Walking Through Cadeby Tunnel

This walk is a follow-up to the walk I did last week to Conisbrough Crags when I accidentally discovered the entrance to Cadeby Tunnel and decided to go back later with my headtorch to walk through the tunnel. It was an early start this morning at 7:20 because thunder storms were forecast for mid-afternoon - this meant that I had to cancel my daily Facebook group chat with family and friends.

It's taken me a bit of time to do some research and prepare for the visit; checking that the tunnel's not blocked at the other end and if there's easy access to footpaths at the other side, making sure my torch works and that I've got new, and replacement, batteries, and choosing appropriate footwear.

I walked along the river to Sprotbrough and went out onto the island for a change.

I bought a tea from the concession stand down by the landing stage, a sign that things are getting back to normal, I hope. I was surprised to find them serving hot foot and drinks so early in the morning - there were quite a few people around though - dogwalkers, joggers, cyclists, birdwatches, and walkers.

Even before accidentally discovering the entrance last week I was already aware of the tunnel's existence; it's only 163 yards long and so I wasn't inside for very long, even though I stopped a few times to take photographs, experimenting with the light beam from my torch, and even switching it off to see what effects I got. 

The tunnel was a bit muddy at first, but after a few steps it became dry with a level compacted surface underfoot.

I wasn't alone inside the tunnel; I didn't notice the creepy doll looking at me until I got home and started editing my photographs.

I was inside the tunnel for twice as long as I expected though because when I reached the eastern portal there were some partially broken down railings which I already knew about, and a squirrel,  but disappointingly after only being out in the cutting for a few yards my way was blocked by large concrete boulders. Further on there were active quarry workings so I had to turn around and head back into the tunnel.

Whilst looking online I also found out about another tunnel in the vicinity, a much longer tunnel, but a smaller bore, constructed to transport water from Thrybergh Reservoir to Warmsworth. It's maximum height is 6ft, and since I''m 6ft 4ins tall I'd have to stoop...and many sections are even lower than that - so I won't be wanting to explore this tunnel. 

I visited Steetley Quarry on my way back home.

Since I'd got my torch with me I went inside this short blocked-off pedestrian tunnel going under the railway line - it was made for quarry workers who lived at the now abandoned hamlet of Levitt Hagg.

There was a lot of blasting at the quarry as I was walking along here, a lot of trains  passed as well.

This rockface ought to have a name.

This tree's got a name...several others nearby have the same name as well.

The final photograph features a very noisy, large, scary vehicle that I saw up ahead on the edge of the town centre, not far from my home. It was quite near to the police station and courthouse and so it might used be for transporting criminals - I've never seen one like this before...it looked more military to me though.

UPDATE: The creepy doll I saw inside the tunnel is related to the story of the 'Mexborough Ragger'. Details here - https://paranormalhauntings.blog/2019/02/12/the-tale-of-mexborough-ragger-haunted-yorkshire/