Eshiels (Peebles) Tunnel

Before work started to establish the footpath, vegetation obscured the south-east portal whilst the north-west end was buried.

The tight 66-yard single bore comprises a segmental arch and vertical side walls, both fashioned from masonry.

A ramp has been installed into the tunnel at the north-west end, leaving the approach cutting mostly infilled.

The access is functional but the portal remains largely obscured.

Spaces are left between many of the masonry blocks, presumably to allow water to drain into the tunnel.

A collection of hardware is still attached to the south-side wall.

The trackbed beyond the tunnel has been cleared of its vegetation.

Either side of the unobtrusive portal are wing walls, most substantial on the north side, below the road.

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Before work started to establish the footpath, vegetation obscured the south-east portal whilst the north-west end was buried.

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(Photos 1 & 2 © Jim Barton)

The North British Railway opened an extension to the line entering Peebles from the north on 10th October 1864. It provided a link eastwards to Innerleithen and pushed on to Kilnknowe Junction (Galashiels) two years later.

At Eshiels it passed beneath the A72 (Innerleithen Road) through a curved, single-track tunnel which comprises vertical sidewalls and a masonry arch. Its length is 66 yards.

Closure came on 5th February 1962. In the years that followed, the approach cutting to the north-west portal was filled-in.

2009 saw an agreement reached for the structure to be used as part of a foot and cycle path, a project costed at £220,000 and jointly funded by Sustrans and the Scottish Borders Council. This work was concluded over the Spring of 2010.

(Jim Barton’s photos, taken from Geograph, are used under this
Creative Commons licence.)

AAccess risks

FFall/trip hazards

LLining condition

UUnderfoot conditions

VVentilation risks

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Eshiels (Peebles) Tunnel

Eshiels (Peebles) Tunnel

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