Mossdale Head Tunnel
Mossdale Head Tunnel
![The attractive but rarely photographed east portal.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-169.jpg)
![A tree has taken root six feet above ground level and is slowly compromising the portal's stonework.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-169.jpg)
![The view looking west from just inside the east end.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-169.jpg)
![This is a tunnel under pressure. Surrounding earth movement has forced the crown of the arch upwards, resulting in significant distortion for about 30 yards.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-168.jpg)
![Masonry-lined, the tunnel is dry with a curve at its west end.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-168.jpg)
![One of several neat and tidy refuges.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-163.jpg)
![The pressures affecting the tunnel are evidenced elsewhere with sections of masonry being forced apart.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-154.jpg)
![Nowadays the tunnel is used as a store for farm machinery.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-138.jpg)
![Both approach cuttings are shallow and have benefited from past work to address drainage issues.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image9-119.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-169.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-169.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-169.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-168.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-168.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-163.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-154.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-138.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image9-119.jpg)
The middle of the 19th century saw the slow encroachment of the railway through Wensleydale. Reaching Leeming Bar in 1848, Leyburn in 1855 and Askrigg in 1877, a through route was finally secured on 1st October 1878 when the North Eastern and Midland railways met end-on in Hawes.
The Midland’s branch – running 5 miles 1,577 yards – was more demanding in engineering terms as it traversed the rugged landscape at the head of the dale. The cost per mile was £40,000.
Making a disproportionate contribution to this figure was Mossdale Head Tunnel, a short single-track bore of 245 yards. Both portals are masonry, with wing walls and buttresses either side of the entrance. Considerable work was carried out to improve drainage in their approach cuttings. Trains entering from the west did so on a southerly curve – the tunnel then straightening. Platelayers were catered for with refuges in both walls.
The last passenger train passed through on 16th March 1959. Since then the tunnel has paid the price for surrounding ground movement and the absence of a maintenance regime. For around 30 yards east of its midpoint, the crown of the arch has been forced upwards, resulting in serious distortion in the lining. Lesser failings are also apparent in other areas.
Now used as a store for farm machinery, the tunnel features in the long-term aspirations of the Wensleydale Railway to reconnect its railhead at Redmire with the Settle & Carlisle at Garsdale Head. Before then, significant and costly remedial work would have to be completed or the structure opened out.