Cockermouth Keswick Penrith Railway (CKPR) Wescoe Tunnel Greta Gorge - Abandoned Train Tunnels on Waymarking.com

The Cockermouth Keswick Penrith Railway was started in 1862 and closed for all traffic in 1972. The track bed is now owned by the Lake District National Park Authority, who have created a cycle and pedestrian trail. You can get strollers and buggies on so maybe wheelchairs. The journey through Greta gorge is only 3 miles and as scenic as the Highland line. Trains travelled slowly across the bridges for safety as the bridges were lightly built. Allowing passengers to appreciate the views, although before line closed in 1972 BR ran specific scenic outings.

History
The engineer contracted to design the whole railway was Sir Thomas Bouch during construction years 1862-4. He'd just finished the trans Pennine Railway across Stainmore, which needed bridges to cross steep deep ravines. Nothing like that here.

The short tunnel is one of only two on the old CKPR. The river Greta posed a challenge to get from Keswick to Threlkeld with the line crossing it seven times. Other parts of the line were double tracked, except the gorge section. The tunnel is brick lined with stones arch faces and lined cutting leading to it.

Links
Geograph (visit link)
Cumbrian Railways Association 1930 photo (visit link) from the other side

Construction: Brick or concrete block Condition: Good Rail Status: No Current status: Recreation Path Original Use: Passenger Train Tunnel Length: 50.00 Terrain: Website: [Web Link] Date Built: 1863 Date Abandoned: 1972 The "Other End": Not Listed Suggested Parking Area: Not Listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   06/09/2015 scotty299 visited it