Earthworks

The Border Counties Railway across moorland beyond Kielder on a low embankment, en route to Riccarton Junction.

Picnickers enjoy the view of Water-cum-Jolly Dale in the Peaks, 90 feet above the River Wye. They're sitting on an artificial ledge, built to carry the main line between Cressbrook and Litton tunnels.

Today, the northern approach cutting to the now-buried Duckmanton Tunnel is a nature reserve.

Having left Combe Down Tunnel, trains on the Somerset & Dorset headed south through a stone-walled cutting.

In the middle of nowhere, the Waverley's trackbed curves north through a shallow cutting.

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The Border Counties Railway across moorland beyond Kielder on a low embankment, en route to Riccarton Junction.

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Earthworks

Interiors

Cycle-friendly paving has been laid in Instow Tunnel which welcomes hundreds of Devon holidaymakers every year.

No, it's not a huge refuge. In the middle of Litton Tunnel in the Peak District is a 12-feet deep mining excavation.

At 132 yards, Weedley wasn't a long tunnel but it still boasted refuges.

With infill blocking the northern portal, Lordsfield Avenue now looks more like a canal tunnel.

The vaulted roof - known as 'the cathedral' - where the two single bores of Standedge Tunnel are linked by a full-height passageway.

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Cycle-friendly paving has been laid in Instow Tunnel which welcomes hundreds of Devon holidaymakers every year.

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Interiors

Tunnels in infrared

The north portal of Oxendon Tunnel's Up bore which is used by the Brampton Valley Way.

Located close to Braybrooke Road, the shaft and its protection wall.

An unusual view of Kelmarsh Tunnel's north portal, showing its keystone and oversail.

The complex brickwork at the base of its shaft.

Long disused, the southern end of Kelmarsh's Down bore.

The view south into the tranquil approach cutting.

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The north portal of Oxendon Tunnel's Up bore which is used by the Brampton Valley Way.

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Tunnels in infrared

Only remaining portal

Although its southern portal is now buried, the northern entrance to Ardsley's curved tunnel still looks out into a short cutting which walkers pass by on the Trans Pennine Trail.

Though the western portal is now buried, the sealed east end of Scotswood Tunnel remains available for inspection. Photo: Neil Russell

A couple of days before its burial in 1981, Scotwood Tunnel's west portal breathes its last breath. Photo: Paul Rankin

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Although its southern portal is now buried, the northern entrance to Ardsley's curved tunnel still looks out into a short cutting which walkers pass by on the Trans Pennine Trail.

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Only remaining portal

Portals of longer tunnels

Discarded for a younger model next door, Colwall Old Tunnel is one of the country's longest disused bores at 1,567 yards.

Recently repaired and now home to bats, some locals have proposed Chipping Norton Tunnel as a diversionary route for lorries which currently clog up the town.

A structure which made history - Tyler Hill was the first tunnel on a passenger railway anywhere in the world. This is the south portal. Photo: Jonathan Baker

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Discarded for a younger model next door, Colwall Old Tunnel is one of the country's longest disused bores at 1,567 yards.

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Portals of longer tunnels

Portals of shorter tunnels

The Tiviot Dale route to the south of Manchester passed beneath Wellington Road and Stockport's famous viaduct in a 246-yard tunnel.

Between Millers Dale Station and junction, the main line across the Peaks passed through some remarkable limestone scenery and the 120-yard Rusher Cutting Tunnel.

Hayne Tunnel still loiters in the trees which have taken over the trackbed of the old Hythe & Sandgate Railway, closed in 1951. Photo: Brian Halford

In December 1964, a few months after closure, Downton Tunnel looks forlornly out into its deep, northern approach cutting. Photo: Dave Bevis

The two single bore tunnels at Clydach, built 15 years apart, which succumbed to economic frugality in 1958. Photo: Sparhawk

One of two tunnels bored through the cliffs near Mountain Stage, on the former Farranfore-Valentia Harbour line in County Kerry.

Operational from 1833-1870s on the Coleorton Tramway, Newbold Tunnel was reopened to serve Lount Colliery, and did so until 1968. Photo: PigDog

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The Tiviot Dale route to the south of Manchester passed beneath Wellington Road and Stockport's famous viaduct in a 246-yard tunnel.

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Earthworks

Earthworks

Earthworks

Interiors

Interiors

Tunnels in infrared

Tunnels in infrared

Only remaining portal

Only remaining portal

Portals of longer tunnels

Portals of longer tunnels

Portals of shorter tunnels

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