Severn Valley Railway Walks

There are two walks:    Hampton Loade to Arley - 5 miles
                                        
                                        Arley to Bewdley  -  4.5 miles

 Railway operating days: With little exception, trains run every weekend until November and every day from May to September; also during school and public holidays. Trains may not run over the entire railway on some weekends in winter due to necessary maintenance work. A timetable is available from The Servern Valley Railway,  1, Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10 1QR.  Telephone: 01562 757900.  Web site: www.svr.co.uk

Walk 1:  Taking the train from Arley to  Hampton Loade and walking back.

Useful maps:  Ordnance Survey Explorer 218 or Landranger 138


Getting there:
By road: Arley, or rather Upper Arley, is best approached from the A442 at Shatterford, 4 miles north-west of Kidderminster. For the station you will need to cross the river by the footbridge (on foot, of course!) There is a car park at Upper Arley, and another at the station side of the river, but not at the station itself. Grid reference of Arley station: 764800.
By public transport: Since there are no buses to Arley, your best option is to travel by train direct to Hampton Loade station (for the start of the walk) from, say, Kidderminster or Bridgnorth stations. Another option is by Whittle bus 125 to Highley village, which is a short distance from our walk's  half-way point at Highley station. This bus runs hourly from Monday to Saturday (only) between Kidderminster bus station and Swan Centre to Bridgnorth. It calls at the Kidderminster stations 2-hourly only. The Whittle Bus phone number is: 01562 820002.

Eating out: Hampton Loade and Arley stations each have refreshment kiosks, open at weekends and doubtless during public holidays. And each of the three stations along this route have public houses  nearby. The Riverside Tearoom at Upper Arley (over the footbridge from the station) is open from Tuesday to Sunday until 4 pm.  So you are spoilt for choice!

Visitor attractions:  At Highley station, the fascinating Engine House and Visitor Centre is home to a reserve collection of locomotives. Along with railway-themed displays and a gift shop, there is a restaurant, picnic area and children's activity area.  There is also an admission charge!  Likewise the Arboretum across the river at Arley, which is open Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays from mid-March to mid-November.

Summary of the walk:  The walk initially makes use of the excellent 'National Cycling Route 45' from Hampton Loade because it closely follows the railway, while enjoying good views of the river Severn. After leaving the trail, it follows the riverside path to Highley, where, after a short diversion to the beautifully maintained railway station, continues forward to Arley. An option is to stay with the cycle trail to the Country Park Halt on the railway, and meet up again with the riverside walkers at the Coal Miners' Bridge.

The walk: 
1.   After leaving Hampton Loade station by way of its car park and joining the road, double back immediately into the 'National Cycling Route 45' on the right. (had you stayed in the road you would have found the Unicorn Inn; also the chain ferry, which was built of wood at Blists Hill Museum).
 Along the cycle trail, which hereabouts is called the Mercian Way, you will soon be accompanied by the railway line, while enjoying views of the river Severn. There are various meanderings and ups and downs of the trail as it passes in and out of the trees, all the while close to the railway.

2.  Hopefully you can judge when you have progressed about one mile from Hampton Loade station,
for that's when you should stop in your tracks and look for a flight of steps on the left leading down towards the river bank. At this point a vehicle barrier coincides with a dip in the trail, after which the trail rises out of the dip in S-band fashion. Just to confuse you, it is now labelled as the Countryside Trail!
 If you would rather stay on the trail, you have the prospect of a close pass of  the railway's Country Park Halt. Continuing from the halt, you would soon arrive at the Coal Miners' Bridge. Don't cross the bridge, but wait for us there! (at point 3.)
  Back to those steps, go down them and turn right onto the riverside path, which is labelled as the Severn Way. Ignore other branching paths, one of which is the Poetry Trail, and keep forward with the river.

3. The next port of call is the Coal Miners' Bridge, where we rejoin those who stayed on the cycle trail. This footbridge was built in 1937 and conveyed miners over the river to Alvely mine beyond the opposite bank. Coal was carried above the bridge by aerial ropeway prior to being loaded into railway wagons on the west side of the river.
 Assuming you are on the riverside path, you should walk forward under the bridge and immediately climb the steps to bridge level, where you will find an information board and a signpost giving directions to the Country Park Halt and to the country park itself.  Returning to the river bank by the lowest path, be here informed that you are now on the Geopark Way, the Severn Way and the Highley Trail;  yes, all three!  Continuing along the lowest path, soon pass a golf course and, beyond that, a terrace of attractive cottages.

4. You are now close to the attractive Highley station, and a path beside the Ship Inn will take you up to it.  If you have time to spare, you could cross the station footbridge and visit the renowned Engine House, for which a charge is made.
Back down to the riverside path and continuing in your previous direction, soon meet the road opposite the gate to the house 'Ladymoor'. Turning left there into the drive to Millstone Cottage, go through a kissing-gate and walk parallel to the drive.  After passing a pond, it's now straight on through gates and over stiles all the way to Arley.

5.  On this long final stretch you will cross a footbridge over the Borle Brook. This fine piece of ironwork was forged at the famous Coalbrookdale Works near Iron bridge on this very river Severn.
 When you meet the Arley road, turn right for the Harbour Inn and the railway, left over the footbridge for Upper Arley's car park and the Riverside tearoom, the latter open only until 4 pm, unfortunately!

'British Railways 43106 accompanies the Mercian Way near Hampton Loade station.

Arley station

Walk 2:   Taking the train from Bewdley to Arley and walking back;   4.5 miles 

Useful maps:  Ordnance Survey 218 or Landranger 138. 

Getting there:

By road:  Bewdley is on the A456, 3 miles east of Kidderminster. For Bewdley station leave the A456 for the B4195 on the Kidderminster side of the river Severn bridge and turn left into Station Road. The station has large car park. Its grid reference is: 792753. If this is full, try the free car park in Westbourne Street, prior to Station Road.  Failing that, resort to the large - not so free - car park in the town centre on the other side of the river.

By public transport: The Severn Valley Railway station at Kidderminster is adjacent to the National Rail station. The latter connects with Hereford, Birmingham and (via Birmingham) London Marylebone.  Bewdley is the first stop on the Severn Valley Railway.  Bus 125 from the road outside Kidderminster station runs to Bewdley 2-hourly Monday to Saturday, but hourly from the town's bus station and the Swan Centre. But take note: its quite a long walk from the bus station and Swan Centre to the railway station!  A more frequent service (1/2 hourly) is the 2/2L from Kidderminster Town Hall and the Swan Centre to Bewdley on Monday to Saturday (only). For this, turn left out of the station and walk straight on for 1/2 mile.

Eating out:  Bewdley is well equipped with pubs and restaurants, and the station has an excellent refreshment room.  For Arley, see walk one.

Visitor attractions:  Bewdley is a fascinating town, as much for its history as for its Georgian attractiveness. Its importance as an inland port and as a manufacturing town in the 17th and 18th centuries is best appreciated by a visit to the Town Museum, which is housed in the Old Butchers' Shambles off Load Street. It is open daily, Easter until mid-December. Here you will learn about the manufacture of ropes and clay pipes, and about its tanning, brass and pewter industries.

 Leave the museum through the rear exit and take delight in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Gardens.

Summary of the walk:  From Arley station we cross the Severn footbridge to Upper Arley and walk along the east bank of the river to Bewdley. En-route we enjoy a view of the much photographed Victoria railway bridge and, with a short diversion, the view over Trimpley reservoirs. Another short diversion is to Northwood Halt, an excellent place to photograph approaching trains and to enjoy a little relaxation. 

The Walk:

1.  Cross the railway bridge at Arley station and, later, the river Severn footbridge. You will have passed - or entered - the Harbour Inn on the way. The footbridge was opened in 1972 replacing a ferry which could trace its roots back to the 14th century. Turn right immediately after leaving the footbridge and follow the good path labelled  'Severn Way' and 'Worcestershire Path'. In due course you will cross a stream on a short footbridge and be steered uphill to the right. You should ignore the branch signposted to Eymore Wood car park which climbs away to your left very soon. As you continue forward you may notice a lesser path running parallel on the right. Doubtless this was used to gain a better view of the river - or simply to avoid mud. It eventually joins the main path, beyond which the famed Victoria railway bridge comes into view.

2.  I hope you can see from the inscription on the bridge that it was cast, like the small footbridge on the previous walk, by the famous Coalbrookdale Company. Dating back to 1861, and with a span of 200 feet, it was the longest in the world at the time. After passing under the bridge you will eventually meet the steep slope that holds back Trimpley Reservoir. You can now take either of the two paths that curve around the base of the slope on the river side; but a diversion uphill to the reservoir itself will reward you with a very fine view indeed, including that of sailing dinghies and water birds - and the railway. 

3. Back on the path, and making a close pass of water treatment works, you will see the first of the chalets that grace the riverside from hereon. many of these were built before the 1940's when planning regulations were not as demanding as they are today.

  Crossing the river further along is the Elan pipeline, which carries water from the Elan reservoir in Wales all the way to Birmingham. Beyond this the path immediately transforms into a tarmac lane. Ignore a stile on the right at the start (this gives access to many more chalets) and stay in this quiet lane for 1/2 mile until you meet a branch going left in hairpin fashion  This shortly leads to a level crossing and to the prize-winning Northwood Halt - a fine stop-off  for viewing trains and for taking a well-earned rest on the bench there.

4.  Return to the lane and continue as before, but only as far as the second shallow dip - by the house 'Bridewell'. Ignore a rough drive just beyond this and cross a stile on the right almost immediately. This is labelled 'Severn Way ' and leads you forward parallel to the drive. After passing a house  - the drive's destination - you will be presented with a series of awkward stiles (unless they have been attended to before your arrival!) separating intervening fields, with the river close-by on your right. 

5.  Coming into view are the impressive piers of the Dowles railway viaduct which once crossed the river. This carried trains from Tenbury Wells and Woofferton along a line which merged with the Severn Valley line this side of Bewdley. The line was closed in stages from 1961 to 1965. 

  Next along the path is the curious-looking building and associated contraption that is used to measure water flow in the river; an important consideration for a river that is liable to flooding, as the residents of Bewdley know only too well!
 All that remains for our walk to Bewdley is a lovely wild-life pond and a children's play area. Going left with the main tarmac path soon after this, you will pass Bewdley Rowing Club before joining the A456. For the station go forward in, and keep to, the A456 around two bends and join a path between a railway viaduct and the Red Lion pub. Keep right at the end of this for station.

The SVR story

With only four trains a day each way, it's not surprising that this railway along the Severn Valley came under Dr Beeching's spotlight in the 1960's. Although he had his way in 1963, he could hardly have predicted the effect this would have on a group of railway enthusiasts. They came together in 1965 and formed the Severn Valley Railway Society with the object of reopening at least part of this century-old line. Five years later the line from Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade was reopened, extended to Bewdley in 1974, Kidderminster in 1986. 

 A magnificent new station was opened at Kidderminster in 1986. This was built in a traditional railway style but with modern facilities. Equally magnificent is the older (1861) Victoria Railway Bridge crossing the river south of Arley. It is much favoured by photographers and film-makers, who wait there for the classic view of steam locomotives crossing the river. These 'locos' may well have undergone restoration at the railway's Bridgenorth works, and the carriages at Bewdley or Kidderminster.

  One of the railway's greatest assets are the views that passengers enjoy of the river Severn over much of its length from Bewdley to Bridgenorth. Along with this are the flower-bedecked stations at Arley, Highley and Hampton Loade.

 This highly successful heritage railway experienced a disastrous set-back after the storms of June and July 2007, with no less than 45 locations affected, ten seriously.  It was up and running again after only nine months. It's a measure of the railway's staff and members that they managed to raise the 3.5 million pounds necessary to carry out the repairs.

Victoria Bridge

The piers of Dowles Viaduct

                 

Nene Vally railway walk.

Nene Valley Railway Walk - Cambridgeshire.

Taking the train from Wansford station to Ferry Meadows station and walking back - that's a
5 mile walk.

Useful maps:  Ordnance Survey Explorer 227 or Landranger 142.

Railway operating days:  In addition to school and bank holidays, trains run over most weekends from March to October, and in December, but not on Saturdays in March. A service also operates on certain weekdays, most often on Wednesdays from April to September, and on most days in August - except some Mondays.  A timetable is available from The Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR.
 Telephone: 01780 784444;   Talking timetable: 01780 784404. Web site: www.nvr.org.uk

Getting there:
By road:  Wansford station is clearly signposted from the A1 three miles north-west of Junction 17 and one mile south-east of the A1/A47 junction. There is a car park at the station.  It's grid reference is 092980.
By public transport:   Those arriving at Peterborough main line station could take Stagecoach bus route 1 (one) from Queensgate bus station to Orton Wistow  (for Ferry Meadows). It is important to alight at Ferryview, from where you should walk forward along the A605 from the Wistow Way/Brimbles Way roundabout to a path on the left. This is signposted to Ferry Meadows. The path follows firstly a river, then turns left alongside a road to Ferry Meadows station.  On returning to Peterborough, wait for the bus on the same side of the road as on your arrival.  Now take care that you complete the walk before the last train back from Wansford!
 Queensgate bus station can be accessed from the main line railway station by walking along Station Road and over the shopping centre's footbridge.
  Note that there is no car park at Ferry Meadows station, but there is one at the country park nearby.

Eating out:  Light refreshments (very light!) are available at Ferry Meadows station and on the trains. Wansford station on the other hand has an excellently comprehensive cafe.

Visitor Attractions:  The railway enthusiast cannot fail to delight in all that Wansford station has to offer.  It's HQ is there, as is its locomotive works where engines are restored. There is also a model railway, a travelling post office exhibition, and a second-hand bookshop. The magnificent signal box at Wansford was built in 1907, and is one of the finest preserved signal boxes in use. It certainly makes an ideal subject for the railway photographer!
  Ferry Meadows Country Park is easily accessed from the station of that name. There are numerous paths for walking or cycling in this area of woodland, meadows and lakes. A miniature railway, a cafe and a shop can also be found there.

Summary of the walk:  Along with many views of the railway, the chief delight on this walk is the lovely river Nene, which accompanies the walk over much of its length. The walk crosses the river, as does the railway, at Lynch Bridge, and follows its course to the lovely area around the Old Mill and windmill tower at Castor. It crosses the route of Roman Ermine Street, which runs straight as a die to the site of Durobrivae, an important Roman settlement nearby; but to the casual observer there may be little evidence of it on the ground.

The walk:
1. On leaving Ferry Meadows station,cross the road alongside the level crossing and join the long straight path opposite. This runs parallel to the railway. After 1/2 .mile, the first railway bridge (not on our route) provides an excellent vantage point to observe passing trains, while an adjacent road moves off to the right (also not on our route!). Ignore a path that follows the road and one that goes  slightly left across the grass ahead. That leaves one wide well-laid path that takes you straight on under a few trees. On emerging from the trees at a crossing, turn left onto a tarmac path, and stay with it when it turns right. After 100 yards you have the beautiful river Nene below you, and all around the lovely river meadows. And for ardent photographers there is the prospect of a steam train crossing the river!

2.  Drop down to the river bank on the left of the railway bridge (from its far side) and continue with the walk, but now alongside the river and on the Nene Way. After 3/4 mile you will be diverted away from the main arm of the river by following one of its branches, Back Dike (yes, Dike!). Cross a footbridge on the left quite soon and circulate clockwise around a pond, entering a large field as you go. Stay more or less with the right-hand field-edge, while following Black Dike as before. After crossing another footbridge and turning left you will make a close pass of a derelict windmill before meeting the drive to the Old Mill, Castor. Dating back to the early 1800's, the windmill went out of use after 1984. That's a good life span by any measure!

3.  Go right in the drive and leave it after 75 yards for a footpath on the left. The path appears to divide immediately, but our route is along the right-hand fenced branch, not along the adjacent drive. Soon cross a stile and continue forward (slightly right) with an accompanying dyke on the left, and a church spire in view ahead, distantly. Turn left with the path and take care on arrival at the next stile (and gap). Here you should ignore the path going straight on and turn left and downhill to a footbridge.
  A branch of the river Nene will soon be close-by on your left, and an excellent panoramic view of the railway to your right. Keep forward now, continuing in the Nene Way for a mile and a half, while ignoring all branches - even the tempting diversion on the left, where a cascading weir (and pylons) come into view.

4.  Here your forward-going field-edge path eventually turns right, passes under power lines and turns left to follow the railway.  Its only a short distance now before you are home and dry at Wansford station - and fed and watered at the station cafe!

The NVR story
The railway is the eastern section of the route which opened from Blisworth via Northampton to Peterborough in 1845. Although the railway was closed down by British Rail in 1972, the seed of preservation had been sown earlier in the form of the Peterborough Railway Society.  Part of the present 7.5 mile railway was purchased by the Peterborough Development Corporation for the society's use.
 The railway reopened from Wansford to Orton Mere in 1977, and to Peterborough in 1986, in which time it had grown from strength to strength. With the exception of the original station building at Wansford - which is destined for other uses - all other stations have been either built from scratch or transferred from elsewhere. In 2007 a short extension from Wansford to Yarwell Junction station was opened. Since this includes a 616-yard unventilated tunnel under the A1 road, it should offer you an interesting, if smoky, experience!
 Another interesting aspect of the railway is that it has been modified to the so-called 'Berne loading gauge', which permits the running of continental locomotives and stock.  Through-running of charter excursions from other parts of the UK is also possible thanks to a link - the Fletton Branch - with the east coast main line at Peterborough.

'City of Peterborough' crosses the river Nene.

The Old Mill and the windmill tower, Castor

.

The river Nene at Wansford

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Walk  - 3.5 miles

 Taking the train from Toddington to Winchcombe and walking back

Useful maps:  Ordnance Survey  Explorer OL45 or Landranger 150

Railway operating days:  trains run every weekend from March to October inclusive and in December. That's in addition to bank holidays and on certain weekdays in from April to October. The peak of activity is from June to August, not surprisingly. 

Getting there: 
By road:  Toddington is 5 miles south-west of Broadway along the B4632 and 10 miles eastward along the A46 and B4077 from junction 9 of the M5. It is close to the junction of the B4077 and the B4632. Cars can be parked at Toddington station. Its grid reference is 050324. There is also a small parking area at Winchcombe station. That station is actually at Greet, one mile north  of Winchcombe's town centre. Its grid reference is 025298.
By public transport:  Marchant Coaches provide a mostly hourly bus service (route 606) from Monday to Saturday (only) between Cheltenham bus station and Winchcombe  (alight at the Harvest Home, Greet), extending to Toddington infrequently.  Telephone 01242 257714.  Note that the bus station is more than a mile from the Cheltenham main line railway station!

Eating out:  The Flag and Whistle is Toddington station's own tea room, ideal for snacks but closing at 5pm.  Winchcombe station has a cafe offering 'scenic railway views' in addition to food and drink! Refreshments are also available on the trains.  The Harvest Home Country Pub is near Winchcombe station and has been highly recommended. In Winchcombe village there are numerous eating places, including pubs and a fish and chip takeaway. At Hailes, 1/2 way along the walk, there is the welcoming Hayes Tea Room and Restaurant. 

Visitor attractions: As headquarters of the railway, Toddington station has much of interest, even to those who simply enjoy watching the arrival and departure of steam locomotives. A deeper appreciation is afforded at the station's museum, which is housed in a static coach. A good point from which to view the railway's fleet of steam and heritage diesel locomotives is from the public footpath adjacent to the railway.  As good fortune has it, this path is the one that terminates our walk from Winchcombe. 
 Families would enjoy the play area at Toddington station, and perhaps also the 2-foot narrow gauge railway which operates on most Sundays from April to September. 
 Winchcombe station, where the walk starts, is a twenty minute walk to the town itself, where you can take delight in the narrow streets and the stone-built hoses. 

Summary of the walk:  It is only minutes into the walk before the magnificent Cotswold Hills come into view, and not long before we meet the popular Cotswold Way. The lovely Hailes Church and the fascinating ruins of Hailes Abbey (National Trust) mark the mid-point of the walk, as does the welcoming sign 'Hayes (yes Hayes!) farm shop, tea room and restaurant.
 Views of the railway are enjoyed along much of the walk, but especially so from the field-edge paths along the final mile.

The walk: 
1.  On leaving Winchcombe station, turn right out of Station Approach, cross the railway and turn right again - into Beckett's Lane (Stratford direction). Make your way to the far end of the road where it meets the B4632, using the parallel footpath for part of the way and enjoying fine views of the Cotswold Hills as you go.
 Turn right into the B4632, pass under the railway and join a footpath on the left after 30 yards. This soon meets a rough farm drive serving seemingly defunct agricultural buildings. The drive continues from a farm gate and takes you forward between a hedge and a field. Where the hedge terminates a large open barn comes into view over to the left; and an electricity pylon stands nearby. Now take care: the next field takes your path straight on uphill (120 degrees), so don't be tempted into routes that follow the right-hand field edge. 

2. Assuming you are on course, you will meet a footbridge at the top possibly well hidden in the hedge. From here you should cross the next field more or less straight on, taking your cue from the left-most of two waymark arrows. At the far end of the field you will meet a kissing gate followed by a stile placed within a knot of trees. You have now joined forces with the Cotswold Way.  
  Turn left with the Cotswold Way (40 degrees) and cross the next field diagonally, turning right to follow to follow a hedge on the far side. On meeting a bridleway (and if your timing is right) you may see a steam train passing down to your left.  Turn left into the bridleway and right into the road at the end. 

3. Leave the road along a rough drive on the left immediately prior to the first house. The drive serves other houses, including Pilgrims' Cottage. From a gate at the end, cross a meadow straight on to another gate in the far corner. Hailes Church, noted for its medieval wall paintings, is here; and to the right are the ruins of Hailes Abbey. Founded in AD1246, this Cistercian abbey is now owned by the National Trust. Surprisingly perhaps, it is financed and managed by English Heritage, who support an excellent museum close-by. But what may attract your attention more than these (initially at least) is the presence of  Hayes Tea Room!

4.  On the move again, go left in the road (if facing the church) and right at the road junction ahead. Follow the road round to the left and look for a footpath sign on the right just before a railway bridge. Walking parallel to the railway, go over a stile in the far (curving) left-hand corner of the second field. Turn right in the road there and enter a field on the left after 50 yards. Cross to the far side, with the railway still on the left, and join a path under trees. An attractive cruck-framed cottage stands at the far end, and a right turn in the road there takes you briefly to a kissing-gate. This is directly opposite the front of the cottage.

5.  Following the left-hand edge of a pasture, aim for a footbridge and gate in the far corner; and while aiming for the next corner, notice the very distinct 'ridge and furrow', a reminder of medieval ploughing methods. 
 As you continue forward, the GWR's collection of locomotives and other stock come into view, along with Toddington's signal box; and kissing-gate leads you alongside houses to a road. Turn left there for the station and its car park. 

The GWR story: 
Dating back to the early 1900's, this lively cross-country route linked the town of Bristol to Birmingham. It served the racecourse at Cheltenham and the now popular tourist villages of Broadway and Stratford-on-Avon. It sported such famous named trains as 'The Cornishman' and survived a little longer than those that fell victim to Dr Beeching's Axe. - until 1977.
  Conservationists were there before the event - in 1976 - but not soon enough to prevent the tearing up of all the track between Cheltenham and Broadway. However, they were able to purchase the track-bed in 1981 and were proud possessors of their first operational steam locomotive in 1983.  The railway, now the New GWR, was formally opened at Toddington the following year. Winchcombe station opened in 1987, Gotherington Halt in 1997. Cheltenham Racecourse station was opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 2003, the same year that the railway received the first of two prestigious awards. And work is in place to extend the railway to Broadway, a distance of around three miles. Beyond that is the possibility of returning to Honeybourne, with is connection to the National Rail main line. 
 The railway is run entirely by volunteers. Perhaps the best example of their dedication - and that of their helpful friends from the Watercress Line - is the relaying of track in the 693-yard Greet tunnel in the space of two days in 1988!

Winchcombe Station

The ruins of Hailes Abbey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 1 pm from Toddington heads south

West Somerset Railway Walks

1.  Washford to Watchet  -  2.5 miles

2.  Stogumber to Williton  -  4 miles.

Railway operating days:  The main  thrust of the timetable is from April until the end of October, with trains running daily except most Mondays in April and October.  They also run over most weekends in February, March, and December, also around Christmas (not 25th and 26th) and New Year. A timetable is available from:  he West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG.  The information and enquiry line is: 01643 704996.
Web site: www.wsr.org.uk

Walk 1:  Taking the train from Watchet to Washford and walking back.

Useful maps:  Ordnance Survey Explorer OL9 or Landranger 181.

Getting there:  
By road:  Watchet station is on the B3191 approximately 8 miles east of Minehead. A pay and display car park is adjacent to the station.  Its grid reference is 072433.
By public transport:  First Bus 28 to Minehead from Taunton's bus station and main line railway station calls at Watchet and Washford  1/2 - hourly on Monday to Saturday, hourly on Sundays and bank holidays. 

Eating out:  Watchet is blessed with numerous pubs, cafes and restaurants. Washford Inn is conveniently close to Washford station - at the start of the walk.

Visitor attractions:  Washford station is home to the Somerset and Dorset Museum Trust, which commemorates the sadly-departed main line railway from Bath to Bournemouth. Watchet is a delightful and historic former harbour town with two museums and a marina. For lively railway activity, both Minehead and Bishops Lydeard are worth visiting.  Neither are featured on our walk, so you will need to return another day for that!

Summary of the walk:   The walk follows the Old Mineral Line where it runs between the West Somerset Railway and the attractive Washford river over much of their lengths. In so doing it enjoys good views of both the river and the railway as well as the surrounding countryside. A diversion is suggested which crosses adjacent fields from Kentsford railway crossing and heads up to the historic St, Decuman's Church and Holy Well.  .

The walk: 
1.  Go left out of the station and join a footpath on the left labelled 'Old Mineral Line' just beyond Washford Inn. Completed in 1861, the line was designed to connect the iron ore mines in the Brendon Hills to Watchet Harbour. It lasted on and off until 1910 - well after mining had ceased. Apart from this track-bed, there is little to see, except Watchet station house, now holiday flats, and the goods shed, now a garage. The path soon turns left, then right to follow the backs of houses, while the railway runs parallel on the left.

2.  On meeting a road go forward into Huish Lane, and, after passing a school, turn left into a cul-de-sac between Rock Cottage and Lilac Cottage. This is also signed 'Old Mineral Line' and soon comes face to face with a playing field. Go left around the field and soon enjoy views over Washford River - and perhaps that of a passing train!

3.  After about one mile (measured from Washford), Kentsford railway crossing is a classic vantage point for viewing approaching trains, especially those steaming from Watchet.  Not only that, but the nearby bench is ideally located for a picnic lunch!
 A diversion from the route at this point (described below) would take you, if you so wish, to the Holy Well and St Decuman's Church. This saint is recorded (according to legend) as having arrived on a raft with a cow as companion. The Holy Well is where some of his miraculous healing was demonstrated, including that of rejoining his own severed head to his body. Believe all that if you will!
 Continuing along the Old Mineral Line, you will have sight of Watchet Paper Mill before you pass under a railway bridge.
4.  Keep forward (in Whitehall) when a road comes in from the right, and stay with it as it crosses the river at Mill Street and bears right to become Anchor Street.  Watchet station is now minutes away.

Diversion from Kentsford Crossing to the Holy Well and St. Decuman's Church.

From the crossing go down the path on the right and join a waymarked path beyond the buildings of Kentsford Farm. Walk the length of the first field and climb the slope in the next, with St. Decuman's church in view directly ahead. Continue climbing beyond a farm gate, but now in a rough track. The entrance to the Holy Well is uphill on the left, while the church is at the top. A path opposite the churchyard will take you back into Watchet, if you so wish. Alternatively return to Kentsford Crossing and continued with the described walk.

The track-bed of the Old Mineral Line

 

The Classic view from Kentsford Crossing.

Walk 2:  Taking the train from Williton station to Stogumber station and walking back. 

Useful maps:  OS Explorer 140 and OL9 or Landranger 181.

Getting there: 
By road:  Williton station is is off the A39, 9 miles east of Minehead.  Grid reference:  086416.
By public transport:  First bus 28 from Taunton's bus station and main line railway station to Minehead calls at Williton 1/2-hourly Monday to Saturday, hourly on Sundays and bank holidays. Williton station is a 3/4 mile walk from Williton's central bus stop - where all the shops are situated.

Eating out:  Williton has a number of pubs and a fish restaurant. The station itself offers refreshments, as does the delightful little station at Stogumber.

Visitor attractions: Williton station houses a diesel and electric locomotive heritage centre, which is usually open on Saturdays. For lively railway activity Minehead and Bishops Lydeard stations are worth visiting, although neither are featured on our walks.

Summary of the walk:   After following paths and tracks parallel to the railway, the walk encounters the meandering Doniford Stream and the one-time mills that depended on its waters. It joins forces with the Macmillan Way and enters the delightful village of Stampford Brett. It crosses the A358 and soon follows field-side paths to Williton, all the while in sight and sound of the railway.

The walk: 
1. Leave Stogumber station through the small car park adjacent to the station shop and tea stop, and go under the railway bridge (alternatively go over the railway foot-crossing and descend a short path). Turn right immediately from the bridge into a rough drive alongside Railway House, with the railway running parallel on the right. Stay with this straight on for 1/2 mile to Yard Farm and a road, passing through a series of gates and over a stream as you go.

2.  Go left in the road and, when it turns left by the house Bramble Tye, join a farm track on the right. This passes a farmhouse and meets farm buildings ahead. The track turns left there, but you should go through the farmyard to a field on the right. Follow the left-hand edge of the field to the far left-hand corner; and once out of the field turn right immediately, just inside woodland and in a level track. The attractive Doniford Stream will accompany you under the trees while following the field-edge and will lead you to a one-time mill house, Curdon Mill.  To your right you have perhaps one of the best views of the Quantock Hills.

3.  Turn right prior to Curdon Mill and left after 75 yards, passing through a variety of converted buildings to a road, at a bend. Go forward in the road for 1/4 mile to where it turns right  (for Williton etc).  Keep forward here (don't turn right!); and when this branch soon turns left, keep forward again, between farm buildings and in a farm track.

4.  You are now on the MacMillan Way, a 290-mile coast to coast walk from Lincolnshire to Dorset which raises funds for cancer support. After about 250 yards leave the track for a kissing-gate on the right alongside a high-voltage electricity pylon. Cross the field at right angles to the track to another gate  (360 degrees) and, you do so, hopefully see a steam train passing beyond the houses in the 1/2-right direction. From that gate the path goes half-left and almost immediately right under trees. It passes a waterside cottage and, later, a bungalow. With Stampford Brett church coming into view ahead, you will soon be in the village itself.

5.  Keeping forward from the church pass two attractive cottages ('Quarry' and '30') and in due course meet the A358 road from where you have a view of the railway bridge on the right. The railway will remain in view after you cross the road to a drive opposite, which passes to the left of a petrol station. This takes you through Mill Farm to a stile and gate beyond the farm's buildings. Keeping forward in farm track - which evolves into a footpath - ignore a pedestrian gate on the right and enter a field on the left when the path terminates. Follow the right-hand edge of what was originally a succession of three fields to a kissing gate in the far right-hand corner. Turn right from the gate and soon meet a cottage at the termination of a rough drive. Go through a vehicle barrier on the right here and walk alongside a field edge. You will soon follow a brook - which is backed by houses - before crossing it and emerging at a road.

6.  Turning right in the road, stay with it until it joins a busier road (the A39). Turn right there and soon left into Station Road. Williton Station is directly ahead - where hopefully you will find the cafe open!

A Minehead train approaches Stogumber station.

Two idyllic Stampford Brett cottages

The WSR story:
Standing on the platform at Watchet, you may notice the unusual orientation of the station building - at right angles to the track.The explanation given is that Watchet was, until 1874, the termination of the line. After that time the railway was extended to Minehead, another 8 miles. In 1882 the line was converted from Brunel's gauge of 7 feet 1/4 inch. (that's the distance between the rails) to what we now know as  Standard Gauge of 4 feet, 8 and one half inches. As one of many lines that succumbed to Dr Beeching's Act, the railway closed in 1970.
 It will surprise no-one that such a railway in such beautiful countryside would not be allowed to die. And it was this determination that led to the formation of the 'West Somerset Railway PLC' whose prize was the opening of the line in 1976.
 Fortunately many of the stations have retained their original buildings. Minehead station is very large indeed, with platforms approaching 1/4 mile in length. And it possesses a rare structure among heritage railways  - a locomotive turntable. This is a fully restored and functioning turntable from the Great Western Railway.  At the other end of the spectrum is the delightful little station at Stogumber, the starting point of walk 2.
 In addition to the many special events that are held throughout the year, the railway is accessible to charter trains which run through from the main line connection at Norton Fitzwarren all the way to Minehead.





            

Introduction to the Steam Railway Walks

Although most of us regret the impact that Dr Beaching's axe had on railways in the 1960's, its effect was not all negative. Had not the closures occurred to the extent that they did, the many heritage railways that we cherish today might well have been modernised using electric or diesel traction, colour-light signalling and updated buildings. Of course that is good in itself, but we may have lost forever the old-world atmosphere that today's heritage railways seek to recreate.

'Great Western 4566' on the Severn Valley Railway

 It is for those who enjoy both walking in the countryside and visiting these railways that these walks are presented. Each walk follows the chosen railway as close as possible while using public rights of way or permissive paths. The opportunity this gives for watching and photographing trains should be welcomed by those who feel restricted by like-minded enthusiasts obstructing each other on station platforms!
 It is assumed that you will travel on the railway at the outset, then walk back following my directions. The risk of missing the last train back is thus avoided, which might otherwise be the case if the walk came first. However, you may on occasions find it more convenient to walk first; that's ok, as long as you allow plenty of time!
 In most cases it is possible to arrive at the railway by public transport, some more easily than others. Advice is given for this in the preamble to each walk.  Many heritage railways have their own car parks, and these are usually free of charge. Alternative car parks are suggested where this is thought helpful.
 Since the railways do not as a rule run trains every single day, it is well-worth arming yourself with an up-to-date timetable, either through the post or via the railway's web site. Again, advise for this is in each preamble. As well as timetable information, each railway provides details of special events - which usually occur at weekends - and facilities such as refreshment rooms, picnic areas, bookshops and, perhaps most usefully, toilets. They will also say whether some trains are diesel-hauled, and if some days are diesel-only, which may not be to your liking!
 Railway web sites often feature the latest news items: usually good news, but very occasionally bad. For example, it is not unknown for embankments to sustain damage due to adverse weather conditions, necessitating temporary closure of parts of the railway. And so to avoid disappointment you are well advised to look at the chosen railway's web site before setting out.
 Many trains offer on-board refreshments, but your journey may be too short to enjoy this to the full. And since these railways depend to a great extent on volunteers, which can be in short supply, you may find that refreshments are not available on some trains and stations when you most need them. In any case they cannot be expected after the last train has departed!
 It is also worth-while having the appropriate Ordnance Survey map at your side, just in case you deviate from the described route - by intention or accident!  I have on occasions included compass bearings within the text. You may find these helpful; for example where your destination is a stile or gate beyond the brow of a hill. So hopefully you will include a compass in your rucksack when on these walks - which in any case you may find helpful when in the countryside on other occasions.
 Finally, I hope you enjoy this opportunity for 'steaming up and walking down' as much as I did!

Map symbols

There are twelve steam railway walks in total; these follow: The Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire and Shropshire; the Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough; the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway; the West Somerset Railway; the Watercress Line in Hampshire; the Spar Valley Railway in Kent and East Sussex; the Kent and East Sussex Railway;the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in Kent. The walks vary in length from 2.5 to 5.5 miles.