(Photos 2, 5 & 7 © Phill Davison, photos 4 & 6 © Dylan Hayes)

The Midland's eight-mile route from Royston Junction to Thornhill Junction was conceived as part of an alternative, shorter main line into Scotland via Leeds and Bradford. Costs got in the way and the scheme was curtailed - the line ending at Savile Town goods yard in Dewsbury with a connection made to the Lancashire & Yorkshire's line at Middlestown Junction.

To the east of Crigglestone goods station, the line passed through a ridge courtesy of a curved 250-yard tunnel. This is lined throughout in blue engineering brick and numerous refuges are provided on both sides.

Opened in 1905, this section of line closed in August 1968 and the track was lifted the following year. Since then, the eastern approach cutting has been infilled and the concrete wall erected at the portal. The extant western entrance has a wonderful presence and, during winter months, can be glimsed by southbound traffic on the M1, just after Junction 39.

Inside, the tunnel is wet with mineral deposits adorning the walls.

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