Abandoned Tunnels and Viaducts on the S&D railway 

How on earth can anyone give this a thumb's down? Two enthusiastic people providing totally non-cotroversial and gentle enjoyment. It certainly beats me!

You guys seriously deserve a tv show together!!

What a delight it has been to watch this. The Ham Wood area looks stunning and it's viaduct looks truly awesome. Thank you so much for this fine film.

@ 12:10, almost looks like "middle earth". very tolkienesque, and beautiful.

The high quality of your video's including the great music,add to the interesting History! The workmanship and time (and bricks!) put into those viaducts alone,should be enough to preserve and use as a trail system,and keep the history in use and alive! Your videos help preserve history and let people see what used to be part of the rail system! Thanks! (Martin Zero's channel sending me here was a great choice!)

Wow, what a shame those tunnels have once again been fenced off! We used to play there back in the 70's. The first tunnel you visited had massive ,red oxides steel doors, that we used to climb over. There's a concrete plinth in there ,that was used to test the Concorde engines on! It wasn't so wooded in those days! You could Walt along the viaducts too. Happy days🤗

What beautiful countryside.. And so well filmed... You have a feeling for this environment..

Hi guys! Great video, choc full of tunnels and impressive viaducts. The chat with the cavers, Dave and Jeff, was a nice bit of interaction. Good choice of music and all in all, a fascinating watch.

Glorious opening evocative of the sound of pastoral 12-string guitars. Dead Can Dance, early Genesis. England is truly breathtakingly beautiful . . .

I grew up in not far from ham woods, Windsor quarry was for lime stone and we used to jump on to the side of the trains and get a lift to school, the tunnel with the bend was used to test the Pegasus engine for Concorde

Hi there sir/madame😁. I have recently discovered your channel, and wow, I love it. Right up my streak. As a professional bricklayer/stone Mason and a outside enthusiast I cant get out my head the craftsmanship of the older brick/stone masons is out this world. I have a video of a viaduct local to me and the farmer wants to take it down. Criminal in my eyes. Back then these railways etc helped Britain progress and maybe without these we wouldn't be where we are today? All I can say is we cannot let these old structures alone and to weather away, a great bit of engineering history for britain. Maybe my generation will restore them. A new sub btw, keep them coming guys Have a good day All the best RJM✋ ⚒🇬🇧

12:11 It's almost like something out of 'Lord of the Rings'. "Wow" is a bit of an understatement. Wading through nettles and brambles is worth it when you get a view like this. Thanks for taking the stings and scratches for us!

Extremely interesting .....always thought tunnels were lined all through................youve given so much pleasure doing what you do. Do you know how fortunate you are both to enjoy a pastime together.? But of course you do.xxxx

Another fantastic video Paul and Rebecca.😀 Here in New Zealand we just not have all this history Looking forward to your next adventure. 🎢

Thanks guys absolutely stunning film highlight of the week

im a new sub but i have watched 55 videos in a week and really enjoyed them all very interesting informative but above all fun . great work you 2

On ist Feb 1946 the later-built (for the line's widening) viaduct at Bath Road Shepton Mallet collapsed in the night leaving the original one alongside intact and still fit for traffic. It was rebuilt as one can see from the concrete arch soffit. There is a plaque to commemorate the rebuilding at the roadside.

Great Video. I came across the Ham Woods viaduct totally by accident whilst walking the Dog from nearby Croscombe. It Literally Took my Breath Away suddenly appearing through the Trees so I had to find out more about it so found your Video very informative. Off to watch a few more of your Videos having just walked The Wye Valley near Tintern.

Exploits such as yours are wonderful for we 'oldies' who are no longer fit and agile. Each of you has special interests which, collectively, provides those of us in the 'audience' with a vast range of (often worldwide) experiences. Thank you. p.s. One marvels at the size of some of the viaducts and tunnels when you remember the much smaller population at the time of their construction, and the primitive technology.

This was one helluva video. Beautifully made, stunning scenery and, oh wow, Ham Wood viaduct. Still standing proud. Thank you Paul and Rebecca, you're doing a grand job.

Another stellar video. One thing i just discovered, if you watch these videos on an Apple mac pro computer the videos are full of annoying commercials and advertisments. On my other laptop , no commercials or ads. Sadly the mac wont let download ad blocker software,.i dont know how they managed to do that but i will figure out some way to get around it. Your videos are much more enjoyable with no interuptions.

A smashing video have been there several times. Also very emotional soundtrack especially when the viaduct loomed up out of the trees brought a tear to the eyes. Thanks both loved it.

Some good stuff up the Northern end, walked the length with my Father in 2006, Tucking Mill & Midford Viaducts are intact and of course Coombe Down & Devonshire Tunnels, brought back memories of a great week spent on the line...you could walk through Windsor Hill in those days but Coombe Down was closed...think its a cycle path now from Bath to Midford.

I'm only halfway through, but I have to say: the photographs in this one are absolutely magnificent! I'm in awe.

The Ham Wood viaduct reminds me of the Treffry viaduct near Luxulyan in Cornwall. There are a few interesting viaducts in Cornwall.

That was fabulous thanks. What beautiful landscape you go thru too. I so enjoyed that 🥰

Beautiful video always loved the S&D, caving interesting, but the viaduct in the woods magical, thank you both for your time and hard work xx

Another cracking video incredible these places are left. You both have a passion for what you are doing and the background information is first rate. Crack on and waiting for the next video

Beautiful viaducts and awesome tunnels. It was evening when we watched it by the way lol. Your production is pretty awesome in this with that music too. Reminds me of the viaduct near me too. Cool soundtracks all the way through, and sweet map idea.

Love your videos, so well presented and edited. Fascinating and very accessible.

Love your videos. Very interesting and often breathtaking views. Your choice in music is superb as well.

A great video! I was a train driver in England, now a driver in NZ. I used to work with an old chap who fired on the S&D ( Swift and delightful). You may already be aware of Ivo Peters, he took many films along the line when in use. Enjoying your videos from down under .

Ham Wood Viaduct, a sleeping giant in the forgotten undergrowth, a sad site/sight especially as I'm up in Tebay/Shap area where there are viaducts around every bend, live ones and especially the disused ones just standing in their historical magnificence (as you well know, Lowgill?!). You cant beat a straight tunnel with a bend in it, did they start at each end and went "whoops" when they met in the middle I wonder? Is it next Friday yet??????

So much Victorian engineering expertise is evident in structures that, sadly, no longer have a use. Great photography and beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing your explorations again. Always worth watching!

What a lovely little film.

All I can say is WOW! such a good video. I look forward to your video every Friday, plus I'm playing catch-up on your old videos. Keep up the good work and well done. Looking forward to your next one already.

Yes, the "sloping" buttresses on that viaduct (which adds strength and stability to the structure), the "slope" is correctly termed "batter" and is an architectural term. Not having thought (during the last 65 years of studying buildings) of how it might exactly be described, here is an concise explanation I stumbled upon. A battered wall is a common element in construction. In simple terms, it is any kind of wall that has been built with an intentional slope; the word 'batter' in this context is an architectural term that refers to a particular type of angle. Hey presto!

Great video, lovely scenery and nostalgia, well presented by you both.

Guys ! at the end I got confussed ... picturesque or picaresque aqueduct ...haha love you two!.

Your tunnel shots are amazingly detailed!

Great time watching this, as usual by chance, and even better seeing the two cavers. Pot holing was my main hobby till 2015 and boy, did I have some adventures and 'tight' pinch-point moments ~ 12". Main rule 'keep calm' . Making fair progress digging for Floating Harbour sluice material

Love you guys and all your efforts!

This was truly a fantastic video. Keep up the great work. I love the use of inspiring and uplifting music, it really helps to captivate the feeling of craftsmanship and the discovery of a lost and magical world. You clearly put in a lot of research work and I love the use of twin maps. Martin Zero brought me here a few months ago, and I've been absolutely glued to your channel ever since :)

so much beauty lost on the s and d

I have been enjoying your lovely Vids. I think the Victorian would be astonished on how we have neglected their efforts and wisdom. All this needs reopening. Even if it does mean knocking down a few houses. Regards Alan..

You two have such wonderful energy together.

What beautiful condition the tunnels are/were in. You could look at & through at least.

Lived in Ringwood for over 20 years and can recall the remnants of the Slow and Dirty. Your video was fascinating. I really enjoyed it.

My favourite line I have walked took me four days to walk it from start to finish! Yes nearly killed me ended up with shin splints but so worth it such a fantastic line yes the tunnels were opening when I did the line a few years back shame they are shut now, so many great structures and so much still to see and find loved the video well done again.

Another incentive to get my boots on and go out exploring an old railway route, the S & D is definitely on my list. I understand a long section is cycleway now so hopefully I can do some by bike. Thanks for another vlog showing us what is still there. B.

My favourite disused railway. So many books written about it. But thank you for taking us there Amazing to see it now in 2019.. Thank you

Another great video. There's a film available on RU-vid called 'All change at Evercreech Junction' which gives a great insight into life working on the S & D with interesting references to tunnels from the footplate. On the line you've just walked.

The view is stunning, nature reclaimed it and it looks nice

You were right, I loved this video! Another well produced gem. My wife watched it with me and was impressed too although less so by me chirping on every few minutes like an excitable child "look look I've been there and walked that bit"!! 😂👍

Great video Paul and Rebecca,such a beautiful place,I love that part of the country,that viaduct wow amazing, looking forward to your next video 👌😀👍

Wonderful informative video once again Paul & Rebecca ..... I’m getting addicted to your wonderful videos ... thanks for all your efforts 👍

The skills and Craftsmen that built these Beautiful Tunnels are, sadly, gone forever.

Watching this in lockdown 2021, great vid👍

Beautiful scenery and a terrific video. An eerie, other-worldly look to some of - a touch of Hollywood's idea of a land that time forgot.

Hi, some great videos on this channel. Plenty of old disused lines, stations and viaducts to explore in West Yorkshire. I've walked many a disused line for over 15 years around Tingley, Morley, Beeston and beyond. Found an aqueduct crossing an old line a few months ago in Northumberland. Keep making the Videos 👍

Beautiful journey. The Ham Wood viaduct is amazing. Wish I could have been with you.

Great video again 😊 we have an S&Dr old line near us. The Stockton to Darlington railway line.

Awesome viewing love watching your vlogs, fair play to you and your wife for making these fantastic vlogs.

it's amazing to see ,just how much abandoned engineering there is in this country. so many places just left to disappear back into the landscape.

South line was the original and that was called the down line because it was down from Bath. The shorter tunnel was on the up line.

The last time I visited Winsor Hill tunnels was in 1991 where I was able to walk both tunnels on my own. Strangely enough, I survived. So sad to see that the H&S brigade have thought it necessary to block off access to both tunnels. I really do despair. I think we are living in one of the most fenced-off countries in the World! Incidentally, I loved the accompanying music to this video. You have spurred me on to visit again a.s.a.p

Those are such beautiful structures !!

Brilliant video thank you it’s such a treat to watch your videos in New Zealand

According to the Mac Hawkins book "The Somerset and Dorset Then and Now" the Up line went in the Bath direction. I enjoy your videos and your amazing enthusiasm.

610 am tasmania , cuppa in hand , morning 😃, its like another world your videos come from , another excellent job , thanks for your time and efforts , words cant say… .

Shame Windsor tunnels are now fenced off, there used to be a geocache in the long one, also years ago a Olympus engine for Concorde was tested to destruction in there, I think it was so good it didn't explode even without oil. Ace vids.

I'm sure someone has commented on thos already but I wasn't going to scam 200+ comments lol. The two small brick buildings, at least one was a spring house. Back when the cold water would have flown through there, probably spring fed. They would use the low one that's partially submerged in water to keep things cold and fresh. Milk, meat ect. Pretty common states side in the 1800s and early 1900s. Basically an early refrigerator!

Stunning video, loved watching.

Another very interesting video. The scenery around and including Ham Wood Viaduct looks like some magical woodland (good photography there) and now I know where that viaduct is that you Tweeted about the other day.

Great video Paul & Rebecca. It was great to chat to you on your walk. I'll have to look up your other videos now. For info, the small double skinned brick huts were once explosive stores from the old quarry.

Must have been wonderful seeing that viaduct slowly creep into view, amazing find.

fantastic video and the tunnels & viaducts was stunning thxs for the video

Ah back to the good old "Slow and Dirty" - excellent news !! And that was some pretty impressive brickwork - in both forms. Thanks for another terrific video guys.

A very exciting documentry. At times I felt very excited. Thank you very much

Those shots of the Ham Wood Viaduct are gorgeous!

just viewed this again. it is so beautiful and full of exciting finds and interest. Stay young and keep up this wonderfull entertaining channell.

Another most enjoyable film. Did you notice any remnants of the signal box at the Masbury end of Winsor tunnels? It was situated between the two running lines.

Excellent video. Lucky man having a partner who has same interests as your self me and my partner go away a lot at weekends all over the country.but my partner has zero interest in history where I'm called the nerd and enjoy exploring.will look forward to your next adventure.

I live in Shepton Mallet and Windsor Hill tunnels used to be one of my favourite walks. You found that one of the tunnels was open, on the north side. The metal fences are notorious locally and were vandalised not that long after they were put up. Well done for managing to get in. In my opinion, from walking through those tunnels for the last 20 years the tunnels are in excellent condition. I have never bothered to take a torch with me and the arguments of the landowners that they have closed the tunnels in the interest of protecting the general public is just complete B.S. I must know almost every inch of the paths you walked in this video and it is such a weird feeling. Waterloo Road was a road improvement scheme built, surprisingly enough, about a decade after the Battle of Waterloo. Near the brick built building in Ham Wood Quarry there is the remains of a Ford Cortina. Apparently some teenage tearaway drove it over the cliff many decades ago and all there is left is the transmission tunnel, outriggers, front wishbones and part of the front subframe. He still lives in the town and maybe his grandchildren come to play in the woods. Under the central arch there is a Morris Traveller, which has fared rather better from the ravages of time. I could help whizzing down the comments to see whether there is anybody I know in there. Sadly, so far, no. I have met the caver before and they do explore the local caves very frequently.

Another great video. Totally enjoyable

Another fabulous video, they just get better and better! One of my favourite lines. Spent ages this week on a so called "express" stuck behind a slow stopping train on the Hope Valley line. It may be stunningly beautiful but why oh why don't they re-open the Woodhead line to add capacity across the pennines? I am convinced the problem is not speed, but simply capacity, both in terms of lines and trains. Beeching never appreciated this and so killed one of the most beautiful railways of all time..the famous S&D!. I really appreciate all the work that goes into your productions and look forward to the each one....truly wonderful!

Looks like you are beginning to get the hang of this whole project... Almost grown up and everything! Except for Rebecca's skin tight leg apparel that is. Keep up the good work for us couch potatoes.

My son Ross and I were at Windsor Hill back in May, having both been there many years before. In the past I have walked through both of them after the north one had the doors removed. Have not been to Ham Wood though, looks great.

I like watching abandoned railway walk and June/July time I did one of my own walk of the Taunton to Barnstaple railway and was surprised at what is still left of that line.

Another great video both ,such a shame this line was closed ! and that viaduct appearing thru the trees .......awesome !!!! and as to caving used to do it in my younger days but shudder at the thought now !

Brilliant video and thank you you two

Nice video! The subject itself I find fascinating: those 19th century viaducts, tunnels and buildings look medieval already, I'm amazed there's so much left at all. You're reading the landscape like you would in the underground of an old city. A good variety of shot types, some from drones but not too much, a lot of filming-while-you-walk. Pity perhaps that you won't scale those fences and go into the tunnels, but you've given your reasons, and we have to respect that.

I remember reading that "ham" is the Saxon word for hill, and town names ending with "ham" indicates a location on a hill. So you can't say "ham hill" as that would mean "hill hill" in Saxon! I've said this before, but I just find it amazing that these structures are still standing! All that work on digging those tunnels and building those viaducts, and now there they sit, unused, but thanks to you, not forgotten.

I have a late 1970s book called "Walking Old Railways" it was one of kick-starters to this pastime. Thw author walked the entire S & D - at that time more intact than today in terms of route but also more derelict. Interestingly he states that, at the time of writing, one of the Windor Hill Tunnels was sealed up with a sign stating "Radio-active waste was stored in this tunnel" yet all the recent evidence I can see on RU-vid etc seems to show both tunnels clear and empty.

Great video and many thanks for sharing 🙂🍻🥂👍

Great video. Only just stumbled across this, now subscribed!

hi paul and rebecca , great video , love the tunnel ones , those cavers were really interesting but im with you , could never go down into one , nope lol :)

great stuff guys - thank you!!!

That's great. Well done. Thank you.

Very interesting! I've not been to these tunnels but I have walked through the old S&D tunnels near Bath and they went on for ever!