Tunnels - Banbury-Cheltenham Railway

[Richard Wright]

Hello everybody,

Can anyone provide details of the current status of the tunnels at
Chipping Norton, Hook Norton and Sandywell Park (Andoversford)? I'm
hoping to explore this line in the New Year, and would be interested to
know in advance the current use for the tunnels, and if there's any
chance any of them might be open for walking.


Richard.

[John Mann]

Post by Richard Wright
Hello everybody,
Can anyone provide details of the current status of the tunnels at
Chipping Norton, Hook Norton and Sandywell Park (Andoversford)? I'm
hoping to explore this line in the New Year, and would be interested to
know in advance the current use for the tunnels, and if there's any
chance any of them might be open for walking.
Richard.

Hook Norton
After being open both ends since the 1960s, new doors recently fitted.
They are of substantial construction and so it looks as though it will
be some time till someone gets them open. However, both ends of the
tunnel are in a public nature reserve and well worth a visit. The
landslide that ultimately closed the line can still be seen at the
western end. The eastern end has a completely different atmosphere and
there have been many landslides here since the line closed. The pillars
of the two viaducts nearby are also well worth a visit. There is a short
narrow gauge tunnel near Hook Norton Station as well.

Chipping Norton
Occasionally open at the far (Banbury) end, but I understand it is not
open at the moment. In any case, you should not visit during the winter
months for fear of disturbing the hibernating bats. Very wet inside with
some impressive calcite formations.

Sandywell Park
Haven't been there for some time, I think it is still (like Hook Norton
and Chipping Norton) in BR ownership. It was at one time (and may still
be) used as a store for the nearby estate

John.