Stalactite tunnel in Derbyshire

Roderick · Dec 12, 2020

This was a with permission trip and it's extremely delicate so it's exact location must remain hidden.
There are two limestone quarries linked by a tunnel, now disused. Over the tunnel was a gypsum dump making the water which filters through it very rich in minerals so stalactites grow in a few years instead of the usual millennia
The effect is truly spectacular, There is supposed to be something even bigger somewhere near Harpur hill but I've not yet found that one.

HughieD · Dec 12, 2020

Those pictures and the place really are stunning...

Roderick · Dec 13, 2020

HughieD said:
Those pictures and the place really are stunning...

Thank you, looking at your posts I can see we have similar tastes in travel destinations and leisure activities. lol

HughieD · Dec 13, 2020

Roderick said:
Thank you, looking at your posts I can see we have similar tastes in travel destinations and leisure activities. lol

Always Nice to meet like-minded people!

Derelictman7 · Dec 13, 2020

Roderick said:
This was a with permission trip and it's extremely delicate so it's exact location must remain hidden.
There are two limestone quarries linked by a tunnel, now disused. Over the tunnel was a gypsum dump making the water which filters through it very rich in minerals so stalactites grow in a few years instead of the usual millennia
The effect is truly spectacular, There is supposed to be something even bigger somewhere near Harpur hill but I've not yet found that one.View attachment 504596 View attachment 504597 View attachment 504598 View attachment 504599 View attachment 504600 View attachment 504600 View attachment 504602

These are fantastic...

clive · Dec 14, 2020

Wow,what beautiful photographs.They probably don't do the cavern justice.Must have been a spectacular sight.Derbyshire is one of the finest counties in the country.Love it.

Roderick · Dec 14, 2020

clive said:
Wow,what beautiful photographs.They probably don't do the cavern justice.Must have been a spectacular sight.Derbyshire is one of the finest counties in the country.Love it.

You are quite right, you don't really get an idea of the scale but the tunnel was made for quarry machines and lorries to drive through..

Muddy Wader · Dec 14, 2020

Roderick said:
This was a with permission trip and it's extremely delicate so it's exact location must remain hidden.
There are two limestone quarries linked by a tunnel, now disused. Over the tunnel was a gypsum dump making the water which filters through it very rich in minerals so stalactites grow in a few years instead of the usual millennia
The effect is truly spectacular, There is supposed to be something even bigger somewhere near Harpur hill but I've not yet found that one.View attachment 504596 View attachment 504597 View attachment 504598 View attachment 504599 View attachment 504600 View attachment 504600 View attachment 504602

WOW! Fantastic photos. What a magical place. I can't wait to show my pal.

Gripper66 · Dec 14, 2020

Impressive, and a special place. Well done with the photos.

Diyduffer · Dec 15, 2020

Wow, very beautiful.
I guess with a high level of Gypsum makes the water an irritant. There is also a possibity of hydrogen sulphide gas as gypsum breaks down. Keep safe..

Roderick · Dec 15, 2020

Diyduffer said:
Wow, very beautiful.
I guess with a high level of Gypsum makes the water an irritant. There is also a possibity of hydrogen sulphide gas as gypsum breaks down. Keep safe..

It's a fairly short tunnel, well ventilated so H2S not an issue, it didn't irritate my wellies lol. A good general warning for folks though. I always borrow a gas analyzer if I go in any doubtful soughs..

Rollo5014 · Dec 29, 2020

That looks really beautiful. You're right to keep the location secret. When I used to go caving in Derbyshire in the 60s and 70s there were a few interesting chambers similar to that but, sadly, they have mostly been destroyed by careless people or vandalism.

Roderick · Dec 29, 2020

Rollo5014 said:
That looks really beautiful. You're right to keep the location secret. When I used to go caving in Derbyshire in the 60s and 70s there were a few interesting chambers similar to that but, sadly, they have mostly been destroyed by careless people or vandalism.

Yes and increasingly in the last couple of years mineral collectors (sellers on ebay) are even chipping big lumps out of cave decorations just to see if there is anything underneath they might be able to sell.

levo · Oct 18, 2024

WOW !!! that is absolutely stunning

night crawler · Oct 18, 2024

That is quite spectacular to look at it must have been amazing in to witness as you did

BikinGlynn · Oct 18, 2024

Must of missed this one, cracking bit of tites there @Roderick

Hayman · Oct 19, 2024

Roderick said:
It's a fairly short tunnel, well ventilated so H2S not an issue, it didn't irritate my wellies lol. A good general warning for folks though. I always borrow a gas analyzer if I go in any doubtful soughs..

In a hundred years' time may people will be exploring derelict HS2 tunnels? !!

night crawler · Oct 23, 2024

Hayman said:
In a hundred years' time may people will be exploring derelict HS2 tunnels? !!

My son is already in them and they are still building them

djrich · Oct 24, 2024

Superb.

Hayman · Oct 24, 2024

night crawler said:
My son is already in them and they are still building them

Has he a 'job for life' ? With all the changes the politicians are forcing on HS2, how many half-built tunnels will there be to find in the future? London has plenty of abandoned underground lines.

Stalactite tunnel in Derbyshire

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