Narrow Gauge in Caithness

[rogerfarnworth]

We crossed back from Orkney today and drove via John O'Groats and Wick before heading south through Inverness. About 6 miles north of Wick on the A99 we drove over a narrow gauge (metre-gauge) line. This was a surprise and it needed to be investigated. .... This post is the result.

http://rogerfarnworth.com/2019/05/11/caithness-double-track-narrow-gauge-line

 

[GusB]

We crossed back from Orkney today and drove via John O'Groats and Wick before heading south through Inverness. About 6 miles north of Wick on the A99 we drove over a narrow gauge (metre-gauge) line. This was a surprise and it needed to be investigated. .... This post is the result.

http://rogerfarnworth.com/2019/05/11/caithness-double-track-narrow-gauge-line

Thanks for posting this, Roger - a fascinating read. I had no idea this existed.

 

[Red Onion]

An interesting and great read, many thanks for this. Must investigate the next time I’m up there, would be fascinating to watch it in action.

 

[Puppetfinger]

Fascinating stuff, thank you for sharing.

 

[randyrippley]

I thought you were going to say you'd found the secret WWII tunnel to Orkney

 

[rogerfarnworth]

I thought you were going to say you'd found the secret WWII tunnel to Orkney

Sorry. I missed it!

 

[Steamysandy]

When I visited Orkney in 1999,I remember seeing a yellow pipe on this line from the bus I was on.
The pipes arrive at Georgemas Junction by train from Teesside(?)

 

[Iskra]

Brilliant find and a very informative article. Thank you for sharing.

 

[rogerfarnworth]

When I visited Orkney in 1999,I remember seeing a yellow pipe on this line from the bus I was on.
The pipes arrive at Georgemas Junction by train from Teesside(?)

Yes, that is my understanding.

 

[DarloRich]

thanks - i noticed this line when i was up in that area last year. Interesting information

 

[Steamysandy]

On a different track in the same area,south of Wick the remains of the Lybster branch were visible on the inland( west) side of the bus.This had two things of interest.Firstly it was the furthest point from Euston and secondly ,the last train when it closed during WW2, was hauled by a Southern (exLBSC) 0-4-2t of class D1!!