By Gary Lemal
In a rare landmark event for local heritage, the historic Greenside Tunnel in Pudsey is set to reopen its gates to the public as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days weekend this September.
This marks the first time in two decades that the tunnel has been officially open for visitors to explore.
This free event is on Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September, between 2pm and 4pm each day, the gate at the Western end of the tunnel will be opened, allowing members of the public to walk through the impressive structure and back.
Originally closed along with the railway line in the 1960s, Greenside Tunnel became a legendary local landmark and a famous rite-of-passage for generations of Pudsey youth who ventured into its depths. The tunnel was formally gated roughly 20 years ago for safety and security, keeping its historic interior hidden from view until now.
Measuring 615 yards in length, the curved tunnel possesses unique architectural and optical characteristics.
Built wide enough to accommodate two passing steam trains, the tunnel features original safety refuges built into the masonry walls where railway workers once stood as trains passed.
A capped air shaft remains located approximately 100 metres in from the Western portal. Due to its distinct curvature, visitors sticking to the outside of the curve can continuously see the light at the far end; however, those walking along the inside of the curve will experience a striking moment where neither end of the tunnel is visible.
The Greenside Greenway Community Interest Organisation has organised this event, with thanks to the Historic Railways Estate.
Visitor information
Dates & Times: Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September, 2pm-4pm.
Location / Starting Point: Footpath adjacent to the Fox & Grapes public house, Smalewell Road, Pudsey, LS28 8HU.
Admission: Free.
Directions: Visitors are advised to walk down the footpath to the side of the Fox & Grapes public house on Smalewell Road, Pudsey, LS28 8HU. After 200m they will arrive on a bridge over the disused railway line, looking to the left the tunnel portal is visible. To access the tunnel you will need to continue a little further along the path before walking across to the track bed and then passing under the bridge to reach the tunnel entrance.
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