Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => General Chat => Topic started by: wee gaz on January 06, 2012

Title: binnian tunnel
Post by: wee gaz on January 06, 2012
dont know how to add link but:: bbc ni your place and mine , left side click Co.Down and a story about construction of 2 mile tunnel under Binnian
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: Are we there yet? on January 06, 2012
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/yourplaceandmine/down/A727328.shtml

Happy days! going there on Sunday!!  Thanks wee gaz!
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: Are we there yet? on January 06, 2012
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/yourplaceandmine/down/A727328.shtml

Happy days! going there on Sunday!!  Thanks wee gaz!
it adds more interest to the walk!  :D
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: gardener on January 06, 2012
Brilliant link, never knew about this  doing the Mourne wall walk in the spring, should make a good conversation piece around the camp fire.
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: surfnscenic on January 07, 2012
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1150.msg9976#msg9976

please see earlier thread on the topic of the Binnian Tunnel.

George
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: Fred on January 09, 2012
It used to be possible to traverse the tunnel but a few years ago a gate was installed on the Annalong side, preventing access from there. Its probably still possible to get in from the Silent valley side by lifting the steel shutter though. The tunnel is so straight that you can see the light at the other end when your eyes get accustomed to the dark.

fred
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: RedLeader on January 09, 2012
I would really love to go and at least see the Binnian Tunnel even if we can't get into it. Been saying that for years tho..
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: mregan on January 09, 2012
Wonder could I get the bike through it??  ;D
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: RedLeader on January 09, 2012
I'm thinking canoe :)

Wonder could I get the bike through it??  ;D
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: Fred on January 09, 2012
The water is usually only a few centimeters deep and there is a shallow gradient. It has been walked, cycled and surfed on an inflatable li-lo!

Fred
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: mregan on January 09, 2012
Is it open at both ends? I have a great set of Magicshine bike lights would light that tunnel up like it was day light.
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: surfnscenic on January 09, 2012
If this link works these are photos of the start of the tunnel at Annalong Valley side.

http://imageshack.us/g/4/annalong7april2011016.jpg/

and for the Silent Valley end

http://imageshack.us/g/818/silentvalley8june10031.jpg/
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: Drongo on January 09, 2012
I did it on a inflatable 'turbo tube' a load of years back that we bought in Newcastle for £5...

Back then, the Annalong side was open and the Silent Valley side had a swinging gate.

I think it's now heavily gated and bolted though and access is impossible without a large set of bolt cutters or grinder...

I remember coming out the Silent Valley side to be greeted by an Ulsterbus of Grannies on a tour of the dam...
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: mregan on January 09, 2012
Sounds class drongo.

Just my luck bolted closed. I won't be cutting it open just to pedal in a tunnel. What height is it inside. High enough to ride a bike or is it too narrow?

Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: wee gaz on January 09, 2012
would NI water give premission to members of a highly regarded AWARD WINNING WEBSITE for a wee tour ?
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: RedLeader on January 09, 2012
I like the way this man thinks.

would NI water give premission to members of a highly regarded AWARD WINNING WEBSITE for a wee tour ?
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: surfnscenic on January 09, 2012
So what about an arranged tour of the tunnel then?
Title: Re: binnian tunnel
Post by: Rumblebum on January 09, 2012
Yeah now that would be good.

I looked at one of the links that shows two photos 80 years apart, before and after the resevoir was filled up, that looked very strange as it even showed a set of buildings that must now be covered by the water.