Time Machine is a culverted section of the High Lode that runs under Ramsey, named after the fact that this culvert was originally also the location of some underground mechanism that powered the town clock in the street above.
Here’s a couple of pics of the clock, taken on my trudge back to the car...
While the mechanism can be seen in previous reports from here a few years back, it’s no longer in place, other than a couple of rusted metal supports. Even though I knew this before I went(@tallginge had already warned me) I was still in denial and was disappointed to see for myself that, yes, the mechanism had gone. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this one as I’d been wanting to see it for a while....
There is some history and a detailed timeline of the tunnels on this blog: https://ramseytunnels.wordpress.com/timeline-of-tunnels/
Work on the tunnels started in 1852 and was completed in 1854. The culvert was originally a single tunnel until the two side tunnels were added in 1853 to alleviate pressure in time of flooding.
Entry is easy, in spite of the array of helpful warning advice provided by the signage. Basically: you’ll definitely die in here...
There’s a small step down to make it into the culvert. The flow was strong...
What the signs don’t warn you against is the fact that if you shine your headtorch in here it will disorientate the hoards of pigeons who have made this their home and they will fly directly at your face. Repeatedly. This pic was taken post-pigeon attack.
Perfectly placed parallel pipes provide persistent projectile pigeon perching places.
After a while walking through the wide brick archway the tunnel splits into three sections. The larger middle section is the one I followed, but I also had a look at the one on the left before leaving. You can see the metal framework for the missing machinery around the central tunnel. The new concrete ceiling and newer brickwork appear to be recent, squaring off what looks from previous reports like an arched roof.
It is likely that the mechanism was removed during the renovation works that took place in 2016 - see this blog for more info and photos of the renovation: https://ramseytunnels.wordpress.com/repairs-2016/
Left hand tunnel...
Looking back...
From here it’s a slightly winding and fairly long walk through knee high water in the direction of the outflow.
Two and eight...
Getting there...
Here I think I slightly worried an old guy pushing a barrow over the bridge, but I greeted him with a friendly wave and he passed on looking confused.
Before I waded through the deeper water to climb out I decided to take a look at the pipe on the left, so I walked the length of this and back, stopping to take a few pics. Not much water in this one, and nothing much to see along the way....
Obligatory intrepid / decrepit explorer shots...
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