~Railway Walk~
(without Julia Bradbury)
20th May 2011
Day 5 of the Somerset holiday. JB walks along disused lines, here's one along a preserved line in the heart of West Somerset. The day started with a look at a National Trust property and then continued with a walk from Stogumber to Crowcombe Heathfield along the West Somerset Railway.
Mixed Traction
Scroll down for photos and a description of the day....
Fyne Court, Broomfield
En route to Crowcombe Heathfield was Broomfield and the National Trust owned property of Fyne Court. Luckily entry is free to all, not just NT members. It's not very good really. But, looking for positives, there are guided walks through overgrown woods and you will also find toilets and a cafe.
Class 33, No.D6566
The plan was to catch a train from Crowcombe Heathfield to Stogumber, one stop up the line, then walk back to CH. Anorak Moment: 24 of the 98 Class 33's that were built in the early '60's have survived into preservation. Very much a "Southern" locomotive.
Crowcombe Heathfield Station
GWR Class 4300, 9351 approaches from Bishop Lydeard. We are the only passengers to get on, none get off. The station has a manned signalbox and a Station Master - both volunteers, I'm sure.
Stogumber Refreshment Room
Three miles down the line, we get off at Stogumber. Occasionally staffed, but not just now. We set off on our walk back to Crowcombe Heathfield. I'd bought a book "Country Walks from West Somerset Railway", this is No.9 and not too demanding.
Stogumber Property
The main part of the village of Stogumber is not en route, this house is adjacent to the railway.
SDJR No.88
The next train to Bishop Lydeard comes along.
Railway Walk
Fields and farms feature on this walk. Easy stroll on a pleasant Spring day.
Crossing The Line
We cross the line after making sure the coast was clear.
Somerset Villages
Robin
Crowcombe Heathfield Station
From the bridge on the north side.
Class 115/117 DMU at Crowcombe Heathfield
The walk is an easy one. Several more in the book would be more suitable for energetic walkers.
The West Somerset Railway holds many special events during the year. Their Mixed Traction Weekend, 10th,11th & 12th June is in the near future and should attract enthusiasts!
Walkers: Karen & Me.
Time taken: 1hr 30mins over a distance of about 3 miles
Route: Stogumber Station, Water Farm, Leigh Cottage, Roebuck Farm, Roebuck Crossing, Crowcombe Heathfield Station.
Weather and conditions: Sunny intervals, warm.
Greetings Count: None
Richard's Refreshment Review: Nothing to report from the vicinity of the walk.
Take me back to the start ....