Upcoming Club Led Walks

 
Thursday Apr 24 4

and Friday 5th April. Bristol Bash 2 (5m)

Two days exploring the docks and harbour railways of central Bristol starting with Temple Meads Station and the former industrial areas nearby now undergoing extensive regeneration. Thursday afternoon will be a group visit to Clifton Suspension Bridge for a tour of the hidden vaults beneath one of the towers. Please note that this tour is fully booked but a further opportunity will be available in late September. On Friday we will concentrate on the harbour lines with a visit to M-Shed Museum and the historic Underfall Yard area at the entrance to the Floating Harbour, together with a trip on the harbour ferry. In the afternoon we will take a trip on the Severn Beach branch line to see the site of the New Passage ferry which enabled railway passengers to cross to South Wales before the opening of the Severn Tunnel in 1886.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Saturday Apr 24 6

Middleton-in-Teesdale to Cotherstone (County Durham) (7m)

A walk along the trackbed of the Tees Valley Railway through very pleasant scenery from Middleton-in-Teesdale back to Cotherstone, a little short of where it joined the Stainmore line from Darlington. The trackbed is now the Tees Valley Railway path with one small diversion at the village of Romaldkirk. The line was built principally for the mineral traffic from several quarries in the area but there were four stations - we shall see what remains (or doesn’t) of each of them on the day. We cross two extant viaducts, Lunedale and Baldersdale.
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Friday Apr 24 12

The Gin & Toffee Line: Elsenham to Thaxted (Essex) (8m)

This walk covers a very rural route that closed in 1953. It was 18 built as light rail, so few structures were needed. Starting at Elsenham we’ll view what remains of the disused platform before heading off through the Essex countryside to pass close to or over four intermediate stations. The line is detectable in some sections; imagination required in others. The walk ends at Thaxted station
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Saturday Apr 24 13

and Sunday 14th April - Former lines around Durham (County Durham)

On the Saturday meet at former Gilesgate station for exploration of the former Elvet to Sherburn branch and associated wagonways. On the Sunday, a walk on the Bishop Auckland to Durham line to Relly Mill Jn, then continuing up the Deerness Valley Way, returning by bus to Durham from as far as reached (maximum Waterhouses, but unlikely). Contact Gas Hill on 0114 2752303 or 73 Norfolk Park Avenue, Sheffield, S2 2RB
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Saturday Apr 24 20

Tissington Trail. (Derbyshire) (10m)

This is a delightful walk following a good proportion of the former LNWR formation through the High Peak that was to become the Tissington Trail. Starting from the site of Tissington Station, progress north to Alsop En Le Dale. Then head downhill to Milldale to follow the sparkling and enchanting River Dove, through Dovedale, before taking leave of it uphill through Lin Dale to Thorpe and eventually the site of Thorpe Cloud Station. The return journey to Tissington will be north along the Tissington Trail through Fenny Bentley
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Saturday Apr 24 20

The Coley Goods Branch (Reading) and Kennet & Avon Canal (Berkshire) (6.5m)

A walk through the town centre to reach the River Kennet at County Lock. We then follow the river/canal to Fobney Lock and then through open countryside to Southcote Lock. After a picnic lunch here, we will cross under the Reading to Basingstoke railway line to join the trackbed of the former Coley Goods Branch back into Reading. We will view the location and remains of the numerous sidings of this goods-only branch, which provided the main goods yard for the town. The branch opened in 1908 to reduce goods traffic on the main GWR main line and continued in use until 1983. Some of the trackbed has now been taken over by the A33 road, but the country end is a well-used walking route. The Kennet Navigation was built between 1718 and 1723, between the Thames in Reading and Newbury. Sections of the canal fell into disuse but were restored in the 1970s.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Sunday Apr 24 21

to Friday 26th April Tramways and Canals (South Wales)

Five Days of Walks based in Neath
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Tuesday Apr 24 30

Evening Walk - Goldenhill to Kidsgrove (Staffordshire) (3m)

A walk to the site of Goldenhill station then follow as closely as possible the course of the legendary Potteries Loop Line, including remains of Park Farm ODC and the Birchenwood Gas & Coke works which survived, outwith nationalisation, until 1973, followed by what is left of the Loop and Third Lines into Kidsgrove. Contact Gas Hill on 0114 2752303 or 73 Norfolk Park Avenue, Sheffield, S2 2RB
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Wednesday May 24 1

Blandford to Shillingstone (Dorset) (7m)

Explore the remains of railway infrastructure in Blandford - the former viaduct (with viewing platform) over the River Stour, various reminders of what used to be, remains of sidings and buildings - and a visit to the town museum to see railway artefacts, and an excellent working model of the station site. The museum will be opened specially for us and a suitable donation would be appreciated. The walk will follow the trackbed using the North Dorset Trailway either on or adjacent to the former line, with just a short deviation though Stourpaine.
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Saturday May 24 4

Walkden – Atherton (Lancashire) (8.5m)

A walk on the former Bridgewater Collieries Railway System from Walkden to the site of Mosley Common and then Astley Green Colliery. A look around Astley Green Colliery Museum and enjoy a short ride on a narrow-gauge railway created at this location. Follow Green's Tramroad to Tyldesley, on to the Cleworth Hall Estate to view former railway routes to Cleworth Hall, Yew Tree, Combermere and Peelwood Collieries. The walk concludes with a short walk to Atherton Station
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Monday May 24 6

Langley Mill railway and canal features (mostly Nottinghamshire) (5m)

A walk from Langley Mill station taking in the course of NCB Moorgreen Railway, Erewash/Cromford Canal remains and active basins, then Nottingham Canal and traces of GN line, continuing towards Bennerley Viaduct towards Ilkeston Station. Contact Gas Hill on 0114 2752303 or 73 Norfolk Park Avenue, Sheffield, S2 2RB
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Wednesday May 24 8

Bacup to Rochdale (Lancashire) (7.5m)

An afternoon walk, mainly on firm multi-use path and roads following the course of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway from just south of Bacup to just north of Rochdale. Classic point of interest on this walk is the 105ft high Healey Dell Viaduct today carrying the railway path. This structure can be viewed from below.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Saturday May 24 11

Uffculme to Hemyock (Devon) (5m)

The Jeff Vinter Memorial Walk A walk along the route of the Culm Valley Light Railway that formerly ran from Tiverton Junction to Hemyock. This walk is dedicated to Jeff Vinter, the former Railway Ramblers Chairman and South West Area Organiser who unfortunately passed away on October 20th. The railway opened in 1876 and served a predominately rural area with stations at Coldharbour Halt, Uffculme, Culmstock, Whitehall Halt and Hemyock. Although passenger traffic was sparse and ceased in 1963 there was a healthy goods traffic serving woollen and animal feed mills and in particular the creamery at Hemyock. This lasted until 1975 when the line was severed by the construction of the M5 Motorway.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Tuesday May 24 14

The original L&Y 19th and mooted ELR 20th century main lines (Lancashire/Greater Manchester) (5m)

A walk on/close to former line from Baxenden to Stubbins Jn - half a mile to site of Haslingden station and then 2mls 250 yds to Helmshore station site and same again to Stubbins and Ramsbottom. Contact Gas Hill on 0114 2752303 or 73 Norfolk Park Avenue, Sheffield, S2 2RB
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Saturday May 24 18

AGM Walk 1: The Lowestoft South Goods Branch (Suffolk) (2.5m)

The Branch was built by the GER from Oulton Broad South Junction to South Lowestoft goods yard, on the opposite side of the River Lothing from the current Lowestoft station site. Starting from Oulton Broad South Station we will first view the site of the former junction with the East Suffolk line, before walking through the suburbs of Oulton Broad and gaining the former formation using the footpath known as Kirkley Run then crossing the modern Tom Crisp Way. We then pass the backs of houses before passing under Mill Road bridge, one of the two significant remaining railway structures. The walk concludes by viewing the inner harbour entrance, and then crossing by the bascule road bridge that has inconvenienced the town for decades and baulked Lowestoft’s commercial success. Arriving back into Lowestoft in time for lunch and the AGM.
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Sunday May 24 19

AGM Walk 2: The Southwold Railway - Southwold to Blythburgh and return (Suffolk) (9m)

Opened in 1879 the 3-foot gauge Southwold Railway ran from Southwold on the east coast for 8 miles 63 chains to Halesworth on the GER East Suffolk line. Today’s walk will be mostly along the trackbed, which is surprisingly well defined considering the line has been closed for nearly a century. After leaving Southwold we pass the Southwold Railway Trust’s 'Steamworks' site, before crossing the River Blythe on a footbridge which replaced the original 1879 structure. The site of Walberswick station is marked by a suitable plaque on a bench and after crossing some pleasant heathland we negotiate a short road section before rejoining the trackbed through woodland and alongside the Blythe into Blythburgh. The station site is accessed by crossing the busy A12 and we have arranged to view the station which has been reinstated by the Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway Society. We can walk for a few hundred yards further before the track bed ends abruptly.
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Monday May 24 20

AGM Walk 3: Leiston and Sizewell to Aldeburgh (Suffolk) (5m)

The Aldeburgh branch of the Eastern Counties Railway reached Leiston in 1859 and Aldeburgh in 1860. All operations beyond Sizewell siding, east of Leiston ceased in 1966. Leiston is the home of the former Garrett traction engine works and was connected by a short branch from the station. The line as far as Sizewell is still open for occasional nuclear waste flask trains serving the nearby power station. The walk will start by viewing the remains of Leiston station. The Leiston Works Railway have relaid the short branch line to the works, and we also hope to be able to walk this short stretch of track. Returning through the town of Leiston we then take the public highway to view the sidings at Sizewell and then to gain the footpath which is adjacent to the formation. The walk continues through Thorpeness and onwards to Aldeburgh where sadly there is no trace of the station.
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Saturday Jun 24 1

Ribblehead to Blea Moor Summit and back (North Yorkshire) (7m)

We shall walk via Ribblehead Viaduct, Blea Moor signal box and loop, then climb up the tunnel construction’s inclined tramway trackbed to the summit - this involves a gentle climb and descent of around 500ft. We will see the large spoil tips and two vent shafts, plus the foundations of the winding house at the top and, weather permitting, enjoy wonderful views from the summit. On the return, if time and ground conditions allow, we will take a short diversion to view the southern portal of Blea Moor Tunnel and the aqueduct over the railway. The aim is to do the full walk but depending on the weather this may have to be reduced.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Thursday Jun 24 6

20th Century Coalfield Joint Lines - Silverwood to Hellaby (South Yorkshire) (4m)

A walk along Silverwood Colliery’s main line siding layout to Ravenfield and as closely as practicable to the course of the GC & Midland Joint line for two miles to Braithwell Jn (including never-used bridge), thence to Hellaby. Return by bus services from Maltby to Rotherham Contact Gas Hill on 0114 2752303 or 73 Norfolk Park Avenue, Sheffield, S2 2RB
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Saturday Jun 24 8

Horton Hospital Light Railway and Chessington South sidings (Surrey) (7.5m)

Explore the private railway built for the construction and subsequent service of Central (Pumping) Station, Long Grove and West Park Hospitals. The line began in 1905 as a contractor’s railway for Long Grove, which after completion was taken over by the LCC to serve all three hospitals. It operated until 1950. We will trace the route from the old Exchange Sidings adjacent to Ewell West Station through housing estates and fields before entering Horton Country Park, where most of the trackbed was preserved as footpaths together with some railway relics.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Friday Jun 24 14

to Sunday 16th June - Devon/Cornwall Borders Holiday

Based in Plymouth. This short break will include three days of walks; 1) The Devon Consols Tramway around Morwellham (6 miles) 2) Two days exploring the Liskeard & Caradon Railway (12 miles +)
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Saturday Jun 24 15

Irthlingborough Round. (Northants) (10m)

A walk from Irthlingborough southwest along the Nene Valley Railway, through the water park, towards the next station at Ditchford. Then curve back alongside the south of the water park passing through a shopping area and then follow the Higham Ferrers Branch through Rushden. It is hoped to arrange a drink at the preserved Rushden Station and view the site/railway museum here. Then on to the end of the branch and within the town, see the exterior of Chichele College,
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Saturday Jun 24 22

Dyserth and Holywell Town Branches (Wales) (7½m)

A chance to walk two branches in one day! (5 miles-Dyserth Branch, 2½ miles-Holywell Branch). Starting in Prestatyn, view the remains of the railway there, then walk the branch to Dyserth and the unopened extension to Marian Mill. We walk a short road section to Trelawnyd, then catch the bus to Holywell, before descending the branch to Holywell Junction (ie. Greenfield).
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Tuesday Jun 24 25

Bickershaw village area (Greater Manchester)

Completing coverage by previous walks. Contact Gas Hill on 0114 2752303 or 73 Norfolk Park Avenue, Sheffield, S2 2RB
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Saturday Jun 24 29

Rochdale – Whitworth via the Bagden Quarry Tramway (Greater Manchester) (8m)

A visit to the southern end of the former L&Y Rochdale – Bacup line. Head out over the site of Yorkshire Street Viaduct, before heading north to cross the magnificent viaduct at Healey Dell. From there head onto open moorland, following the course of the 3ft gauge Bagden Quarry Tramway, last used around 1900, though with much formation intact and featuring stunning views if the weather permits. Finish the day by following the last part of the walkable formation north into Whitworth
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Saturday Jul 24 6

The Halifax High Level Railway (West Yorkshire) (8m)

Follow the course of the Halifax & Ovenden Junction Railway to North Bridge to see the blind arches of the 440-yard connecting viaduct. No trace remains of the passenger or goods stations, but the retaining walls to support the land are evident as is the North Bridge itself, re-built by the H&OJ to give clearance for its rolling stock. A short detour provides evidence of Crossley's Carpets internal rail system, all formerly fuelling the company's eight boiler houses. Our next stop is Ovenden station with its stationmaster's house and platform remains. Passing the site of Lee Bridge Viaduct, we view from above the spectacular 200yd long, 100ft high Wheatley Viaduct, then the southern portal of Wheatley Tunnel. We then climb Kitten Clough to view its narrow, 80-feet tall viaduct and access the HHL trackbed approaching Pellon station site. From the road overbridge we can view the passenger station location below and the once huge goods yard
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Tuesday Jul 24 9

High Peak Junction to Crich Junction (Derbyshire) (5m)

Along the towpath of the disused Cromford Canal. Contact Gas Hill on 0114 2752303 or 73 Norfolk Park Avenue, Sheffield, S2 2RB
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Thursday Jul 24 11

Yatton to Cheddar (Somerset) (10m)

A walk along the route of the former GWR Cheddar Valley line, popularly known as The Strawberry Line due to the large amounts of the fruit grown between Cheddar and Wells. The line to Cheddar was opened by the Bristol & Exeter Railway as a broad gauge route in 1869, altered to standard gauge in 1875 and becoming part of the GWR in 1876. Passenger trains ceased in September 1963 with goods continuing until October 1964. In recent years the line has become a popular walking and cycling route with sections gradually being added such as the recently opened Sandford Link replacing a road based diversion. The restored station at Sandford & Banwell, containing a small museum is of particular interest together with the 540 yard Shute Shelve Tunnel which we can walk through.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Tuesday Aug 24 6

Gloucester & Cheltenham Tramroad (Gloucestershire) (6m)

An exploration of this former tramway which opened between Gloucester Docks and Cheltenham in 1811. The tramway also served stone quarries at Leckhampton, near Cheltenham and we shall explore these together with a short lived standard gauge branch dating from the 1920's. In Gloucester Docks a short section of tramway complete with replica wagons has been created.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Wednesday Sep 24 4

to 11th September - Railways of County Kerry, Ireland

Based in Killorgin on the beautiful Ring of Kerry. Suggested travel into Kerry Airport from Manchester when flights released, as public transport will be utilised throughout a 5 days of walks. Seven nights based in Killorglin exploring the most scenic line between Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen and Tralee to Fenit & Listowel to Abbeyfeale Greenways.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Thursday Sep 24 26

to Friday 27th September - Bristol Bash Re-run (5m)

Two days exploring the docks and harbour railways of central Bristol starting with Temple Meads Station and the former industrial areas nearby now undergoing extensive regeneration. Thursday afternoon will be a group visit to Clifton Suspension Bridge for a tour of the hidden vaults beneath one of the towers. Please note that this tour is fully booked but a further opportunity will be available in late September. On Friday we will concentrate on the harbour lines with a visit to M-Shed Museum and the historic Underfall Yard area at the entrance to the Floating Harbour, together with a trip on the harbour ferry. In the afternoon we will take a trip on the Severn Beach branch line to see the site of the New Passage ferry which enabled railway passengers to cross to South Wales before the opening of the Severn Tunnel in 1886.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Thursday Oct 24 17

Weston, Clevedon & Portishead Railway (Somerset) (3m)

An exploration of some of the walkable sections of this former light railway that closed back in 1940, followed by an Area Planning Meeting in Weston Super Mare.
If you are not a member then click the Enquire button to send an enquiry to the Walk Leader for more details. RR Members please use the contact details in the magazine.
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Tuesday Dec 24🎅 3

and Wednesday December 4th. Plymouth Bash and Festive Meal.

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TBD

Likely in 2024; Bennerley Viaduct

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