The Bishop’s Stortford to Braintree branch line was closed in 1972 and has somewhat of an interesting history. Some argue that the line was simply opened to prevent other train companies of the time from getting a foothold in the east however due to mismanagement and dwindling passenger numbers, the line was eventually absorbed by the then Great Easten Railway until it met it’s fate with the axeman in the 70’s. Currently Braintree is the only surviving operational station. All others have either been lost in time or restored (such as Rayne and Bannister Green Halt). It’s the hottest day of the year so far, so come with me as we cycle along part of the old track bed which is now a trailway called the Flitch Way.
Braintree
We start in a modern day train station car park in Braintree and the terminus of the Braintree-Witham branch line.
Starting off along the Flitch way now, it’s relatively flat as you would expect with the odd bridge over the roads being the only exception. A familiar sight along these sorts of walks is the lush canopy that the trees create over the path. We come across our first tunnel and bridge on the route. Along this route you will find plenty of information boards with a history of the line along with an approximate position marker at the top.
Rayne
After 2 miles we come to our first station, Rayne. It’s at Rayne you can just about glimpse a tiny bit of original rail still embedded into the path. The station building is well looked after and has been turned into a cafe, serving refreshments on most weekends (Being the hotest day of the year, this was like a mirage coming into view knowing cold water was nearby). The station also has a tiny museum of railway artifacts housed inside the static carriage.
Heading westward again onto Bannister Green Halt, we pass further tunnels and bridges which are now blocked off to ground traffic.
Bannister Green Halt
Finally we arrive at Bannister Green Halt where the adventure ends today. The halt itself is tiny but has been lovingly restored.
