Disused Railways

'The UK's specialist club for exploring old railways: it organises walks throughout the country for varying ages and abilities, usually on disused railways but occasionally on an old canal or even Roman road. '

'Inspired by the BBC series, Railway Walks with Julia Bradbury, this section aims to document the surviving remnants of Britain's many disused railways (unfortunately without the assistance of Julia Bradbury). Using photos and text, the course of each lost railway line is described in detail, enhanced where possible by photos taken during the line's heyday.'

'For cyclists and walkers along the former railway line between St Albans and Hatfield. It is an important link in the local sustainable transport network and forms part of Route 61 of the National Cycle Network.'

'Rail trail which extends from Ayot St. Peter, just west of Welwyn Garden City and the A1(M) Motorway to Wheathampstead in Hertfordshire.'

'Circular route taking in the iconic Bath Two Tunnels. The route also uses National Route 24 and National Route 4, along the Kennet & Avon Canal back in to Central Bath ... Both tunnels are well lit, have a sealed surface and are wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists to comfortably use the route in harmony.'

'The Park is a Local Nature Reserve running along the line of an abandoned railway.'

Market Harborough to Northampton: 'Connecting the two towns via a high quality traffic-free path through the countryside, the Brampton Valley Way provides the perfect opportunity for a family day out.'

'Off road route between the cities of Bristol and Bath. The path is open to walkers and cyclists and access is provided for disabled users. The Path is many things to many people - an integral commuting route, an attractive leisure path and an important wildlife corridor.'

'Buckingham Railway Walk is a section of disused trackbed that has had the station and track removed, with a path laid down its length. The walk is between the A421 southern bypass and the Tingewick road in Buckingham, covering a distance of 1.36km. It can be joined from either of these roads, or from Chandros road. Grid reference SP693334. The walk forms part of the Buckingham Circular Walk covering a distance of around 4km.'

'Until the 1970s a branch railroad in the Camel Valley linked Padstow and Wadebridge with the main line at Bodmin and with the old Southern Railway route to Waterloo.  Now it is an 18-mile hiking, horse riding and cycling trail, extended to Wenford Bridge on a former quarry tramway, again alongside the river.'

'One of Dorset's gentlest way-marked, walking, cycling and horse riding routes. This 16.5 mile (26.5 kilometres) trailway follows much of the old Southampton to Dorchester railway line. The trailway takes you through some of East Dorset's stunning landscape whilst also connecting a string of settlements between Ringwood and Poole.'

'A route between Chichester and West Dean following the line of part of the disused Chichester to Midhurst railway.'

'This route connects the historic city of Chester to the Wharf at Connah's Quay. The path takes you along an old railway line and is an attractive open ride from the north side of Chester out into the Wirral’s rich arable farmlands.'

'Disused railway line that runs from Welwyn to Hertford. The pleasant off-road route is suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The link through Hertford connects to the tow path along the River Lea, taking you to Ware and beyond.'

'The Colliers Way - Route 24 of Sustrans National Cycle Network - is a recreational path extending 23 miles through beautiful rolling green landscape. It starts just outside the Georgian City of Bath and extends from the Limpley Stoke Valley at the north, to the Frome Valley at the south.'

'This walk leads from the centre of Belfast to the town of Comber along the line of the former railway.'

'Much of the route follows the line of the former Stanhope & Tyne Railway, Britain's first commercial railway, which was finally closed in 1985. The route into Sunderland takes you past the new Stadium of Light, along the riverside, through the marina and onto the beach at Roker.'

'The Crab & Winkle Way is part of National Cycle Network Route 1 ... The "Way" uses about one third of the old railway line, although with the agreement of local landowners and support of local organisations it is hoped that more of the line can be brought into use ... '

'The picturesque trail follows the former "Cuckoo Line" railway track and stretches from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park. It passes through Horam, Hailsham and Polegate.'

'Extremely popular linear route between Consett and Swalwell, with fabulous views across the Derwent valley.'

'Waymarked level route, open to walkers, horse riders and cyclists. It links the North Downs Way at St Martha’s Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex.'

'Cycling and walking route linking Tavistock with Plymouth. This important part of Devon's recreational route network runs through superb countryside with attractive scenery along the western edge of Dartmoor together with much historical and heritage interest. But the trails aren't just about Drake - they take you through wooded river valleys and across open moorland, up close to fascinating wildlife and history.'

'Come and experience Durham's railway legacy. The railway paths - former railway lines - are attractive countryside routes that can be used by walkers, wheelchair users, horse-riders and cyclists.'

'Watford disused railway walk: Ebury Way and the Croxley Green branch (and Cassiobury Park)'

Note: The description originally cited here seems to have disappeared from the Three Rivers District Council Website. So I have replaced the Link with one to a more reflective version from Karen.

'An off-road cycle path, pedestrian and horse riding route from Chorlton-cum-Hardy through Fallowfield and Levenshulme to Gorton and Fairfield in Manchester ... At 8 miles long the Fallowfield Loop is thought to be the longest urban cycleway in Britain.'

Braintree to Little Dunmow: 'Open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, the Flitch Way is flat and mostly traffic free. There are many public footpaths exploring the countryside just off the route.'

'The pathway uses the former railway line linking from Dyce, on the edge of Aberdeen in the south, to the village of Maud where it splits into two routes; eastwards to Peterhead and northwards to Fraserburgh.'

'Connecting Derry City to the border towns of Lifford and Strabane this cycle route is a mixture of traffic free paths and quiet country roads and lanes which crosses between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. There are many attractions along the route including the Foyle Valley Railway Museum or Gray's Printer's Museum.'

'A beautiful purpose built cycle track running between Okehampton and Lydford. Itʼs part of the National Cycle Network route 27 Devon Coast to Coast and runs through Dartmoor National Park. There are spectacular views from Meldon Viaduct and Lake Viaduct, idyllic pubs offering an array of food and of course you can always treat yourself to a Devon cream tea on route.'

'Completed in 1899 and cutting straight through the middle of Rugby is the path of the Great Central Railway ...  The route is no longer a railway line but a nature reserve known as the Great Central Walk. Rugby Borough Council looks after 95 acres of it.'

'Scenic walking and cycling route. Its path follows the line of the former Great Central Railway, which was once one of the most important main lines in Britain ... The Great Central Way forms part of Sustrans national cycle network route 6 that runs from Dover to Inverness. Within the city it is now a 4 mile tarmac path with very minor gradients and it provides a route for people to follow for commuting, exercise and those who have an interest in nature.'

'The Great Northern Railway Trail is a work in progress, but the completion of the first section over two spectacular viaducts opens up the potential for day rides [and walks] in this beautiful corner of Bronte country ... Although there are plans to extend the railway path via Denholme and Thornton to Queensbury, it currently ends just south of Hewenden viaduct.'

'Walk linking Hamble Common with Royal Victoria County Park and ties in with a section of the long distance Solent Way to provide a circular route. The trail overlaps the long distance Strawberry Trail in places.'

'Trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders in the Peak District. Running from Dowlow, near Buxton, to High Peak Junction, Cromford, it follows the trackbed of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway.'

'This is a pleasant, easy walk along the track bed of the old railway from the centre of Market Weighton. Return the same way or via Goodmanham.'

'The first part of your route from Hull is along the filled-in Foredyke Stream. The rest of your walk is along the track bed to Hornsea.'

'This route is part of the former Hull to Withernsea line, built by the Hull and Holderness Railway Company in 1854 mainly to serve the agricultural needs of the area and the new seaside town, Withernsea.'

'Runs from the Newington/St Leonard's area under Holyrood Park via Duddingston and Craigmillar to Brunstane in the East of the city. It is one of Edinburgh's extensive off-road pedestrian cycleways and part of the UK-wide, National Cycle Network's Route 1 (NCN1).'

'A lovely walk from Keswick along part of the old Cockermouth, Keswick, and Penrith Railway trackbed and up onto Latrigg which stands over Keswick.'

'Part of an extensive network of Railway Paths which are fantastic for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. At Lydgetts Junction, this route joins the Waskerley Way and Derwent Valley Railway Paths and the Consett-Sunderland cycle route. At Broompark, it joins the Brandon-Bishops Auckland and Deerness Valley Railway Paths.'

'A self-guided walk from Lavenham to Long Melford - through woods and open fields - largely following the route of the old GER Lavenham to Long Melford railway line. The walk provides the opportunity to see wild flowers alongside birds and animal wildlife in their natural habitat. You start and finish in these two well-preserved medieval "wool" villages.'

'This attractive route links Rugby and Leamington Spa passing pretty villages, wildlife reserves, reservoirs and canals. From the centre of Rugby, the route follows the Great Central Way, and soon passes two Wildlife Trust Sites: Ashlawn Cutting and Cock Robin Wood ...'

'The Manifold Trail is often confused with the Manifold Way (Manifold Track) probably because there are so many other 'trails' in the Peak District - the Tissington Trail, the High Peak Trail, the Monsal Trail ... so everyone assumes that the Manifold Way is the Manifold Trail because it follows the trackbed of a former railway line ... '

'A footpath and cycle way in Staffordshire, England. Some 8 miles (13 km) in length, it runs from Hulme End ... in the north to Waterhouses ... in the south, mostly through the Manifold Valley and the valley of its only tributary, the River Hamps, following the route of the former Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway, a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) gauge line which closed in 1934 after a short life.'

'Follows the routes of two disused railway lines, running between the historic market town of Aylsham and the medieval city of Norwich.'

'The Mawddach Trail footpath walk and cycle route winds for 9.5 miles (15km) along the disused railway track on the southern edge of the spectacular Mawddach estuary. Whilst the trail can be joined at several points it starts at the picturesque market town of Dolgellau and finishes by crossing the iconic railway bridge over the mouth of the estuary into Barmouth.'

'Stretches for 10 miles from Knowle to West Meon, along a disused railway line. It is open to walkers, cyclists and equestrians. Between 2014 and 2015 Hampshire County Council, in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority, carried out improvement works to the Trail.'

'Follows the line of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque Cheshire countryside and between historic mill towns.'

'Cycle, horse riding and walking trail in the Derbyshire Peak District ... It starts at the Topley Pike junction (in Wye Dale, 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Buxton) and runs to Coombs viaduct, 1 mile (1.6 km) south-east of Bakewell. It follows the valley of the River Wye and runs parallel to the A6.'

'Former railway line that links Harpenden, Redbourn and Hemel Hempstead. It is approximately 8.5 miles long and suits both walkers and cyclers. The route forms part of route 57 of the National Cycle Network.'

'The North Dorset Trailway now extends from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, providing an off road trail for walkers, cyclist etc. The opening of the latest section, between Stourpaine and Blandford, proved to be a triumphant day with hundreds of people attending by various means of transport.' Unfortunately the Website originally cited here (and the North Dorset Trailway Network?) seem(s) no longer, so I have cited instead a page from Dorset for You (where at the time of Review it was noted that the NDT Leaflet 'is currently being updated').

'We like to explore disused railway lines. We organise walks throughout North East England, for people of varying ages and abilities, usually on disused railways, although we also explore the high fells, rivers, the coastline etc. We are not a high-powered hiking club concerned mainly with clocking up the miles ... '

'This route was originally a Waggonway coming from Cowdenbeath and Crossgates to St David's Harbour in Inverkeithing Bay.  It was used to export coal and minerals from the mines around Cowdenbeath and Crossgates for shipping from Inverkeithing.  The Fordell Railway was still in use in 1939.'

'Linear green walkway, in the London Boroughs of Haringey and Islington, which follows the course of the railway line which used to run between Finsbury Park through Stroud Green, Crouch End, Highgate and Muswell Hill to Alexandra Palace.'

'Enjoy wild flowers, wooded countryside and fine views on this route which takes you along a flat, former railway line to the beach and harbour at Pentewan.'

'The route follows the Shropshire Union Railway for 2.5 miles. The Railway was opened in 1849 and ran from Wellington to Stafford.'

'The Phoenix Greenways link the Five Pits, Silverhill and Pleasley-Teversal Trails. You can enjoy these easy-access off-road routes and quiet lanes to visit countryside and local attractions. Many of these trails and country parks were old pits and railways and like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, nature is once again flourishing with our care.'

'Provides a pleasant, traffic free 3.5km walk or bicycle ride from Westham Bridge in the heart of Weymouth's town centre to Ferry Bridge.  From there you can continue 0.8km along the traffic free Portland Beach Road route to the Chesil Beach Visitor Centre.  A further 2.3km will take you to Fortuneswell on Portland.' The Friends of the Rodwell Trail and Sandsfoot Castle work in partnership with Weymouth and Portland Council in the development and management of the Trail.

'A green corridor route through Telford from Bratton in the north-west corner via the Town Centre to the spectacular Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. The route boasts great contrasts with futuristic new developments, pockets of woodland and meadow and mature parkland. For almost its entire length the route follows dry canal beds and disused railway lines.'

'Starts at Castlecroft and runs for five and a half miles [about 8.85 km] to Wall Heath passing through other villages such as Wombourne where the Railway Café is located en route ... There are a number of walks of varying distances, which make up the series of walks based on the South Staffordshire Railway Walk. Routes contain a mixture of lanes, tracks and footpaths.'

'This path follows the old Douglas to Peel railway line ... Information signs are posted about the path as well as picnic stops. Refreshment can be obtained from some of the main villages on the Trail like Crosby and St John.'

'Follows the course of part of the Honeybourne Line, a single track railway built in 1859 by the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway and closed in 1976. Now a trail for walkers and cyclists, the route links the attractive town of Stratford-upon-Avon with the village of Long Marston.'

'Strathkelvin Railway Path is rail trail following the route of several dismantled railway lines extending from Gartcosh to Strathblane. The Northern Section follows the route of the Campsie Branch of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway which was extended as the Blane Valley Railway line and closed in 1951 (although some parts of the line were still used for freight into the '60s).[1] The Southern Section follows a branch of the Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway. Starting in Kirkintilloch it runs south and currently terminates at the northern tip of Gartcosh; just before the original railway junction would have split east to Bedlay Colliery and south to Glenboig.

'Mainly traffic-free with no steep gradients and takes in a variety of landscapes from the flat marshes and cider apple orchards around Yatton, steep wooded valleys and a tunnel through the Mendips, to historic Axbridge and the spectacular Cheddar Gorge.'

'Multi-purpose route between the Cardiff waterfront at Cardiff Bay in the South and the Market Town of Brecon in the North ... Passes close to Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil and through a wide variety of urban and suburban landscapes of those towns and the open moorland of the Brecon Beacons. '

'The Tarka Trail is one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths, and forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route.'

'The new traffic-free section of National Routes 51 and 12 linking communities between Sandy, Bedford and Milton Keynes provides a useful link for local cyclists' everyday journeys, but is also worth exploring at a leisurely pace.'

Runs 'from Parsley Hay (53.1706°N 1.7828°W) in the north to Ashbourne (53.0196°N 1.7397°W) in the south, along part of the trackbed of the former railway line connecting Ashbourne to Buxton. It takes its name from the village of Tissington, which it skirts'.

The Trail 'can be joined from either Westcott, Waddesdon or Quainton. Discover the history of this rural area and its traditional links with the Railways'.

'A multi-user path ... links the towns of Peebles and Innerleithen passing through the village of Cardrona on quiet roads. The path follows the picturesque River Tweed for much of the way and provides links to mountain biking trails at Innerleithen and Glentress.'

'Between Okehampton and Plymouth along the western edge of Dartmoor; the route is waymarked except where it crosses open moorland.'

'The Wirral is unique in that it is fortunate to have the Wirral Way which incorporates the Wirral Country Park, a stunning stretch of 12.2 miles that runs from West Kirby all the way to Hooton in Chester The Wirral Way itself is the old disused railway line that has now been turned into a stunning coastal path running along the Wirral Peninsular.'

'Footpath and bridleway linking the West Sussex towns of Crawley and East Grinstead via the village of Crawley Down.'