Archive for April, 2008

Return to Sandsend Tunnel

A long overdue return with a decent torch and decent camera.

The Kettleness portal is looking much closer to collapse than ever before, with a large amount of soil falling through from above and large stones hanging.

Sandsend Tunnel Collapsing Portal Sandsend Tunnel Collapsing Portal

Although once inside this end of the tunnel constructed from large blocks still looks very solid, although there was some bowing of the walls and collapsed layers of brick in certain areas towards the brick-built Sandsend end.

Sandsend Tunnel Sandsend Tunnel collapsing bricks

There are four ventilation shafts along the length of the tunnel, which seem to come in large and small varieties. All are capped, with fallen bricks and water cascading down them.

Sandsend Tunnel Ventilation Shaft Sandsend Tunnel Ventilation Shaft

Sandsend Tunnel Ventilation Shaft 

There are two escape shafts which run from the bottom of air shafts, although both looked extremely muddy due to the water from the shafts so we didn’t venture down them.

Sandsend Tunnel Escape Tunnel Sandsend Tunnel Escape Tunnel

There are some impressive mineral formations lining the walls of the tunnel.

Sandsend Tunnel mineral formations Sandsend Tunnel mineral formations

Also stalactites growing from the roof.

Sandsend Tunnel stalactites Sandsend Tunnel stalactites

Dozens of alcoves line the full length of the tunnel, with the occasional bit of amusing graffiti.

Sandsend Tunnel Refuge Sandsend Tunnel Skeleton Grafitti

Exiting at the Sandsend portal is a small climb, although once you’re jumped over the wall there’s no easy way to go back.

Sandsend Tunnel Sandsend Tunnel

 

 

Return to Kettleness Railway Tunnel

Boulby Alum Works

Lumpsey Ironstone Mine

Aysdalegate Ironstone Mine

Return to Ayton Monument