Glenfield Tunnel West Entrance Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Antheia: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.

Please avoid geolitter by removing any remaining traces of your cache or contact a local cacher to do so for you. If you are having difficulty doing so then please contact me via my profile and I will try to get someone to assist. This is particularly important if your cache appears to contain Travelbugs or Geocoins.

Please do not e mail me in case I do not recieve it.

Regards

Yvonne
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A cache by Elz Message this owner
Hidden : 1/3/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


This nano cache (take a pen!) takes you to the Glenfield Tunnel West Entrance.

The path is muddy and slippery in the wet, one side slopes down the embankment to the tunnel entrance gates and on the other side is a large flight of uneven steps. Most of the path is narrow, uneven and unsurfaced and very popular with dog walkers. Wheelchairs/pushchairs might be able to access this cache from the south side, but it's not an ideal path. No bikes allowed. There is no access to the cache from Stephenson Court.

The East Entrance has been filled in and built on. There are 11 ventilation shafts still existing and are classed as listed buildings, but only a few are accessible as the majority are in private gardens, so please do not trespass!

Two accessible ventilation shafts:
1. Corner of Dillon Road and Stenson Road, Leicester
2. Corner of A563 New Parks Boulevard and Kemps Road, Leicester
Further details on the listed ventilation shafts can be found at: (visit link)

South end of path on Loxley Road: 52° 39.156 W 001° 11.795
Parking at North end of path on Leicester Road: N 52° 39.342 W 001° 11.488

History of the Leicester and Swannington Railway:

It was the very first railway to be opened in the Midlands. Robert Stevenson was contracted as chief engineer. From a station and coal wharf alongside the Soar Navigation at West Bridge on the west side of the Fosse Way in Leicester, it headed northwards for about a mile, before passing through the one-mile 36 yard long tunnel at Glenfield, (the longest in England at that time) to the valley of the Rothley Brook. It proceeded about five miles to Desford, then swung north west towards Bagworth. Then the line passed through a cutting at Battleflat before reaching Bardon Hill and on to Long Lane where new collieries were opened. Beyond Long Lane the railway descended to the existing coal mines at Swannington. The track was single throughout and suffered from a height restriction through Glenfield tunnel and locos used had to have low cab roofs and chimneys. Midland Railway built a batch of 6-wheel coaches of lower height and 4 inches narrower than normal to work through. They also had bars over their windows so that passengers could not lean out when going through the tunnel.

The inaugural run took place on 17th July 1832. The first engine was called ‘Comet’ and to get it to Leicester it had to be transported by sea and canal. The rolling stock had to be specially converted to take the 400 passengers. There was only one mishap, which occurred when the train’s chimney stack struck the roof of the newly constructed Glenfield Tunnel. Glenfield tunnel was only the second tunnel on a passenger railway in the world. It proved an attraction for the inquisitive and had to be fitted with gates.

Passenger trains on the stub to Leicester (West Bridge) ended in September 1928, although coal and oil traffic continued until 29 April 1966.

****CONGRATULATIONS TO RATCLIFFE - FTF!!!!*****

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fgnaq ybbxvat ng gur ghaary ragenapr, gura ybbx 1 srapr frpgvba hc gur fgrcf. Zntargvp hc uvtu.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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