Opened : ?

Closed : 1964

Engineering code : ROS

Length: 400m,

The attractive and heavily engineered GWR Wye Valley line between Chepstow and Ross has four tunnels. Due to its scenic route to the west of the Forest of Dean, a local enthusiast's group is interested in reinstating the line between Tidenham and Tintern and eventually on to Monmouth.

I parked up in Lydbrook, as from here I could access the east portal of the Symond's Yat tunnel and also the Lydbrook tunnerl. I had found earlier in the year that the west end of the Symonds Yat tunnel was bricked up, so was somewhat concerned that the albeit pleasant 2 mile walk along the River Wye would be in vain. When I got to the portal I had a pleasant surprise as the door in the brick wall was open. Strangely, there was a very recently installed Forestry Comission noticeboard right by this door, however no attempt had been made at this time to secure the tunnel. Some ageing graffiti indicated that the tunnel was blocked at the other end. The tunnel itself was built for a single track and is curved. Although the curvature is not as tight as that of tunnels such as Gelli-feelen or Torpantau, muchof the tunnel is in darkness. Measuring 19 1/2 chains long or 230 yards, the only traffic through this tunnel is an electric main and a few explorers. Lined in a mix of brick and stone, the interior is in good condition although the floor is moist in places. The rear walls of some of the refuges are unlined, exposing the country rock, which appears to be a mix of sandstone and shale. On reaching the west end, there was an amusing plaard stating that thetunnel was the properety of a nearby hotel. Unless it used to be open this end, why place the placard here?, not at the other end.