Masticator is a drain in Leeds, that takes in Sheepscar beck, Meanwood beck, Ladywell beck and Timble beck, joining the river Aire opposite the Royal Armories.
This was a solo visit, completed in two installments, with a week and a bit in between. I had intended to do this all in one go, but as we all know, time flows at double speed in drains. As a result, it took me two hours just to make it to the half way point. Progress was not helped by my camera, which likes to take its time processing long exposures. Apologies if any of these are in the wrong order, but you get the idea...
Part 1
Hopping in at Sheepscar Beck, immediately met with a load of graffiti. (Here's Coloquix, for instance...)
Heading in here...
... gets you in here...
Corrugation Street...
This was my favourite part of the whole drain, I think.
Onwards...
This was the point where I decided that I'd spent enough time in a drain for one day, so I climbed out when I had the chance and returned overground to the car, and then home for tea.
Part 2
Parking up at at handy Aldi car park nearby, just a short walk above ground and I dropped back down and met the main drain again.
On the way out of Megatron the other day I dropped my camera, later finding that the mirror had fallen out. Oops. Liberally (and badly) applied superglue seems to have salvaged it, even if my view through my viewfinder is now a bit blurry these photos seemed to have come out ok. Wore wellies again for this second visit, but instantly stepped in a deep bit and wished I'd reached for my waders afterall.
My favourite bit of part two was this circular brick section.
But then, much stooping....
Before, finally, the end...
And the long plod back...
... stopping for a quick silhouette...
More photos here and here.
This was a solo visit, completed in two installments, with a week and a bit in between. I had intended to do this all in one go, but as we all know, time flows at double speed in drains. As a result, it took me two hours just to make it to the half way point. Progress was not helped by my camera, which likes to take its time processing long exposures. Apologies if any of these are in the wrong order, but you get the idea...
Part 1
Hopping in at Sheepscar Beck, immediately met with a load of graffiti. (Here's Coloquix, for instance...)
Heading in here...
... gets you in here...
Corrugation Street...
This was my favourite part of the whole drain, I think.
Onwards...
This was the point where I decided that I'd spent enough time in a drain for one day, so I climbed out when I had the chance and returned overground to the car, and then home for tea.
Part 2
Parking up at at handy Aldi car park nearby, just a short walk above ground and I dropped back down and met the main drain again.
On the way out of Megatron the other day I dropped my camera, later finding that the mirror had fallen out. Oops. Liberally (and badly) applied superglue seems to have salvaged it, even if my view through my viewfinder is now a bit blurry these photos seemed to have come out ok. Wore wellies again for this second visit, but instantly stepped in a deep bit and wished I'd reached for my waders afterall.
My favourite bit of part two was this circular brick section.
But then, much stooping....
Before, finally, the end...
And the long plod back...
... stopping for a quick silhouette...
More photos here and here.
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