Show on mapA long overdue return with a decent torch and decent camera.
The Kettleness portal is looking much closer to collapse than ever before, with a large amount of soil falling through from above and large stones hanging.
 
Although once inside this end of the tunnel constructed from large blocks still looks very solid, although there was some bowing of the walls and collapsed layers of brick in certain areas towards the brick-built Sandsend end.
 
There are four ventilation shafts along the length of the tunnel, which seem to come in large and small varieties. All are capped, with fallen bricks and water cascading down them.
 
There are two small side tunnels used in construction, which run from the bottom of air shafts, although both looked extremely muddy due to the water from the shafts so we didn’t venture down them.
 
There are some impressive mineral formations lining the walls of the tunnel.
 
Also stalactites growing from the roof.
 
Dozens of alcoves line the full length of the tunnel, with the occasional bit of amusing graffiti.
 
Exiting at the Sandsend portal is a small climb, although once you’re jumped over the wall there’s no easy way to go back.
 
decided to have a walk through both Kettleness & Sandsend tunnels on Thursday 1/05/08.
Kettleness tunnel was fine but on approaching Sandsend tunnel it has collapsed taking a rather large tree with it. Although it is passable it has exposed more soil above the now new opening. I fear another collapse would totally block this entrance and this end of Sandsend tunnel would become inpassable. It seem’s a shame this once mighty tunnel will soon be lost.
I will clear the current collapse and will always be on standby to clear more if need be.
It wont be lost on my watch.
Well done David. The tunnels should be preserved (at least kept intact) as a testament to those engineers and navvies who built the WRMU, and provided such an exciting coastal railway line, with some stunning views. I am only disappointed that I was born too late to ride the line! If I lived permanently in the NE (I am London based, and only get up here on occasion) I would be only too keen to get involved in some simple restoration works.
There is a rather atmospheric video of a trip through the tunnel on YouTube…………
went through the sandsend tunnel yesterday the north portal has had a collapse but it is still passable
Those side tunnels were used in construction to tip the spoil from the excavation down the cliff
Went through both tunnels today – the north portal of Sandsend is easily passable still, over a pile of earth, stone and metalwork!