

me taking in the near gale force wind coming through

western entrance

this shed was near the east entrance

 

[CoptainCack]

Today. Didn't go inside or walk any further than the next bridge along. Tunnel looked in great condition inside as far as I could tell but growth needs removing from the portal before it starts to do any real long term damage. As it is the portal facing is still ok but ivy and growth and starting to attack. Cool tunnel ... quite imposing when you're standing right under the mouth of it! This is the South portal.