Chedworth Tunnel
Chedworth Tunnel
![In engineering brick, a retaining wall holds back part of the approach cutting to the southern portal.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-94.jpg)
![First there was brick, then there was breezeblock. Only bats are authorised to enter.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-94.jpg)
![Only a limited amount of clutter has accumulated in the tunnel.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-94.jpg)
![The bore boasts straight walls which are penetrated by water.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-93.jpg)
![No, it's not whitewash! A uniform coating of calcite has built-up around one of the refuges.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-93.jpg)
![Despite numerous spot repairs, the northern portal continues to suffer from root damage.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-92.jpg)
![The northern approach cutting reverts to nature.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-90.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-94.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-94.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-94.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-93.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-93.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-92.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-90.jpg)
Opened in 1891 as part of a grand link between the Midlands and Southampton, Chedworth’s 494-yard tunnel sits at the end of a deep cutting to the north of the village.
The stone-built southern portal contrasts with a brick construction at the northern end. The bore itself – which is generally wet – has a five bricks thick lining.
The route closed in 1961 since when bats have taken up residence.