Recent content by DanBlanchflowe

Billingham (Stockton) and Billinghurst (Sussex). Newport (Wales) and Newport (Essex). Four other Newport's closed mid 20th Cent.

I did that walk 2 years ago Allowing myself a 40 min connection. That was pushing it but fortunately the Weymouth bound train was late. 80% of the route is along a winding country lane with no footpath & 10/20 vehicles a minute. Be warned.

Thanks for this most informative video

I believe this passing loop will be east of St Dennis Junction? My 1960 1" OS map shows it there to be about 1 3/4 miles of double track here. On the ground to the north of the current single track, it appears to still be within the railway curtiledge and unencumbered by development. How long...

A little more info in today’s Times page 17, (behind a pay wall, I read a paper copy), “At a railway industry meeting yesterday, Network Rail said partners had discussed the potential for the huge advertising display to be used for passenger information. Other suggestions included making all...

I live & travel by the Tyne Valley line, and have noticed increased cancellations in recent weeks. At first impresion "shortage of drivers" sounds like gross incompetance by Northern. Passengers should be given a more detailed reason. Is the MAIN REASON 1) that their fully trained...

Once been on the line as a tourist for a change of route Chester-Manchester. The redeeming feature is Delamere, I should have got off there for a walk having just gone through the luverly Forest.

In Summer 1960 we rented a cottage by the railway at Derwen-las which is about half way between Dovey Junction and Machynlleth. I would wave to the driver and fireman as the train went passed on an embankment!! I still have the 1" OS Map we bought for 5s/6d. The only path from the station...

Today I phoned Eurostar and put my case persuasively to a friendly man. At first he was adamant that the part refund I requested was not available because the tickets were booked before April. However he eventually agreed to ‘rebook’ under todays date. Then immediately refund that booking minus...

Thankyou for your excellent advice.

That's so unfair for Eurostar to change the refund policy midway through the booking period for the biggest event that Paris has hosted since the direct rail link from London to Paris was opened. This is the one event in Paris where surely Eurostar will not have the capacity to cope particularly...

Glad to hear that the South Gosforth - St James section is still open as Newcastle have a home match against West Ham on Easter Saturday, or there abouts if TV scheduling alters the time/day.

ScotRail should not give in to pressure from the likes of Premier Inn. I don’t know about them but where their rival TravelLodge has such situations, they offer a quieter upgrade room for a 10/20% premium on their website. That is for their central city nightlife hotels eg Southend, applies to...

The new HMRC 5-10 storey new and refurbished office blocks in Pilgrim Street, central Newcastle have their frames complete, so looks on course for opening in 2027. When all complete they will accommodate 9,000 staff. Of course if there is hot desking, these days the number of desks will be...

An excellent idea. Why is it not already done?