Two Tunnels Greenway, Bath - opening day photos 6th April 2013

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A selection of my photos has appeared in the Summer 2013 issue of Pines Express, the quarterly magazine of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust. Here are some further photos taken that day. See also YouTube video of the opening day.

The Two Tunnels are Devonshire Tunnel, 407m long and Combe Down Tunnel, 1670m. Here is the western portal of Devonshire Tunnel with Sustrans volunteers in attendance. Until not so long ago, the cutting here was filled such that the portal was completely buried. Inside Devonshire Tunnel. Note that the LED lighting is quite adequate for the purpose, though not as bright as it appears in the picture. Having emerged from the eastern portal of Devonshire Tunnel, walkers and cyclists are seen passing through Lyncombe Vale. Combe Down Tunnel (above & below). Note the short collars of brickwork in the view above. The tunnel curves gently at both ends; the curvature of the southern end can be seen in the view below. In the days of the S&D Railway, this tunnel - single track and with no ventilation shafts - was noted as a potential death trap for steam locomotive crews heading uphill should their loco stall. It is now noted for being the longest cycling tunnel in Britain. Tucking Mill Viaduct looking north. The southern portal of Combe Down Tunnel is a little way out of sight through the trees. Images © Rod Ormston 2013. Camera: Sony DSC-RX100.