Ron! I knew you wouldn't give up! I'll help you find that tunnel next time we go out. My map reading skills aren't great, but I have a pretty good nose, and as you know, tunnels have a particularly "tunnely" smell to them. Enjoy the nice weather for Easter. For some reason James reckons the Easter Bunny lives near Bourton-on-the-Water. Sumac OVM
Hi Ron. Well I'm not putting that down as a "fail"...it was a really nice adventure...maybe we just have to change the goal, as in "Our goal today is to have a great time walking in the Forest of Dean"...goal met! Sumac was particularly amused by "...Didn't look this steep on the map...", yes, believe it or not, she does have a sense of humour. Happy Easter to you and your family Ron. I'm looking forward to buying a chocolate bunny (hollow) on Monday when they go on sale. Have a good week Ron. James
Hi James & Co, you don't think I left it there do you? Watch this space. Getting your chocolate bunny when they go on sale!! You don't get any better. Lovely sunny weather here at the moment, hope you both get to enjoy Easter too. Ron
Moring Ron. I enjoyed that. You didn't find the tunnel but there was plenty to see and a lovely place to explore. There's nothing quite like a "Stroll" in the woods. I wonder what the car was. I did notice it had a Lucas headlamp rim however Stay safe Pete
Hi Ron. Belated reply this week as I've been away for Easter. A nice break, but I tested positive for Covid this morning, so not the best present to bring back with me! I really enjoyed the video and, despite not reaching the goal, it was very entertaining which is what I believe makes for an enjoyable film. Of course, you know that one of my favourite places on the planet is the beautiful Forest of Dean and I'm over there regularly. In fact I was out exploring the industrial heritage around Speech House Station, The Wood Distillery and other features in the Cannop area a couple of weeks ago. As others have commented, there were two tunnels at Drybrook. The short Drybrook tunnel of 97 yds close to the village of Drybrook itself, and the longer (638 yds) Euroclydon tunnel further to the north. This was also known as Hawthorns tunnel and was at the summit of the line following a tough ruling gradient of 1 in 40 from Mitcheldean Road. After this, the line descended at 1 in 42 and then at 1 in 54 through the shorter Drybrook tunnel. To the north of Hawthorns tunnel is the Lea Valley Light Railway which hopes one day to be able to access the north portal. The structure itself is S shaped and, near the middle, a cave leads off on the west side at one of the few places where the tunnel is completely brick lined. During the second world war the tunnel was used for the storage of munitions and in 1957 it was used for a short time for mushroom growing. Built in stone, the north portal is asymmetrical, with a long triangular wing wall on one side but only a buttress on the other. Here, the lining is stone: rubble-faced up to springing level, but dressed above. Towards this end of the tunnel, the geology is pink Tintern Sandstone between discrete collars of stonework. The layering of the rock is most striking in the largest of the unlined sections. Heading south through the tunnel, the lining is largely unbroken mudstone and Avon group limestone. The profile and alignment of the tunnel is quite variable, probably due to the constructional difficulties encountered. There are no visible construction/air shafts on the surface but, given the tunnel’s length, one or more hidden shafts are very likely to exist. Refuges are provided in both sidewalls; some are built in stone, others in brick. At one point, an opening provides access into a chamber which would have been used by the platelayers as a rest room and storage facility had the line ever fully opened throughout. Close to the south end, the arch is built from rubble-faced stone. The portal here is quite modest, being situated in between the exposed rock faces at either side of the cutting. The tunnels were on the line proposed by the Mitcheldean Road & Forest of Dean Junction Railway; the company being formed in 1871. The intention was to link communities north of Cinderford with the Great Western’s Gloucester-Hereford line via Ross-on-Wye. Progress was hampered by contractual issues and, in 1878, the Great Western, who were already investors in the scheme, stepped in and the line was eventually completed in 1880. In August of that year, the line was fully transferred to the GWR. However, due to the availability of other routes operated by the Severn & Wye company for mineral traffic, the GWR did not open the line until 1885. The line had a very chequered history. There was never a through service, with the northern part being primarily used for mineral quarry workings and passenger services from the south via Cinderford terminating at Drybrook. This service was withdrawn from 7th July 1937. At the northern end of the route, the rails between Mitcheldean and Drybrook quarry were taken up between 8th & 17th February 1917; these being shipped to France to satisfy the demands of World War 1. They were, however, re-laid in 1928 to serve Drybrook Quarry and for Admiralty use in 1939.Final closure of the whole branch came in February 1953 with the track being lifted in 1957. Well, there’s loads more to tell about this line and the Drybrook tunnels, but I will stop there. It was nice to see Andrew comment again after a spell away from the group and I hope I have done him justice with my contribution! Best wishes, Trev
Hi Trev, fascinating detail, a cave at mid point, hmmm, I wonder if it was dug or occurred naturally or are some old workings. Plus hidden air shafts and a platelayers chamber, wow When I finally got to the portal, the door was open, very unusual, but because I never expected to get access I didn’t have a torch with me. From your notes I might still be here now exploring those features. Of course the GWR got their sticky paws on it as they did with most railways in this area. Fantastic read Trev, don’t know how you do it. I have already uploaded the Vlog for Friday, early this week, but I steered everyone to look for your comments, as I guessed Easter would throw a wobbly in the works. The good news is that the next film is in the same place, so if you have saved the file you just need to copy and paste. Very good read this week as usual Trev, now I’ll leave you to get on with your ‘man flu’. Get well soon. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Thanks Ron. Following the next instalment I will post as appropriate. This weeks contribution is saved, so that will help. Best wishes Trev.
@@andrewmerriman7133 Hi Andrew, I always thought that your and Trev’s comments were complementary to be honest, but I can see how it could be confusing trying to second guess each other. You were always good at reading comments and answering queries as they arose. I think I am right in saying you worked on the railway for a long time in a responsible position, and you must have lots of memories of that and the characters you met. We would love you to share them. I used to love hearing tales from my uncle who was a railwayman, Unfortunately he has past away and his memories have gone with him. That is the problem, unless we record them, they are lost. It doesn’t have to be railways. Folk on here share memories of all sorts and we love them. Perhaps you can tell us about life in your new abode, I think a number of us might be following in your footsteps soon. Of course all your choice. If you prefer to stay in the background, there is nothing wrong with that. Take care of yourself. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks You have hit the nail on the head Ron, I too always thought that mine and Andrew's comments were complementary. I was slow in getting into the habit of reading other people's posts first and hence, initially, I duplicated stuff - primarily Andrew's! I have since tried very hard to avoid info that an experienced railway man like Andrew could provide; I am not even in the same street as him when it comes to signalling, operating procedures etc. In fact, I actually prefer writing about the historical side and infrastructure which, as we've said would complement Andrew's input. From his post below, it reads as though I have nudged Andrew to the sidelines, but that has never been my intention. Like you, I really do hope he can find the time and motivation to share his vast knowledge and expertise with the group in the future. Nuff said on this topic now I think. Best wishes Trev
Mornin' Ron, You got some tantalising shots of the tunnel portals. From what I can see from the comments you have already found a way into "the lost world" I look forward to the next episode .......... Professor Ron Challenger I sincerely hope you can find a way out as well!! Those cuttings or sunken lanes have never seen a leaf blower in their life, they sounded really deep and who knows what they might hide beneath. Don't hold out much hope for the restoration of that car!! It was good to see you with your sleeves rolled up, that means you had good weather or you were readying yourself for Pauline's job list!! Easter is in full swing down here, last night in Granada they had what is know as the silent procession. It starts in the old town and all streets light are put out as a candle lit procession makes its way down the narrow strrets. You will get a better idea here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ypn1rwCaMhM.html Have a great Easter weekend and good luck from Spain!!
Hi David, that one was a little on the risky side, if I had started sliding there was no way stop before the bottom. Would have saved me another journey though. How did you know I have a job list from Pauline, Oh wait a minute I have always got a job list from Pauline. Hope you have an enjoyable Easter too. Ron
Hello Ron - greetings from Poland. Lovely to be back in The Forest of Dean. I'm so sorry that we couldn't find/see what we were looking for despite your valiant efforts. Discretion is the better part. of valour - you were so right to be careful. Sending out search parties to look for missing Rons is not my idea of fun! Thank you so much for trying so hard to find Drybrook Tunnel. Better luck next time. See you next Friday - stay safe please.
Hi Ron, I was born and bred in Drybrook, lived there for some 25 years and have visited my parents up until they passed several years ago. I'm more than prepared to show you where everything used to be as my parents lived only 100 yds from Drybrook Halt. There were 2 tunnels (1 was adjacent to the halt) and the other ran under the hotel. I currently live in Gloucester, am retired so plenty of time on my hands...
Ok Ron, Just for interest the timber yard is about a mile from Drybrook Halt. As you have already covered Drybrook Road is in the woods between Brierley and Cinderford. The line only passed through the area prior to the timber yard being there. (Also a tramway) The halt was not far from the primary school in Quabbs Lane about 200 yds from the cross. There was a short tunnel to the north of the halt and the line ran along the edge of the quarry into the tunnel under the Hawthorns eventually ending up at Mitcheldean Road station. Ironically the line north of the halt was never used and the long tunnel was used for storing ammunition during the war. Americans were based close by in Wigpool in preparation for D-Day. Hope this is of use.
@@malcolmmorgan5342 Hi Malcolm, brilliant filling in of detail. Nothing like local knowledge. I am back there again in two weeks time, with a little more success. Take care. Ron
Just stray a matter of yards from the road and it is a different world. The times that I have driven that road yet had no idea of the precipitous gradients down below.. An interesting one thank you
A lot of effort for little reward, Ron, but thanks for trying anyway, and the scenery is great. I assume this is a very recent walk, and it's good to see all the signs of new growth. I hope you have many chances to get out in the coming months, but do continue to use discretion in where you go. We'd hate to hear of your being found in skeletal form after being trapped in a deep cutting miles from anywhere and no-one knowing where you were.
Hi Jim, I'm sure that if that were the case and Pauline was asked "Where is Ron?" she would reply " Ron who?" Nobody said it was fair. Enjoy Easter. Ron
Happy Easter, Ron. A bit frustrating to say the least, but the scenery is absolutely glorious. Looks like a nice Friday and Saturday, weather wise, but not much sign of any settled weather yet. Very frustrating! Take care, Ron.
Happy Easter! I have been given a button apparently from the coat of a station master at Cinderford New..when owned by Severn and Wye. Anything left of Brains Tramway? Such glorious landscape. You are fortunate to livein the area. Thanks
Great video as usual Ron! You're going to keep us in suspense aren't you! A good old cliffhanger. When I started my channel, I originally fought shy of the Forest of Dean - I didn't think it had much of interest, from a filmic perspective, despite already knowing the area to some extent. How wrong I was! I have just completed my fourth Dean Forest Railway video (don't worry, I have given this video a plug in it) and I was rather taken with the Parkend area - my first trip back there since 1973. I can see that I will be back there again to do a more in depth explore. Thanks for whetting my Forest of Dean appetite. This video worsens my FoD hunger!! Lovely stuff Ron. Take care, Paul.
Hi Paul, great filming weather at the moment, and now the family have descended on us! I'll get out when I can. I love the forest, it is crammed full of history and is very accessable and it is not difficult to frame some nice scenes. I'm hoping to catch up with my RU-vid viewing soon with any luck. Take care of yourself. Ron
I was waiting for a giant boulder to chase our Indiana Ron away from finding the secret tunnel and treasure. That was very hard going getting down there, one hopes you didn't need air sea rescue to get you out. Do we have any sea kings in the forrest?
Hi Simon, no I don't think we have any Sea Kings in the forest, but then again we don't have any sea either. It was a bit edgy down there at times. Keep swinging. Ron
Thank you for trying. Looks difficult terrain and not worth risking life and limb, especially as there may be other ways which avoid clambering down steep/slippery embankments. You got tantalisingly close. Is it worth another try, rather like your search for some hidden mines in the Forest, some time ago? Maybe treat this as a recce, prior to a successful assualt!
@@ParkinsonsWalks I look forward to this with great anticipation. I have seen mention of a narrow guage railway through one of the two tunnels, though I guess it may be the other one.
@@ParkinsonsWalks We are well, thanks Ron. Went to Tenby last week on a coach holiday. Only one wet day and that was Wednesday. Taken several hours of video, so be warned. I'm not sure if you've seen my last three videos, as it's unusual not to get a comment from you. Take care and mind how you go.
@@lionelmarytravels6003 Hi Lionel, I'm way behind with my RU-vid viewing, Pauline keeps finding jobs for me to do. I will gget there. Take care of yourselves. Ron
