Seeing the structure in the sunshine and how beautiful it looks just underlines what a loss it will be if allowed to deteriorate to destruction. Superb filming, thank you!
Wow loved the Ariel view of the triangular junction ...you also caught in great light too so even if it does fall or is demolished you,ll always have some fabulous footage......Thanks for sharing this with us all Ant...Another great video..... Keep em coming mate..Frank & Lee...
Wonderful, back in my old stomping ground. A fantastic viaduct and the junction was a perfect triangular formation, thanks for taking us with you🏴👍
Well that was fantastic Ant. What a terrible shame the grade 2 listing was removed. It’s a crying shame to leave it to crumble. The country side was a delight I love to see all the green, we mostly have brown. Really loved that thanks for taking me along. Please stay safe
My abiding memory of the Twyford Viaduct was from 1980 when I went for a bike ride from Leicester to Stamford and back mostly via country lanes. As I had just passed the viaduct, I could see two men on motorbikes riding back and forth across the viaduct at breakneck speed and thought how incredibly dangerous such activity was. What I have only found out 43 years later is that the viaduct was much wider than I had imagined and there are walls on either side to hinder the possibility of a rather big drop if the motorbikes went off-piste. Therefore my state of angst since 1980 has been largely unjustified!
Thanks for the video, I've only just discovered it and it was very enjoyable. We do lots of walking in the area and love all of east Leicestershire. The line from Marefield Junction to Leicester was purely GNR, the joint line going south to join the LNWR at Welham and on into Market Harborough. There used to be three signalboxes on the Marefield triangle, but the southern line, enabling traffic from Leicester to go to Harborough, was removed in 1916. Unfortunately, the GN&LNWR Joint was never really a viable railway and if it hadn't been for the ironstone deposits found while it was being built, it might not even have lasted until 1953 when it closed to passengers. It was one of the early post war railway closures, well before Dr Beeching. The irony is it might now be a bit more viable as a tourist attraction, because the remote countryside it passes through is glorious and of course Melton and Harborough are both nice places to visit.
Hi thank you for this I used to go over this as a teen and a friend live in a house next to what was a bridge over the railway on the borough road, It was pronounced "Ma" or "Mar" field not as in the female horse "Mare".
I’m originally from one of the Neighbouring villages so know the area and line well. Chap I worked with for a number of years remember the local fox hunt chasing a fox over it only for the fox to jump over the edge followed by a few hounds, Maresfield junction is on a farmer friends land (the farm on the right of your drone footage) a footpath actually goes straight to the farm just explain what your up to and maybe offer a few beer monies and he will let you walk all the line to the viaduct. Heading the other way towards Lowesby that land is private estate of David Wilson the builder worth millions but goes down the local pub for a meal on pensioners day to save £2 Heading back towards Leicester and to what I would call Square Spinney tunnel (Ingarsby Tunnel) that land was once owned by my great uncle, my grandmother remembers walking dogs through it and a train coming so having to hide in a recess!! After the line closed he had tried to drive sheep through it that weren’t keen at all until they saw the light at the other end. Unfortunately it was him who had one end filled in.
Thank you for the video. I ride in that area and my favourite bridleway goes underneath that viaduct (in fact I was there earlier today). I have often wondered about scrambling up the bank to see what it's like up top.
I would often pull over on my way home as construction supervisor of the new alignment and platform construction on Market Harborough Train Station to marvel over this beautiful structure … go up the line toward Leicester and some recent DeVeg works have revealed a old bridge and a beautiful blu brick abetment ….
Absolutely fantastic, the drone work was top class mate. When I went there a couple of months back I couldn't get up to the viaduct, the route you went up by was all sealed off with new barbed wire, and there was 'private property' signs all over the place. I did get up at the bridge that you did and got some decent photos of old railway buildings, but decided to opt out of going down to the junction as there was some farm vehicles parked up, so would have probably encountered the landowner.
Most of that was filmed in February and I went back in June to get sunnier drone footage I only noticed the huge security fence when I played it back last week I'm glad I went when I did 😃
There used to be no problems in walking across the Viaduct, we did it many times. It's a shame that authority has taken that pleasure away from us, because the view is brilliant. The line over the Viaduct saw its last train in 1964 with the ending of freight services from Leicester ( Belgrave Road) to Colwick ( Nottingham).By that date all passenger services had finished leaving just a sparse daily freight train.
@@kennethcarter5720 Not necessarily. Sometimes the route still belongs to BR Property Board or whatever the current name is, sometimes it reverts back to the original landowner/farmer and sometimes it is sold on to a third party. It just depends really but best to assume it's private unless its obviously not.
I love this one in particular. Born and raised a Leicester lad I now live within walking distance of the Great Central line that once was. South of Leicester. Personally acquainted with someone who lives in a former station masters house on that line. The music in this vid is brilliant. I would love to know what it is. Please, please share what and who by. 'Shazam' is struggling to find an exact match.
Send in the drone to get a better idea of what's going on - fantastic shot of the triangle, better than if you walked it!!!!!😅 What a loss to see that fine edifice crumble away, it looks magnificent and enhances the countryside😢😭 Good to see J again, even if it was six months ago!!!!!!👍🏻
Yes if we aren't allowed somewhere then send in the drone 😂 It's been security fenced off since so no going back. She'll be back soon I did one with her two weeks ago 😃
Lovely upload,the spalling on the viaduct is shocking ,but not beyond hope if the dosh was forthcoming ,i remember Ribblehead was "beyond repair" but look at it now ,good to see the track bed is still intact also
Another great video, Ant. It's a shame that the viaduct was listed in 1985,and delisted in 1999. So many viaducts have been demolished, it's pure vandalism to let them deteriorate to a state that they have to be destroyed.
Just found your page and look forward to watching all the vids. I use that railway line from the viaduct to the junction and beyond for motorcycle sport called trials inwhich we use the banks and hold events on that peice of land about 15 times a year. Motorcycle sport has been used there since the 70's and I've got a photo of my dad on the viaduct on his motorbike. It's called Riley's railway as it's owned by the Riley family and the farm is in throwing distance to the viaduct. Inbetween the viaduct and triangle triangular junction the line widens and there's alittle brick workman's hut at once once a big sidings. Great video's well done
Hello thank you for all that information 🙂 Is the section between the Viaduct and junction walkable or properly private? I've read About a good culvert under Marefield junction too. Thank you for watching 🙂
@@TrekkingExploration Hi yes it's perfectly easy to get to and is a ten minute walk. You'll come across a gate then when through it you'll notice how wide it gets and see the workman's blue brick hut which was in the middle of the Sidings. The hut is about 10x8 and although no roof the wooden beans still remain. It's private property and I no the farmer but from walking the viaduct to the junction will only take half a hour maximum so you'll be fine. Yes the culvert is there and is easily accessible. I've been through with my torch and isn't to deep with water. Hopefully you can visit and film for others to see. I also know the other two bits of the triangular junction which is a impressive site to see. If you do go let me know and I'll come along and show you how to get to the other bits and the culvert. Regards Olly
Excellent vid as usual Ant. Looking at the brickwork I get the impression that the whole structure may have been blue originally but lots of the brick facings have dropped off over the years leaving it as it looks today. How can it be private property? Bloody farmers pushing their boundaries again, grrrr.
It's been completely fenced off since I went in February. I went back to get drone footage on a sunny day in June and you can see the fence has gone up at the end I'm stood at so I got there Just in time 😀
It's probably the worst I have come across. The drone was shot in February and I went back in June for the sunny shots. Both day's the wind was wild it just do the structure no good
If it does go it'll have lasted longer than its cousin down at East Norton - that was demolished in 2001 with a decent amount of TNT (some terrible RUclips footage remains I think). Would definitely be sad to lose both of them, although it might be a bit too far out "in the sticks" for a Sustrans rejuvenation project. Sad really. Having been there myself the drone shots make it look even more spectacular than I remember it being!
Great video as usual, it'll be a shame if this viaduct does go but if it's neglected for long enough to be considered a danger, then it will be demolished. The trouble is, it costs to maintain it and all most people can see is a mountain of hardcore, not the history it represents.
Thanks, found that very interesting, sad it will fall down, but just where can you find the investment to repair it? At least you have documented it with the excellent drone footage.
Was in Oakham yesterday ! If only I'd known. Will take a look on next trip. If it is private it looks like the owner is just waiting for it to drop, a shame if that's so.
what a splendid viaduct it should have not been left to get in this state this is our heritage what the Victorians built this should be repaired now before it falls down and the line reopened PLEASE ACT NOW
You didn’t mention in the video why it’s called the John o Gaunt, assuming there’s a story behind it. Didn’t take the local farmers long to reclaim the land from the railways did it. Have to wonder about the one who seems to be using the viaduct as a shortcut, hope he’s got good insurance.
It should not be demolished, it should be repaired, it is part of railway history. It could be reopened, it could link towns and cities better than the over expensive hs2
Seeing the structure in the sunshine and how beautiful it looks just underlines what a loss it will be if allowed to deteriorate to destruction. Superb filming, thank you!
A beautiful structure. Pray it never goes the way of east Norton viaduct just a few miles south on this line.
Wow loved the Ariel view of the triangular junction ...you also caught in great light too so even if it does fall or is demolished you,ll always have some fabulous footage......Thanks for sharing this with us all Ant...Another great video..... Keep em coming mate..Frank & Lee...
How beautiful. What a waste of such magnificent architecture. More please!
Wonderful, back in my old stomping ground. A fantastic viaduct and the junction was a perfect triangular formation, thanks for taking us with you🏴👍
Glad you enjoyed it. Ive also done east Norton & Ingarsby Tunnels too :)
Thanks for the video and chat. It’s a shame the viaduct was to disrepair. Cheers Ant!
Good coverage of a forgotten railway and landscape feature.
Well that was fantastic Ant. What a terrible shame the grade 2 listing was removed. It’s a crying shame to leave it to crumble. The country side was a delight I love to see all the green, we mostly have brown. Really loved that thanks for taking me along. Please stay safe
Beautiful viaduct. Glad you've recorded it for posterity even if it later gets demolished.
Thank you for watching 🙂
It's in a sorry condition I'm glad I got there when I did.
My abiding memory of the Twyford Viaduct was from 1980 when I went for a bike ride from Leicester to Stamford and back mostly via country lanes. As I had just passed the viaduct, I could see two men on motorbikes riding back and forth across the viaduct at breakneck speed and thought how incredibly dangerous such activity was. What I have only found out 43 years later is that the viaduct was much wider than I had imagined and there are walls on either side to hinder the possibility of a rather big drop if the motorbikes went off-piste. Therefore my state of angst since 1980 has been largely unjustified!
Thanks for the video, I've only just discovered it and it was very enjoyable. We do lots of walking in the area and love all of east Leicestershire.
The line from Marefield Junction to Leicester was purely GNR, the joint line going south to join the LNWR at Welham and on into Market Harborough.
There used to be three signalboxes on the Marefield triangle, but the southern line, enabling traffic from Leicester to go to Harborough, was removed in 1916.
Unfortunately, the GN&LNWR Joint was never really a viable railway and if it hadn't been for the ironstone deposits found while it was being built, it might not even have lasted until 1953 when it closed to passengers. It was one of the early post war railway closures, well before Dr Beeching.
The irony is it might now be a bit more viable as a tourist attraction, because the remote countryside it passes through is glorious and of course Melton and Harborough are both nice places to visit.
Hi thank you for this I used to go over this as a teen and a friend live in a house next to what was a bridge over the railway on the borough road,
It was pronounced "Ma" or "Mar" field not as in the female horse "Mare".
Thank you Ant. Yes, hopefully it can be saved for future generations to enjoy.
I’m originally from one of the Neighbouring villages so know the area and line well. Chap I worked with for a number of years remember the local fox hunt chasing a fox over it only for the fox to jump over the edge followed by a few hounds, Maresfield junction is on a farmer friends land (the farm on the right of your drone footage) a footpath actually goes straight to the farm just explain what your up to and maybe offer a few beer monies and he will let you walk all the line to the viaduct.
Heading the other way towards Lowesby that land is private estate of David Wilson the builder worth millions but goes down the local pub for a meal on pensioners day to save £2
Heading back towards Leicester and to what I would call Square Spinney tunnel (Ingarsby Tunnel) that land was once owned by my great uncle, my grandmother remembers walking dogs through it and a train coming so having to hide in a recess!! After the line closed he had tried to drive sheep through it that weren’t keen at all until they saw the light at the other end. Unfortunately it was him who had one end filled in.
Thank you from New Zealand a very interesting video loved the drone shots thanks again
Thank you for the video. I ride in that area and my favourite bridleway goes underneath that viaduct (in fact I was there earlier today). I have often wondered about scrambling up the bank to see what it's like up top.
first of all Ant, i loved the music to this,, as for the Viaduct, its stunning.another well done video. :-) xx
I would often pull over on my way home as construction supervisor of the new alignment and platform construction on Market Harborough Train Station to marvel over this beautiful structure … go up the line toward Leicester and some recent DeVeg works have revealed a old bridge and a beautiful blu brick abetment ….
Absolutely fantastic, the drone work was top class mate. When I went there a couple of months back I couldn't get up to the viaduct, the route you went up by was all sealed off with new barbed wire, and there was 'private property' signs all over the place. I did get up at the bridge that you did and got some decent photos of old railway buildings, but decided to opt out of going down to the junction as there was some farm vehicles parked up, so would have probably encountered the landowner.
Most of that was filmed in February and I went back in June to get sunnier drone footage I only noticed the huge security fence when I played it back last week I'm glad I went when I did 😃
@@TrekkingExploration I think I was there around that time. Have you got a vid of East Norton and Ingarsby Tunnels in the pipeline?
Yes I've just started on that one. Probably be done for next week ☺️
@@TrekkingExploration Nice one!! We've got to do Toft Tunnel, don't forget.
Can only echo what everyone else has said. So sad it’s been left to the ravages of time and the elements. Another great production pal.
That wind is ever present when I have been it's wearing it away. Thank you for watching and commenting 🙂
There used to be no problems in walking across the Viaduct, we did it many times. It's a shame that authority has taken that pleasure away from us, because the view is brilliant. The line over the Viaduct saw its last train in 1964 with the ending of freight services from Leicester ( Belgrave Road) to Colwick ( Nottingham).By that date all passenger services had finished leaving just a sparse daily freight train.
This structure and the route it serves should be saved for reopening. Great footage, again the structure looks in a poor state.
Can you not walk old railways. I thought they were available to use as footpaths and cycling ways
@@kennethcarter5720 Not necessarily. Sometimes the route still belongs to BR Property Board or whatever the current name is, sometimes it reverts back to the original landowner/farmer and sometimes it is sold on to a third party. It just depends really but best to assume it's private unless its obviously not.
I love this one in particular. Born and raised a Leicester lad I now live within walking distance of the Great Central line that once was. South of Leicester. Personally acquainted with someone who lives in a former station masters house on that line.
The music in this vid is brilliant. I would love to know what it is. Please, please share what and who by. 'Shazam' is struggling to find an exact match.
Great film Ant👍
Thank you John 🙂
Send in the drone to get a better idea of what's going on - fantastic shot of the triangle, better than if you walked it!!!!!😅 What a loss to see that fine edifice crumble away, it looks magnificent and enhances the countryside😢😭 Good to see J again, even if it was six months ago!!!!!!👍🏻
Yes if we aren't allowed somewhere then send in the drone 😂
It's been security fenced off since so no going back.
She'll be back soon I did one with her two weeks ago 😃
Lovely upload,the spalling on the viaduct is shocking ,but not beyond hope if the dosh was forthcoming ,i remember Ribblehead was "beyond repair" but look at it now ,good to see the track bed is still intact also
It would be nice, I never found out why the Grade 2 listing was removed 😟
Thank you for watching 🙂
@@TrekkingExploration They probably saw the bill to restore it lol
Another great video, Ant. It's a shame that the viaduct was listed in 1985,and delisted in 1999.
So many viaducts have been demolished, it's pure vandalism to let them deteriorate to a state that they have to be destroyed.
It's a strange thing that it got removed in 1999. I couldn't find anything else on that.
Thanks for watching and the kind comment 😊
Just found your page and look forward to watching all the vids. I use that railway line from the viaduct to the junction and beyond for motorcycle sport called trials inwhich we use the banks and hold events on that peice of land about 15 times a year. Motorcycle sport has been used there since the 70's and I've got a photo of my dad on the viaduct on his motorbike. It's called Riley's railway as it's owned by the Riley family and the farm is in throwing distance to the viaduct. Inbetween the viaduct and triangle triangular junction the line widens and there's alittle brick workman's hut at once once a big sidings. Great video's well done
Hello thank you for all that information 🙂
Is the section between the Viaduct and junction walkable or properly private?
I've read About a good culvert under Marefield junction too. Thank you for watching 🙂
@@TrekkingExploration Hi yes it's perfectly easy to get to and is a ten minute walk. You'll come across a gate then when through it you'll notice how wide it gets and see the workman's blue brick hut which was in the middle of the Sidings. The hut is about 10x8 and although no roof the wooden beans still remain. It's private property and I no the farmer but from walking the viaduct to the junction will only take half a hour maximum so you'll be fine. Yes the culvert is there and is easily accessible. I've been through with my torch and isn't to deep with water. Hopefully you can visit and film for others to see. I also know the other two bits of the triangular junction which is a impressive site to see. If you do go let me know and I'll come along and show you how to get to the other bits and the culvert. Regards Olly
What a Lovely Viaduct - shame it isn't used any more 🙁🚂🚂🚂
A magnificent structure, brick built with sweat and labour, abandoned with the stroke of a pen!
It really is. It's so sad to see how they become. Thank you for watching
Beautiful structure...... and music
It Is isn't it? Thanks for watching too 😀
Excellent vid as usual Ant. Looking at the brickwork I get the impression that the whole structure may have been blue originally but lots of the brick facings have dropped off over the years leaving it as it looks today. How can it be private property? Bloody farmers pushing their boundaries again, grrrr.
It's been completely fenced off since I went in February. I went back to get drone footage on a sunny day in June and you can see the fence has gone up at the end I'm stood at so I got there Just in time 😀
Got to see this little gem while n donny today
Such a shame a marvel of engineering is in such a state
The drone footage is excellent
It's probably the worst I have come across. The drone was shot in February and I went back in June for the sunny shots. Both day's the wind was wild it just do the structure no good
If it does go it'll have lasted longer than its cousin down at East Norton - that was demolished in 2001 with a decent amount of TNT (some terrible RUclips footage remains I think). Would definitely be sad to lose both of them, although it might be a bit too far out "in the sticks" for a Sustrans rejuvenation project. Sad really. Having been there myself the drone shots make it look even more spectacular than I remember it being!
Great video as usual, it'll be a shame if this viaduct does go but if it's neglected for long enough to be considered a danger, then it will be demolished. The trouble is, it costs to maintain it and all most people can see is a mountain of hardcore, not the history it represents.
The wind it always seems to put up with can't do it much good. It's been strong all three times I've been 😟
Great video I’m inspired 😎
Thanks 👍
Thanks, found that very interesting, sad it will fall down, but just where can you find the investment to repair it? At least you have documented it with the excellent drone footage.
Was in Oakham yesterday ! If only I'd known. Will take a look on next trip. If it is private it looks like the owner is just waiting for it to drop, a shame if that's so.
It does feel like it's a waiting game 😟
I think similar happened at East Norton nearby
what a splendid viaduct it should have not been left to get in this state this is our heritage what the Victorians built this should be repaired now before it falls down and the line reopened PLEASE ACT NOW
It Is a beauty I agree and I'm unsure why the Grade 2 listing was revoked 😟
Thank you for watching 🙂
You didn’t mention in the video why it’s called the John o Gaunt, assuming there’s a story behind it. Didn’t take the local farmers long to reclaim the land from the railways did it. Have to wonder about the one who seems to be using the viaduct as a shortcut, hope he’s got good insurance.
It's because John O' Gaunt village and the now-disused station is just before the viaduct.
Star turn yet again 👍
7:55 Route to the right goes to Leicester Belgrave Road ... route to the left goes to many places but primarily to Peterborough and to Mkt Harborough.
I've visited both routes since. Ingarsby Tunnel before Leicester and East Norton the other way 👍
WOW That is in a sorry state. Leics council don't care about these types of buildings. I used to live in Leicestershire and I am glad I have moved on.
It should not be demolished, it should be repaired, it is part of railway history. It could be reopened, it could link towns and cities better than the over expensive hs2
The viaduct is someone's private property? And "local farmers" have the right to close off a disused track bed? I'm confused.
No sign…You should’ve crossed it…nobody would’ve minded…Sometimes one has to push the boundaries a bit.