I would like to share these photos I took at Thackley tunnel around 4 years ago. It’s an old explore, but the photos remain in a quiet corner, until now.
For me this abandoned tunnel was different to the usual type as the air shafts each remain open, which provides some great photo opportunities, and is unique in the fact a great big concrete wall was built in the centre of the tunnel to prevent dirt motorbikes from riding through. A thoroughly great explore for both novice and experienced alike.
Heres a bit of gen about the tunnel.
Thackley tunnel is a railway tunnel on the Airedale Line from Leeds to Shipley then on to Bradford or Skipton. Built in 1844/5, the tunnel is approximately 1200m long and cut through the prominent Thackley Hill to reduce travel time. The contractor chosen to build the Tunnel was James Bray, an iron and brass founder from Leeds who later contracted the construction of Bramhope on the Leeds to Thirsk main line.
Originally there was just one Tunnel bore but in 1900 the line was increased to four tracks and a second tunnel bore was built, one carrying the Fast lines from Leeds and the other the Slow lines. The Southern tunnel was closed in 1968 co-inciding with the final closure of the Great Northern Branch Line from Shipley to Laisterdyke via Idle and Thackley. At the Western mouth of the Tunnel stood the original Idle station (albeit closer to Thackley than Idle), which opened in 1847 and closed the following year in 1848.
Midway point dividing wall. Other side is accessible, although we didn't bother exploring it.
For me this abandoned tunnel was different to the usual type as the air shafts each remain open, which provides some great photo opportunities, and is unique in the fact a great big concrete wall was built in the centre of the tunnel to prevent dirt motorbikes from riding through. A thoroughly great explore for both novice and experienced alike.
Heres a bit of gen about the tunnel.
Thackley tunnel is a railway tunnel on the Airedale Line from Leeds to Shipley then on to Bradford or Skipton. Built in 1844/5, the tunnel is approximately 1200m long and cut through the prominent Thackley Hill to reduce travel time. The contractor chosen to build the Tunnel was James Bray, an iron and brass founder from Leeds who later contracted the construction of Bramhope on the Leeds to Thirsk main line.
Originally there was just one Tunnel bore but in 1900 the line was increased to four tracks and a second tunnel bore was built, one carrying the Fast lines from Leeds and the other the Slow lines. The Southern tunnel was closed in 1968 co-inciding with the final closure of the Great Northern Branch Line from Shipley to Laisterdyke via Idle and Thackley. At the Western mouth of the Tunnel stood the original Idle station (albeit closer to Thackley than Idle), which opened in 1847 and closed the following year in 1848.
Midway point dividing wall. Other side is accessible, although we didn't bother exploring it.
