27/05/2026. Weather calming down back to normality after the bank holiday sizzler. A small Crackleport was staying on a 'sleepover' so it would be rude not to go on one of Grandads 'secret destination adventures' This time with a picnic. Stay local that's a good idea. Revisit somewhere I haven't been since I was a young lad. Greenside railway tunnel in Pudsey. One of the entrances should still be accessible but could possibly be bricked up by H&S since my last visit. We will find out...
Backpack filled with rations (and a torch just in case we can get in.) We're off.. Down the footpath at the side of The Fox and Grapes...Smalewell Road. Pudsey. Just like the old days....A couple of hundred yards along the track and we cross a small bridge to the other side of what would have been the double railway line, heading for the old Pudsey Station The track long gone, a victim to Dr Beechins cuts way back in 1964. At this point you can look over the bridge walling and should be able to see the entrance. Well you could 50 years ago! Nature is claiming back what was once hers. Trees of a good size are now almost blocking any visibility. Let's get closer...
At this point both Mrs C and afore mentioned 'Small Crackleport' were both shouting " That's far enough!" I had to reminded them that Uncle Albert is 'Patrol Leader' so no fears, he'll find a way.
A dried up rain channel looked a possible route down. "Watch ya steps!" With a bit of nimble footwork all 3 of use were safely on the cinder track and heading tunnel bound. Despite the hot weather there was plenty of mud to slip on. This is it then, we're here. Huge steel gates, heavily padlocked suggested no through way. Small Crackleport enlightened Grandad that she was scared, Mrs Crackleport backed up the statement and said "It's far enough Albert"
Well, lets turn on the torch and point it through the gates, I seem to remember that the other end was not visible due to a bend halfway. Entering may years ago with my chums on bicycles was a danger...not from trains but all the dumped fridges and scrap that lay in the dark.
I could see the end....just...way...way in the distance. 616 yds in old money. Ah well memories can play tricks. The torch beam shone through the rails, the tunnel looked complete and the safety niches could also be seen. These gave refuge to workers as the steam trains roared through. Wow....Good old days.
Retracing our steps we headed further down the path towards Black Carr Woods and the 'Pudsey Treacle Mines' Yep, they used to mine treacle around these parts... I've attached links for both the tunnel and the treacle mines.
Didn't make it to the mines, the track was becoming more overgrown and the trees were narrowing the path. Nothing like years ago, I seem to remember it opening out onto a grassy bank...memory tricks again. Time to turn around and find a replacement picnic spot. Waterloo Park not 0.5mls away. Under the shade of a tree a grand picnic was had. Cheesy nibbles...fruit....yoghurts and Pain de chocolats.
Then onwards to Goodhalls Farm in nearby Tong for a tub of ice cream......
Greenside Tunnel Urban Explorer Link
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