tarboat's photos with the keyword: caldon

The western exit to the Caldon Low tramway tunnel is impassable due to flooding. This was the fourth line to be built connecting the Caldon Low limestone quarries with the canal and limekilns at Froghall. It operated as a series of self-acting inclined planes and was 3ft 6ins gauge. Closure came in 1920.

The gauge indicates the profile part way through the Froghall tunnel on the Caldon Canal. Beyond lies the Froghall basins where limestone was loaded and also the first (restored 2005) lock of the Uttoxeter Canal which was abandoned throughout in 1849. Most leisure boats do not fit through due to the very restricted headroom but there are some who make every effort to get right to the end of the canal. A friend asked for as many of his mates to come over and act as human ballast and, after filling the water tank to the brim, we successfully navigated to the basin. I have no idea how he got back because after going to the pub to celebrate we all went home leaving him on the wrong side of the tunnel.

The Caldon Low tramway tunnel is a favourite of mine even though it is such a pain to get into due to the collapsed trees in the entrance cutting. I went back last year and got almost to the west end before the ochrey gloop overtopped my wellies. This was the fourth line to be built connecting the Caldon Low limestone quarries with the canal and limekilns at Froghall. It operated as a series of self-acting inclined planes and was 3ft 6ins gauge. Closure came in 1920.

A few roof problems inside the disused Caldon Low tramway tunnel.

I never thought I would see another train on this line, never mind actually ride it behind steam, but today I fulfilled a dream when I was able to join one of the driver training runs in preparation for the November galas on the Churnet Valley Railway, featuring running on the newly restored line from Leek Brook to Caldon Quarry. Moorland and City Railways Ltd have done a great job in reinstating the line in a very short time. After riding the line it was time to head out for some action photos. Here Stanier 8F 8624 is seen hammering up the 1 in 45 on Bradnop Bank towards Apesford Crossing. The 33 on the back is necessary due to the lack of run round facilities at the far end of the line.

More action from the driver training runs on the Caldon Branch. 8624 heads up the 1 in 45 of Bradnop Bank towards Apesford Crossing.

Redundant crushing, grading and loading plant at the Tarmac operated Caldon Low limestone quarry.

44767 on the final climb towards Caldon Low during the recent gala.

When the Caldon canal was opened between Etruria and Froghall milestones were erected marking the distance from each end of the waterway. Later, in 1811, when the branch to Uttoxeter was completed from Froghall soon became necessary to amend the distances to reflect this and new mileposts were commissioned in cast iron. These were supplied from the foundry of Rangeley and Dixon in Stone which was established c1818. This example dates from 1820. Many of the stones have not survived, having been redundant for 190 years or so, but this example remains near Consall Forge alongside its replacement.

Typical conditions in the narrow section of the 1847 Caldon Tramway Tunnel. At least some of the trackbed is clear of the gloop in this bit.

Another tramroad tunnel to explore, this time on the 1847 rope and gravity line carrying limestone from the Caldon Low quarries down to the canal wharf at Froghall. Out of use since 1920 this tunnel is notable for the sheer quantity of ochreous mud that threatens to suck the boots off unwary explorers.

Peering across the ochre mud towards the narrow section of the 1847 Caldon Tramway Tunnel.

The beautifully restored station at Consall on the Churnet Valley Railway. The waiting shelter overhanging the Caldon Canal is a particularly well known feature of this location.

Cherry Eye Bridge over the Caldon Canal between Consall and Froghall. The name is thought to derive from the red-rimmed eyes of the iron ore miners (or Raddlemen) as they crossed over on their way home from work.