Exploring Catesby Viaduct on the GCR

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
  • Join me as I explore the area around Catesby Viaduct and the Viaduct itself. Starting at the Northern Portal of Catesby Tunnel I discover a plate layers hut in great condition, a occupation bridge, a removed bridge and a water 'feature; which i cant figure out! finally walking onto the Viaduct, and its a real beauty! This is one of my favourite ever explores and all done in 30 degree heat!! enjoy!

ความคิดเห็น • 51

  • @galaxycoder
    @galaxycoder ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The structure you thought was a water tower actually has nothing to do with water at all.
    It was a victorian theodolite they used to align the air vents for the tunnel, using semaphore like arms to indicate left or right to line-up the position of the ventilation shafts. They were usually dismantled after the construction was complete, but they obviously left this standing.

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching. Thank you for the information. It seemed out of place and it was only because of the water I thought it may have something to do with drainage etc. Thank you for letting me know what it is it now makes a lot more sense.

  • @nickslater2680
    @nickslater2680 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Another really interesting video and an amazing and incredibly well built and graceful structure. It’s mind boggling to consider the colossal amount of work sheer toil that was required to create the structures shown from the tunnel to the bridges and then the gigantic embankments and the viaduct itself. It’s tragic to see them in that ongoing state of decay.
    Your videos capture and highlight the appalling and wasteful decisions that were made by Beeching, Marples and their short sighted followers in the 1960’s. In this age of global warming we absolutely need infrastructure like that and it’s going to cost a total fortune to reinstate it. Not everything that went at that time could or should have been saved of course but to loose main line railways was something else….

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for watching. I totally agree. The labour alone deserved more respect but the total lack of future planning is a blight on the history of this country. Sad example of money ruling common sense

  • @johnlarkin2980
    @johnlarkin2980 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video mate enjoyed it. The first bridge north of the tunnel has different cap stones on top. This was done at the landowners insistence. The stones on top are the same as the buildings on his estate. This bridge is also supposed to be the lowest on the London Extension.

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching. I wondered why that bridge looked so different. The 'squat' arches and capping stones now make more sense. Thanks for the information 👍

  • @declan210606
    @declan210606 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Another great video. Took a trip past Calvert and Finmere last week. All gone to HS2 unfortunately. The twin bridges at Finmere station have been removed and replaced by the HS2 bridge. Bricked up old entrance to the station can still be seen

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching. I have a video of Finmere coming up and of Woodford Halse which is one of the grandest structures I have ever seen. Always tinged with sadness with the GCR as it was a terrible waste.

  • @TruthSeekerInvestigations
    @TruthSeekerInvestigations ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the adventure. I can never get over how amazing these structures are and how they have stood the test of time. Like forgotten gems for the lucky few to discover and hopefully will remain for many years to come. Nice video mate 👍

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you and thanks for watching. Thankfully there are many forgotten gems still out there that have survived the onslaught of bulldozers and housing developments! Thanks again 👍

  • @only1hawky
    @only1hawky ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You promised me that it (the viaduct) would be a belter, and boy you were absolutely spot on! The sheer size and scale of the thing when viewed from ground level is enough to take your breath away. The obvious bonus is that it’s completely graffiti-free. It’s a shame about the damage at the lower levels, but overall it is in fantastic condition. That plate layers hut and “water feature” are the icing on the cake of another excellent video, and one that I shall be returning to for another watch before too long.

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you David and as always thanks for your support. It really is a belter and one that I will probably r visit in the future just to see it again! Shame about the lack of maintenance but it is still in amazing condition

  • @simonballard6413
    @simonballard6413 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I walked from the tunnel over the viaduct some years ago. There was another viaduct at Staverton (over the river Leam, I think) which was gone, so, in crossing the river, I managed to stumble in ! A nice wet drive home followed!

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching and sharing your story! I was going to look for that old viaduct but a local farmer saved me a journey by showing me that there's nothing left! A real shame

  • @seamusmcevoy2011
    @seamusmcevoy2011 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    An excellent effort, really informative. When I called in at Catesby north portal a few months back I was losing the light as it was quite late, so didn't make my way up to the viaduct, however, I do have firm plans to do so when I am next down that way. The GCR certainly knew how to build grand structures and this is a fine example. The Platelayers Hut looked in remarkably good condition, apart from the roof, so a visit there is also planned.

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks as always. Incredible viaduct and definitely worth a visit. The platelayer hit was a bonus as well. Certainly worth the effort to visit.

    • @seamusmcevoy2011
      @seamusmcevoy2011 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MiddyExplores Agreed, I'll be down there as soon as I can👍.

  • @ceanothus_bluemoon
    @ceanothus_bluemoon ปีที่แล้ว

    How nice to see a place with no graffiti, even if some of the engineering bricks had been stolen. The approach on that wonderful embankment, with a view over the fields must have been quite something having emerged from the tunnel out in to the light, with the beautiful viaduct ahead. I'd only seen one other look at the viaduct and that part where you can actually see the building process. Fascinating to see!

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it. A real gem that comes straight after that tunnel! I would have loved to see it running I bet it looked incredible.

  • @andyle-hair9228
    @andyle-hair9228 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    cracking video as usual Pete. Keep em coming.

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Andy glad you enjoyed it! loads more coming up from the GCR and beyond!

  • @mickcorbett6724
    @mickcorbett6724 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The navvies, built the railways
    Workers from the British Isles.
    Those from Ireland & Europe too
    The Irish fled their famine land
    Died in their hundreds
    Produced our canals, bridges & embankments
    By their sweat & guts.
    Thank you 👌🙌

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for watching. I mention this on a regular basis as their blood sweat and tears deserved such respect and more respect than a faceless politician decided to waste all their hard work a century later , in the name of progress.... A line that would be well used now along with many others that were deemed surplus to requirements

  • @bobadacious
    @bobadacious ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a great video…, presentation, subject and production, fantastic….thank you Middy

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you it means a lot to get such a positive comment! This one was very enjoyable! Thank you for watching and there's loads more coming up 👍

  • @evebeinguniquebeingme6205
    @evebeinguniquebeingme6205 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always love to see your adventures especially in this heat take care and enjoy! 😎

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you and thanks for watching. It certainly was a bit warm!! Great adventure though and loads more coming up!

  • @sturmtigerking4263
    @sturmtigerking4263 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great GCR explore video. I love these GCR structures. Seeing the layers in the trackbed was really interesting to me as I've always wondered how they made the trackbed. No graffiti as an added bonus

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for watching. This one was an absolute pleasure even if I picked the hottest day ever! The structure is showing its age a bit but still a belter. More coming from the GCR over the next few weeks!

  • @ians3930
    @ians3930 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant video! I arrived at the viaduct from the otherside and it’s hidden all the way until the path takes you to the left and then underneath we one of the arch’s. I started my journey all the way from Flecknoe a bit of a trek but crossed the line a little further north as well

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you and thanks for watching. The area is littered with footpaths ! It was actually really easy to approach and a pleasant walk from the side I chose! Will be going back at some point so may choose a different approach.

  • @craighobbs3708
    @craighobbs3708 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another fascinating video! How did you access the site? Where did you park?

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for watching. access by following the Jurassic paths that encircle the area.

  • @smithyhouses100
    @smithyhouses100 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Middy, On your opening introduction shots there`s a view of a really long viaduct, it`s the picture just before the shot of you and your dog.What`s that one called? Also any chance of exploring it,if it`s not been demolished ? !!!!

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching. That is Fledborough Viaduct which is on the Nottingham/Lincolnshire border. Still there 👍

    • @smithyhouses100
      @smithyhouses100 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MiddyExplores Cheers for that Middy.

  • @nigelfrewin4404
    @nigelfrewin4404 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really great video Middy, thanks such a lot. Such a shame it is being allowed to deteriorate. Is it know who owns it and whether it would attract any maintenance funds?

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you and thanks for watching. It really is a beautiful structure and no I am not sure who owns it. Unfortunately it seems a bit like out of sight out of mind! Would be a real historical loss if further damage happens.

  • @liamsrailwayadventures1482
    @liamsrailwayadventures1482 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The tower was to pump the water out of the tunnel

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cheers mate. I did think it was something to do with the tunnel but seemed a long way away! Thanks buddy 👍

    • @liamsrailwayadventures1482
      @liamsrailwayadventures1482 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MiddyExplores no probs pal whetstone viaduct is just little bit bigger than catesby , catesby has 9 arches and whetstone has 13 arches

    • @mickcorbett6724
      @mickcorbett6724 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Portals to an earlier century. Truly fascinating. Railway infrastructure should be preserved & revered as national monuments. Symbols of the skills & sheer gut wrenching hard work of poorly paid workers which made those with money even richer. Nowt seems to change.

    • @mickcorbett6724
      @mickcorbett6724 ปีที่แล้ว

      Blue (clay) bricks will outlive us all.

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mickcorbett6724 absolutely correct. Unfortunately everything I see has been sadly forgotten

  • @lipsee100
    @lipsee100 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really when you think about it we have all that wonderful infrastructure ,then we are spending zillions on HS2, we must be crazy,,no just stupid,, Why did they not use the old main line and branch off to Birmingham .I really do,nt think it would need to go 200mph ...It would have cost a dam sight less ,,but are they really bothered about the cost when you and me are paying I think not..

    • @MiddyExplores
      @MiddyExplores  ปีที่แล้ว

      Totally agree. I will never understand it and as for HS2 I really don't get it. Thank you for watching.