A steam train travelling through the countryside on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
NORTH WALES LINES
Inspired by your article on steam lines, I can wholeheartedly recommend both the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (www.festrail.co.uk)
originating from Porthmadog in north Wales. The Ffestiniog is the
oldest independent narrow-gauge railway in the world and passes through
some outstanding scenery. The rolling stock and locomotives range from
originals from when the line was built (see them in action at their
popular "vintage" weekends – there's one on October 15 and 16) to new
ones, made for tourists to enjoy.
The
Welsh Highland Railway is a virtual rebuild of an abandoned railway
using the biggest and most powerful narrow-gauge steam locomotives in
Britain, again with some outstanding scenery.
Both
railways are largely operated by very professional volunteers and most
trains contain an at-seat buffet service. Treat yourself to first class
and travel in style.
I rode both lines myself over the summer and would highly recommend both, though it's a bit journey to do both in one day.
I would take a long weekend in north Wales and then you'll have time to cherish the rides.
Andrew Castledine
JOB DONE
Well done to the Welsh Highland Railway (www.festrail.co.uk) for completing the line from Carnarvon to Porthmadog. Over 20 tough miles through mountains and across gorges.
RAIL TO THE RACES
What
a wonderful article by Lucinda Baring on steam trains. Those of us
involved with railway restoration and operating steam trains appreciate
your publicity and interest, particularly as we are mostly
volunteer-driven.
The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway (01242 621405; www.gwsr.com),
which runs from Cheltenham Racecourse station to Winchcombe via
Gotherington, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Everything
has been rebuilt and restored by volunteers after British Rail closed
the line from Stratford upon Avon to Cheltenham Spa in 1965. Since 1981,
they have relaid 13 miles of track, rebuilt three stations and last
year the railway received its millionth passenger.
John Mayell, Midlands
TWO GEMS
You missed the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway (www.lynton-rail.co.uk)
in north Devon, a fantastic little line high on the slopes of Exmoor
that will take you back to the Thirties. The Launceston Steam Railway (www.launcestonsr.co.uk), in east Cornwall, is another line not to be missed. Two narrow-gauge gems set in a great English landscape.
SOUTH DEVON
South Devon Railway (www.southdevonrailway.co.uk):
it's a beautiful line. If you're travelling by car, come to
Buckfastleigh station (on the A38, midway between Exeter and Plymouth;
TQ11 0DZ). There is plenty of free parking, a museum, refreshment rooms,
shop, miniature railway and more.
WOODY BAYS AND LAKES
Visit Woody Bay station on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway (www.lynton-rail.co.uk) and see just how much has been restored from 60-plus years past. Another stunning narrow-gauge line is the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk) in the Lake District.
GETS MY VOTE
I know the Kingswear branch the best (www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk). And it is the best!
WATERCRESS ON THE LINE
I would offer the "Watercress Line", otherwise known as the Mid Hants Railway (www.watercressline.co.uk).
It offers 10 miles of travel through gorgeous countryside between Alton
and the attractive market town of Alresford. Furthermore, the railway
station at Alton, which is shared with South West Trains, is on the main
line from London Waterloo.
The
line is steeply graded (it was a late Beeching closure) and so the
steam engines have to work really hard, which considerably enhances the
experience. And the four stations along the line are all in period
presentation, which definitely adds to the atmosphere.
David Stonor
ONLINE RESOURCE
With so many railways it is hard to pick a favourite. However, you might like to draw other readers' attention to www.heritagerailways.com, which provides comprehensive details
of lines and a useful map of their locations.
It
is also worth noting the excellent work being performed by many lines
to pass on skills and crafts to new generations and the "big society"
nature of the movement, with so much being achieved by volunteers of all
ages.
Chris Potter
YOUNG AND OLD
I would like to share a wonderful day out my husband, Andy, and I spent
with our two grandsons on the Severn Trent Valley Railway (www.svr.co.uk).
We joined the train at Bridgenorth and went to Highley, where we
visited the new Visitor Centre and Museum. Our young grandsons had the
most wonderful time and learnt a lot before boarding another train to
Bewdley. There, we walked into town and enjoyed afternoon tea in a café
by the river, before heading back to catch the last train to Bridgnorth.
Rebecca Marchant
ISLE OF MAN
The wonderful steam railway on the Isle of Man which inspired the Rev Wilbert Awdry to write Thomas the Tank Engine continues to run, using the same locomotives from 1874 to 1910 and carriages of similar vintage.
In
1902, Arnold Bennett referred to "the diminutive and absurd train which
by breathless plunges annihilates the 16 miles between Douglas and Port
Erin in 65 minutes."
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