The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway closed in 1956 and no longer operates as either a mainline or heritage railway. The majority of the original line has either been lost entirely to housing developments, car parks and woodland, however a few stations remain and some are even undergoing a revival with an aim to run passenger services again one day. Come we me as we explore the Spetisbury to Charlton Marshall section of what is now known as the North Dorset Trailway.
Spetisbury
Its a cold winter morning in January. Frost and snow can be seen lining what remains of the station platform.
Disc and crossbar signal
Heading north along the trailway from Spetisbury, the numerous bridges make it pretty obvious that the line used to run through here. Who knows what the future holds, maybe trains will travel beneath them again one day…
Charlton Marshall Halt
Eventually a familiar sight comes into view. No railway totem signs, no barriers, no ticket office and no rails, but unmistakably, the original station platform and tunnel which once bore the name Charlton Marshall Halt. Nature is slowly reclaiming this space, with ivy and moss creeping their way up onto the platform but the well-used trailway keeps a clear route where the tracks used to be.
