OXENDON TUNNEL
Posted by: 
peddlar
N 52° 26.462 W 000° 54.949
30U E 641661 N 5812135
A railway tunnel now open as a walkway / cycle route. A rare opportunity to walk through a long tunnel in total darkness staring at the proverbial light at the end of.
Waymark Code: WM168Z
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/29/2007
Views: 299
Opened in 1859 as a single track line from Market Harborough to Northampton.
Later when the line was double tracked a second tunnel was bored adjacent to the first.
The up line is now open as the "Brampton Valley Way" which is part of the National Cycle Network.
The tunnel is 418 metres long. Once inside the light from the other end tends to blind and makes it impossible to see anything of your surroundings
Approximately half way through there is a vertical air shaft which casts a circle of light on the tunnel floor.
Carry a torch to warn others of your prescence and watch out for cyclists who may be riding and not see you.
The surface is generally good but with puddles and some rutting and small depressions. The roof drips some water.
The co- ords are for the south portal.
Access can be made from Great Oxendon. Park at small lay by outside the "George at Oxendon" Pub. Walk back past the pub and turn right at the "Tunnels End" sign then follow a footpath marked "to Braybrook" which leads over the tunnel entrance but also branches off down the side of the cutting to the trackbed.
Take care that little ones do not run on ahead as it is possible to walk over the top of the slippery portal from which there is a big drop to the trackbed below.
Otherwise drive south through great oxendon for approx half a mile and just after some converted Railway cottages turn left up a wide track which joins the Brampton Valley Way (Britsh Grid SP7377 8260 )
It is possible to park one or two cars here.N52 26.053 W00 54.935 (Take care not to obstuct the way or any gates)Then walk half a mile northwards along the track to the south portal.
Have Fun
Construction: Brick or concrete block
Condition: Good
Rail Status: No
Current status: Recreation Path
Original Use: Passenger Train
Tunnel Length: 414.00
Terrain: 
Website: [Web Link]
The "Other End": Not Listed
Suggested Parking Area: Not Listed
Date Built: Not listed
Date Abandoned: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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