Nestled in the Scottish Borders is the charming town of Peebles, which is popular amongst tourists headed to the south of the country.
Among its highlights are the ruins of Cross Kirk, its yearly Beltane festival, and the Peebles Hydro hotel, which originally opened in 1881 to provide water cures and hydrotherapy remedies to visitors.
Neidpath Castle is another popular attraction around one mile west of the town. Overlooking the River Tweed, the unspoilt 14th century keep can be viewed by appointment and even booked out for events.
Many visitors to the castle may not know, however, that there is a mysterious tunnel just a short walk away.
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The Neidpath Tunnel, also referred to as the 'half-mile tunnel' by locals, is an almost half-mile-long abandoned train tunnel that first opened in 1864.
The brick-lined tunnel was constructed by contractor William Scott, as part of the Peebles-Symington 'extension line'. Over 600 yards in length, it was built beneath the South Park Wood to emerge within sight of Peebles.
The line from Peebles to Symington in South Lanarkshire closed to the public on June 5, 1950. It continued to transport goods for a few more years, though it ceased all operations in 1954.
Since then, the tunnel, as well as the nearby Neidpath Viaduct, has been open to the public as a footpath.
Neidpath Castle and the Tweed walk is a popular route amongst hikers and walkers, with the tunnel and viaduct being its most notable features along with the castle.
The tunnel in particular has long been a favourite of local youngsters and thrill-seekers due to its ominous and foreboding appearance. From outside, the entrance is pitch-black even in the middle of the day.
Those who are brave enough to venture into the tunnel will soon learn that there are no light sources whatsoever. Once you reach halfway, neither the entrance or exit will be visible, leaving you in complete darkness.
For this reason, it is highly recommended that those planning to venture to the tunnel take a flashlight or a torch so that they can see where they are going once inside.
Even if you don't plan to journey into the darkness, the Neidpath Tunnel and surrounding sights are well worth a trip.
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