Secret UK ‘underground city’ with labyrinth of tunnels and rivers that run beneath a train station opens to the public
TOURS are now available of a secret network of rivers located under a major UK city.
However, adventure-seekers will want to be quick as tickets are selling out fast.
The Sheaf & Porter Rivers Trust have officialled launched its summer Megatron tours, which run for 16 weeks.
These tours will be run by volunteers, who will take explorers on twice-daily trips around Sheffield’s underground.
Dating back to the mid-1800s, the Megatron is a large maze of tunnels located under various parts of the city, including the railway station, BBC Sheffield, the Sheffield Archives, and Red Tape Studios.
The extravagent system was originally constructed to contain the overflow from the rivers Sheaf, Porter, and the Don.
However, the system of rivers eventually became polluted and even covered over the years.
Now, the Trust is working to uncover and restore these historic features, even taking those who dare venture into the depths of the Megatron on tours in order to fund the project.
On these tours, volunteers share their passion for the ecology of the city’s waterways and other interesting facts as they guide you on the two-mile water walk.
Ticket prices help to fund everything from river clean-ups to the installation of “light wells”, which cast some light onto the hidden rivers for the first time in 150 years.
If you’re looking to participate, make sure you have the proper attire before you embark on this underground adventure.
Varying water depths throughout the tour mean waders and sturdy footwear are recommend.
You will also want to be fairly agile for this experience, with lots to navigate, from slippery algae-covered rocks to tight gaps that require crouching.
This tour also provides glimpses into the city’s industrial past, with aged grindstones, crucible caps, even some tools found along the way.
You may also spot some stalactiteshanging from the tunnels, but make sure you don’t touch these.
And Broad Street West, the culvert transforms into a large single looming arch, named “Megatron” by urban explorers.
The name was chosen in response to Manchester’s “Optimus Prime” culvert, both of which took inspiration from after the comic and movie series “Transformers”.
While the first section of the culvert is built from huge stone blocks from the old Castlefolds Wholesale Market, a shorter stretch of blue brick under Exchange Street was built around 1890 to serve as a ramp for electric trams travelling from Rotherham to central Sheffield.
You may also spot some wildlife on your tour, with a variety of birds, invertebrates, and even the Daubenton’s bat taking up residence.
The public is advised that points of the water can reach chest height on this tour, with rainfall impacting both the current and depth.
While the Sheaf and Porter River Trust Megatron Tour has sold out for July, more information on ticket releases for August and September can be found here.