richboxfrenzy
The end of the tunnel
Backfilled and forgotten, the Butterhouse tunnel was dug in the early 1880's, opening for freight traffic in 1885. It closed for good in 1966. 329 yards in length, the tunnel incorporates a gentle curve to the south towards its western end. It boasts a patchwork of red and engineering brick, with refuges provided for platelayers and ceramic tablets in the north sidewall to benefit the local ganger's note-taking. A high-level row of cable hangers is also apparent, together with hundreds of short stalactites. Today, a low mist hung in the the tunnel on our arrival, but only to a height of about two metres or so. Climbing above it, we were rewarded with a wonderful green river of mist which made for some super photo opportunities.
The end of the tunnel
Backfilled and forgotten, the Butterhouse tunnel was dug in the early 1880's, opening for freight traffic in 1885. It closed for good in 1966. 329 yards in length, the tunnel incorporates a gentle curve to the south towards its western end. It boasts a patchwork of red and engineering brick, with refuges provided for platelayers and ceramic tablets in the north sidewall to benefit the local ganger's note-taking. A high-level row of cable hangers is also apparent, together with hundreds of short stalactites. Today, a low mist hung in the the tunnel on our arrival, but only to a height of about two metres or so. Climbing above it, we were rewarded with a wonderful green river of mist which made for some super photo opportunities.