In a first for this blog, we’re visiting a heritage narrow gauge railway in North Devon; the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway which is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2023! Closed in 1935, volunteers have reinstated a 2 mile return journey from Woody Bay to Killington Lane. It’s an ambitious project with the aim of restoring […]
Author: Andrew Brooke-Reid
The Tarka Trail – Barnstaple to Torrington
Today we’re cycling a section of the North Devon Railway, specifically the Bideford extension railway from Barnstaple to Torrington. Passenger services along this line were withdrawn in 1965 although freight services continued until the eventual complete closure in the 80’s. Fortunately through preservation efforts of volunteers, there is almost something remaining for all stations along […]
Bishop’s Stortford, Dunmow and Braintree Railway – Braintree to Bannister Green Halt
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 Bluebell Railway
The Bluebell Railway along with the Watercress Line at Mid Hants were staple railways of my childhood. The last time I came here was around 10 years ago and its great to be back. What made it all the more special is that this was actually a treat for my birthday weekend with my Mum […]
Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust
While in the region of the Northampton and Lamport railway, just a stones throw away from it is the Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust. This place it tiny, with a small museum, loco shed and small demonstration line. It does however have the odd few gems at the time of my visit. For example, this place […]
Northampton and Lamport Railway
Its Easter time and we’re at the Northampton and Lamport Railway in Northamptonshire. It’s currently quite a short railway with only a single station at Pitsford and Brampton as of writing this, however exciting news ahead…the line is in the process of extending back to Boughton and as you’ll see below, this is very nearly […]
Yeovil Railway Centre
This is probably the smallest railway centre I’ve been to however with engineering sheds, model railways, signalling demonstrations and one of the countries few remaining operational vaccum operated turntables, there is still plenty to appreciate in this small corner of Somerset. Speaking with volunteers there, the centre have plans to increase the length of the […]
Somerset and Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton
We’re back at another station on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, this time at Midsomer Norton South; A small site at present with just a mile of trackbed but with big plans to expand in both directions towards Radstock and Chilcompton. At the time of writing, the line currently runs to a cutting […]
Spa Valley Railway (Mixed Traction Spring Gala)
This really was a true mixed traction gala, with steam, diesel and…. rides on a Tamper machine pulling a brake van…well, it would be rude to say no! First train of the day is a double header: A Small Prairie (5526) and the mighty Battle of Britain Class ‘257 Squadron’ to take us from Tunbridge […]
East Lancashire Railway (Flying Scotsman 100th Celebration)
The LNER Class A3 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ is probably the most famous locomotive in the world. It’s certainly at least travelled the globe, from Australia to America and finally back in the UK now under ownership of the National Railway Museum in York. In its 100th year since entering service, special services are being put […]