Barren Clough Tunnel - Derbyshire
A Hidden Gem in Derbyshire’s Industrial Heritage
Located in the heart of Derbyshire, Barren Clough Quarry and Tunnel are a fascinating piece of industrial history that has been hidden away for decades.
Considered derelict for many years and only gaining the interest of urban explorers who share their sometimes trespassing ventures on websites. Such as this 2019 Barren Clough Abandoned Tunnel article on the website “28 Days Later”.
Well.. Barren Clough Tunnel was derelict and mainly forgotten. But in 2024, certainly is no longer, due to the conservation efforts of The Roaming Rambling Team!
This disused tunnel which opened during the late 1860’s was once a vital transportation route for gritstone from Barren Clough Quarry to Bugsworth Canal Basin, where it was shipped to destinations throughout the country.
Geology and Quarry Operations
The gritstone extracted from Barren Clough Quarry is a type of sandstone that is characteristic of the Millstone Grit formation, a geological formation that runs across the Peak District National Park. This type of stone is highly prized for its durability and was used extensively in the construction of buildings, roads, and canals throughout the region. The quarry was worked from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, with peak production occurring during the 19th century.
Tramway and Incline
The tunnel was part of a larger tramway system that connected the quarry to the canal basin. The tramway was used to transport stone from the quarry to the canal, where it was loaded onto barges for transportation to other parts of the country. The tramway allowed gritstone to be hauled in large quantity to Bugsworth canal basin (pictured alongside).
Tragedy and Abandonment
Tragedy struck in the early 20th century when a tramway worker was fatally injured in the tunnel. A runaway horse had bolted, causing a waggon to collide with the worker, who was subsequently killed. A carved cross was left in the tunnel wall to mark the spot where the accident occurred, and it became a morbid curiosity for local children who would explore the abandoned tunnel.
Ferodo’s Asbestos Dumping
Online research and local recollections tells us. The quarry was later used by Ferodo, a manufacturer of car brakes, as a dumping ground for asbestos in the 1960s. This move was met with opposition from local residents, who fought against the dumping. The asbestos waste was eventually capped with spoil from the construction of the Chinley bypass in the 1980s.
Resident quote:
“When I was a child living at Crist cottages in Buxworth in the early 1950s, my brother and I would stand and watch the lorries dumping the waste over the edge into the quarry”
Conservation Efforts
In 2023, the Roaming Rambling team intervened nature’s destruction of the tunnel cutting, starting to clear back the overgrowth and halting the destruction of the tunnel.
This conservation effort has marked the beginning of a new chapter in the tunnel’s history, as the site begins to be tended to and preserved for future generations.
A Bright Future for Barren Clough Tunnel
With the Roaming Rambling team’s conservation efforts now underway, Barren Clough Tunnel is poised for a new chapter in its history. As the decay is halted and the tunnel is tended to, it’s set to become a unique and fascinating topic for history enthusiasts, industrial heritage buffs, and anyone interested in reading about the hidden gems of Derbyshire.
With its rich history and significance in the region’s industrial past, Barren Clough Tunnel has for years, attracted curious eyes across the internet.
As the tunnel’s restoration progresses. You can check back here or on facebook and YouTube to see snippets of the restoration progress.
Barren Clough Tunnel is a beloved and important part of Bugsworth and Derbyshire’s Historical heritage.
Please be aware the tunnel / cutting resides on private property. Any unauthorised access is not permitted and will be treated as trespass.
Contact roamingramblingchat@gmail.com if you would like to arrange an authorised visit. The land owner is happy for people to attend an arranged visit at pre-planned times to minimise disturbance to the tunnel and farm land.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that all images featured on our website are either in the public domain or have been legally acquired with the consent of the copyright owner. In the unlikely event that a copyright violation takes place, we appreciate any notification sent by the copyright holder via email at roamingramblingchat@gmail.com along with relevant evidence. Once received, we will conduct a thorough review and act swiftly to rectify the situation.