[Luggy]

Lydgate tunnel lies between Grotton and Grasscroft.

The 'Delph Donkey' was the nickname given to a 'push-pull' LNWR (London North Western Railway) branch line which
opened in 1849 to connect Oldham, Greenfield and Delph to the main Huddersfield to Manchester line.
However, the line to Greenfield Junction from Mumps and the stations at Lees,
Grotton and Grasscroft opened on 5th July 1856. The line was the brainwave of James Lees of Delph,
a mill owner, who pressured LNWR for it's construction.

The route started at Oldham Clegg Street.
The next stop was Oldham Glodwick Road before it's route to Lees.

It's at the intersection of Station Street that the train would have passed under Oldham Road.

If you follow the bridlepath today, you are able to walk the route the train would have taken before it's next stop,
Grotton & Springhead Station.

Just past here the trian would have entered the West portal of Lydgate tunnel.

At the East portal point of Lydgate tunnel, little can be seen due to overgrown vegetation.
The next stop would be Grasscroft Halt before joining the main line to Greenfield.

Bit of a jinx this Tunnel, on my first visit two years ago i sliced my hand on the palisade. Next trip my new lens failed to focus in manual on the infinity setting. and today heavy mist curtailed long tunnel pics.

[Ojay]

Nice, but it's proper damp inside.

That shot of the shaft is good to see, I kept getting water on my lens so gave up

[Morrisey]

As Ojay says that pic of the airshaft is spot on.

[The-Village-Idiot]

I like the look of this place, makes a nice change from all the tiny culverts I've been doing.

[Gibbo]

Nice, I love old rail tunnels. Its amazing how many there are.