Cheddar Valley branch
Including the East Somerset Railway
Including the East Somerset Railway
There is a petition to join up the various sections of the Cheddar Valley line which have already been opened for public access as a walkway/cycleway. To find more details please click here http://www.thestrawberryline.org.uk/index.php?section
Yatton
Map courtesy Google Maps - zoom as required for recent track details
Pan west to see up and down loops at Yatton
Congresbury One and a half miles from Yatton
Congresbury was the junction for the Blagdon branch. Stations on this were at Wrington, Langford, Burrington and Blagdon.
Wrington
Details of the North Somerset Railtour on the 28th April 1957 - operated by the R.C.T.S.
Locos Used 3440 'City of Truro', 5528, 30453 'King Arthur', 41202 & 41203, 8 (different) coaches
Route London Waterloo - Reading Old Jn - Reading General - Southcote Jn - Heywood Road Jn - Hawkeridge Jn - Bathampton Jn - Bath Spa - North Somerset Jn - Bristol Temple Meads - South Wales Jn - Wapping Wharf Jn - Ashton Jn - West Loop North Jn - Yatton - Congresbury - Wrington - Congresbury - Yatton - Worle Jn - Weston-super-Mare - Uphill Jn - Highbridge - Burnham-on-Sea - Highbridge- Uphill Jn - Worle Jn - Yatton - Pylle Hill Jn - St Philips Marsh Goods Jn - Marsh Jn - North Somerset Jn - Bristol Temple Meads - North Somerset Jn - Marsh Jn - Pensford - Hallatrow - Radstock West - Mells Road Halt - Frome West GF - Clink Road Jn - Westbury - London Paddington
Locos Used 3440 'City of Truro', 5528, 30453 'King Arthur', 41202 & 41203, 8 (different) coaches
Route London Waterloo - Reading Old Jn - Reading General - Southcote Jn - Heywood Road Jn - Hawkeridge Jn - Bathampton Jn - Bath Spa - North Somerset Jn - Bristol Temple Meads - South Wales Jn - Wapping Wharf Jn - Ashton Jn - West Loop North Jn - Yatton - Congresbury - Wrington - Congresbury - Yatton - Worle Jn - Weston-super-Mare - Uphill Jn - Highbridge - Burnham-on-Sea - Highbridge- Uphill Jn - Worle Jn - Yatton - Pylle Hill Jn - St Philips Marsh Goods Jn - Marsh Jn - North Somerset Jn - Bristol Temple Meads - North Somerset Jn - Marsh Jn - Pensford - Hallatrow - Radstock West - Mells Road Halt - Frome West GF - Clink Road Jn - Westbury - London Paddington
Langford
Burrington
Blagdon - delighful views obtained on a private visit
Sandford and Banwell Four and a half miles from Yatton
Sandford and Banwell station is now a very attractive and interesting heritage site, very well worth a visit.
To find out further details please click below
sandfordstation.co.uk
To find out further details please click below
sandfordstation.co.uk
Winscombe (somerset) Five and three quarter miles from Yatton
Front and back of season tickets Winscombe to Wells - The Mike Roach collection

Winscombe, looking towards Yatton, now part of their ‘Millenium Green’. The platform remains, with the outline of the former station building visible. Copyright Chris Osment. This view taken on the 18th September 2014 - a very considerable improvement on the views seen above, a credit to all concerned.
Axbridge Eight miles from Yatton
Cheddar Nine and three quarter miles from Yatton

Home Counties Railway Society: Mendip Railtour 6/10/63
This tour started from Paddington with Stanier 4-6-0 no. 45552 Silver Jubilee as the motive power as far as Bristol, Temple Meads. Former GWR prairie tanks 4103 and 6148, both allocated to 82E Bristol Barrow Road shed at the time, were in charge for the next 3h 45m and took the participants to Westbury with lengthy stops at Yatton, Cheddar where this shot was taken and Wells. The Cheddar valley line had closed to passenger traffic about a month prior to this trip.
[Mike Morant collection]
On the 18th November 1968 the Locomotive Club of Great Britain (Bath Branch) ran a railtour to Severn Beach, Portishead and Cheddar. As the section between Cheddar Quarries and Yatton had completely closed our route was via Witham. The quality of pictures is none too goo but it is hoped that they serve as a reminder of this branch line. A reduced speed limit was introduced for the railtour which caused problems on our return journey to Witham as there was also a requirement that trains weren't to run on the branch during the hours of darkness!! Common sense prevailed and our speed steadily increased as we headed back towards the main line. At one point we came across a lady out walking her dog along the branch - she was most surprised!!
Draycott Twelve miles from Yatton
Lodge Hill Fourteen Miles from Yatton
Wookey Sixteen and a half miles from Yatton
Wells Seventeen and a half miles from Yatton
More pictures of the Wells area are availble in our Branches to Bridgwater and Wells section
A note from Chris Osment (West Country Railway Archives)
As you may (or may not) know, all three stations at Wells have long since vanished beneath the inevitable relief road. The goods shed at Tucker Street is now the only railway building still in place (and in commercial use), although I suspect there may the odd railway cottage in nearby streets. In 2002 ‘marker plinths’ were erected at the sites of each of the 3 stations and the attached picture shows the one at Priory Road.
Many thanks to Chris Osment for this information and the picture.
As you may (or may not) know, all three stations at Wells have long since vanished beneath the inevitable relief road. The goods shed at Tucker Street is now the only railway building still in place (and in commercial use), although I suspect there may the odd railway cottage in nearby streets. In 2002 ‘marker plinths’ were erected at the sites of each of the 3 stations and the attached picture shows the one at Priory Road.
Many thanks to Chris Osment for this information and the picture.
Shepton Mallet Twenty two and three quarter miles from Yatton

Shepton Mallet High Street on the Yatton to Witham line. A glimpse through the glass of a carriage window taken in 1958 which required quite a lot of editing but still well worthwhile recording. The sign, the goods wagons in the bay. This station closed to passengers on the 9th September 1963 and to goods on the 13th July 1964 Copyright John Thorn.
Railway remnants at Shepton mallet in 2015
The EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The East Somerset Railway is a 2 1⁄2-mile heritage railway in Somerset running between Cranmore and Mendip Vale. Prior to the Beeching Axe the railway was once part of the formerCheddar Valley line that ran from Witham to Yatton via Wells meeting the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway at the latter station, in-between.
The East Somerset Railway is a 2 1⁄2-mile heritage railway in Somerset running between Cranmore and Mendip Vale. Prior to the Beeching Axe the railway was once part of the formerCheddar Valley line that ran from Witham to Yatton via Wells meeting the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway at the latter station, in-between.
Mendip Vale Opened by the East Somerset Railway 23rd June 1985.
The late Evil Knievel, Eddie Kidd OBE is reported to have jumped on his motorcycle a 120 feet (37 m) railway cutting near Shepton Mallet at 90 miles per hour. The Webmaster recalls seeing this on TV when he lived in the area, so it must have been between 1965 and 69. It was almost certainly across this cutting, he was successful and lived to tell the tale.
Merryfield Lane
Merryfield Lane was a temporary platform built near the summit of the line. Operation was extended to this point on the 4th April 1980 though the platform was not completed for another year. The platform was short lived being closed in 1985 on the opening of the extension to Mendip Vale.
We do not have any pictures of Merryfield Lane but try clicking on the following links.
www.eastsomersetrailway.com/page.php?pid=13
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merryfield_Lane_railway_station
Merryfield Lane was a temporary platform built near the summit of the line. Operation was extended to this point on the 4th April 1980 though the platform was not completed for another year. The platform was short lived being closed in 1985 on the opening of the extension to Mendip Vale.
We do not have any pictures of Merryfield Lane but try clicking on the following links.
www.eastsomersetrailway.com/page.php?pid=13
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merryfield_Lane_railway_station
The East Somerset Railway in 2005
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
The East Somerset Railway in 2017
a report by Guy Vincent
a report by Guy Vincent
Today (30th September 2017) I paid a visit to our local preserved line, the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore. When I got to the junction of the road leading down to the village and station, which lies just off the A361 east of Shepton Mallet, an abnormal load was seen to be making its way up the narrow lane. This load consisted of BR Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' Tank Engine No 41312. The 1952 Crewe-built loco was just departing for its home railway, the Mid-Hants following it's appearance alongside newly restored sister 41313 (also Crewe-built in 1952), itself due to depart soon for the Isle of Wight steam railway.
Today's motive power was Ivatt class 2 2-6-0 number 46447, another IoW SR-owned loco but on loan to the ESR for a period of 10 years following restoration here from scrap condition. The loco was built at Crewe in 1950 and withdrawn in 1966, then sold to Woodhams, Barry Dock, South Wales from where it was sold in 1972. It re-entered service in October 2014.
In the shed at Cranmore was BR 41313, imminently due to leave for the I of W following a fast-track restoration that started here in early 2015 and ended with the loco's return to service after a 52 year gap on June 24th 2017. Resident GWR tank engine 5637 which was built at Swindon in 1925 was also present.
Outside the diesel and carriage maintenance shed was former Scottish 'McCrompton' D5410. Also numbered 27123 27205 and 27059 at different times this loco arrived from Kidderminster (Severn Valley Railway) for restoration in February 2016.
The former Bitumen sidings held first generation DMU cars 51909 and 56271 plus a Sentinel shunter.
Highlight of the visit for me was the discovery inside the recently built 'Sentinel shed' of a previously unknown large enamel 3 piece sign that apparently stood next to the main west of England line close by Westbury Cement Works during the 1960s. It was found during demolition work at the plant in 2016 and very kindly donated to the ESR by Tarmac Ltd. Also in the shed is a Sentinel shunter (PBA 42) dating from 1965 that itself spent several years at Westbury Cement works and still carries remnants of the Blue Circle livery.
Since my last visit the shop has expanded it's range of local interest books and now includes a quantity of pre-owned volumes too, all reasonably priced and well displayed. Add in a cafe/restaurant, a very interesting collection of relics on display in the former booking office, the period fixtures both on the station and in the yards, and a couple of hours here is indeed time well spent. An enjoyable visit with plenty of interest to see and experience.
Guy Vincent
A detailed account together with much appreciated pictures. Many thanks Guy
Today's motive power was Ivatt class 2 2-6-0 number 46447, another IoW SR-owned loco but on loan to the ESR for a period of 10 years following restoration here from scrap condition. The loco was built at Crewe in 1950 and withdrawn in 1966, then sold to Woodhams, Barry Dock, South Wales from where it was sold in 1972. It re-entered service in October 2014.
In the shed at Cranmore was BR 41313, imminently due to leave for the I of W following a fast-track restoration that started here in early 2015 and ended with the loco's return to service after a 52 year gap on June 24th 2017. Resident GWR tank engine 5637 which was built at Swindon in 1925 was also present.
Outside the diesel and carriage maintenance shed was former Scottish 'McCrompton' D5410. Also numbered 27123 27205 and 27059 at different times this loco arrived from Kidderminster (Severn Valley Railway) for restoration in February 2016.
The former Bitumen sidings held first generation DMU cars 51909 and 56271 plus a Sentinel shunter.
Highlight of the visit for me was the discovery inside the recently built 'Sentinel shed' of a previously unknown large enamel 3 piece sign that apparently stood next to the main west of England line close by Westbury Cement Works during the 1960s. It was found during demolition work at the plant in 2016 and very kindly donated to the ESR by Tarmac Ltd. Also in the shed is a Sentinel shunter (PBA 42) dating from 1965 that itself spent several years at Westbury Cement works and still carries remnants of the Blue Circle livery.
Since my last visit the shop has expanded it's range of local interest books and now includes a quantity of pre-owned volumes too, all reasonably priced and well displayed. Add in a cafe/restaurant, a very interesting collection of relics on display in the former booking office, the period fixtures both on the station and in the yards, and a couple of hours here is indeed time well spent. An enjoyable visit with plenty of interest to see and experience.
Guy Vincent
A detailed account together with much appreciated pictures. Many thanks Guy
The East Somerset Railway in 2018
a report by Roger Aston
a report by Roger Aston
Cranmore Twenty six miles from Yatton
A little about the East Somerset Railway - from Wikipedia
In 1971/72, the artist David Shepherd came across, viewed and later purchased Cranmore station and a section of the track to house and run his two locomotives; the BR 2-10-0 Class 9F No. 92203 Black Prince and and BR standard 4 4-6-2 No. 75029 'The Green Knight'.I n 1973, the line opened offering Brake Van rides before extending first to Merryfield in 1980 and then to Mendip Vale and into Cranmore station itself in 1985.
Today the railway plays host to a variety of preserved diesel and steam locomotives.
The East Somerset Railway only operates the line betweeen Cranmore, Cranmore West , Merrifield Lane Halt and Mendip Vale. Between the last two sections, the train runs through the Doulting cutting, a site of Special Scientific Interest.The section between Cranmore and the main line at Witham is used for heavy quarry traffic to the nearby Merehead Quarry.
In 1991, a new station building was constructed at Cranmore which now includes a cafe, booking office, gift shop and toilets. The platform then extends to the old station which is now a museum. On the platform is an old red telephone box which incorporates a stamp machine and post box. It was made around 1927 and is one of only 50 made to that design. Opposite the platform is a signalbox dating from 1904 and is the standard GWR pattern of the period. Close to Cranmore station are the engine sheds and workshop (known together as Cranmore Shed) which were built in 1973, (during the preserved line's restoration at the time).
In 1971/72, the artist David Shepherd came across, viewed and later purchased Cranmore station and a section of the track to house and run his two locomotives; the BR 2-10-0 Class 9F No. 92203 Black Prince and and BR standard 4 4-6-2 No. 75029 'The Green Knight'.I n 1973, the line opened offering Brake Van rides before extending first to Merryfield in 1980 and then to Mendip Vale and into Cranmore station itself in 1985.
Today the railway plays host to a variety of preserved diesel and steam locomotives.
The East Somerset Railway only operates the line betweeen Cranmore, Cranmore West , Merrifield Lane Halt and Mendip Vale. Between the last two sections, the train runs through the Doulting cutting, a site of Special Scientific Interest.The section between Cranmore and the main line at Witham is used for heavy quarry traffic to the nearby Merehead Quarry.
In 1991, a new station building was constructed at Cranmore which now includes a cafe, booking office, gift shop and toilets. The platform then extends to the old station which is now a museum. On the platform is an old red telephone box which incorporates a stamp machine and post box. It was made around 1927 and is one of only 50 made to that design. Opposite the platform is a signalbox dating from 1904 and is the standard GWR pattern of the period. Close to Cranmore station are the engine sheds and workshop (known together as Cranmore Shed) which were built in 1973, (during the preserved line's restoration at the time).
The map above courtesy Google Maps Please use the pan and + & - buttons to explore recent track plans along the length of the East Somerset Railway. At Cranmore the Bitumen sidings were above the 'East Somerset Railway' label.
Cranmore, East Somerset Days - the station area, passenger trains.
Cranmore East Somerset Railway - a look around the shed and yards.

Cranmore East Somerset Railway 75029 Green Knight 75029 was built in May 1954 and spent the first few months at 83D Laira Shed. These and the other British Railways Standard Classes were not popular with Laira enginemen who much preferred the ex-Great Western classes. April 1976 Copyright Mike Roach
Fortunately the Cranmore to Witham Junction section still survives providing a link not only between the East Somerset Railway and the main network but also providing an outlet for the many stone trains from Merehead Quarry. For pictures of Merehead Quarry Depot and locomotives click here.
Recent pictures of the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore brought to us by Roger Aston.
John Cornelius visits
The East Somerset Railway on the 24th June 2017
The East Somerset Railway on the 24th June 2017
Hi Keith, Here are a few pics I took at Cranmore on the East Somerset Rly today with the relaunch to service following overhaul of 2-6-2 41313. It looked immaculate. Also 2-6-0 46447 was in steam to accompany it and during the day they single headed and double headed trains, with the last one of the day being top and tailed.A goodly number of enthusiasts attended despite the Glastonbury pop festival taking place about five miles away and we could hear the music at Worthy thumping away. But our interest was definitely with the locos.
A very enjoyable day. cheers JOHN C. Many thanks John
A very enjoyable day. cheers JOHN C. Many thanks John
Cranmore arrival - a report by Guy Vincent (Received 19th January 2020).
Recently arrived at Cranmore for restoration to working order is GWR 2-6-2 'Large Prarie' tank engine no 4110, a member of the '5101' class and built at Swindon in October1936. The loco spent a short period (July 1962-May 1963) based at Taunton and was withdrawn from Severn Tunnel Junction shed in June 1965. The same month it was sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard at Barry, South Wales from where it was purchased for preservation, becoming the 100th loco to leave the yard in 1979. Since then it has had several owners and has been based at Southall, Tyseley, Minehead and latterly Kingswear. The loco recently arrived at Cranmore where it is to be fully restored and will then spend 3 years working on the East Somerset Railway. Attached are two photos of 4110, the first taken at Kingswear in October 2019 and the second at Cranmore. There is no doubt that once restored the loco will be in virtually 'as new' condition as the team at Cranmore have a proven track record in producing high quality work. Currently undergoing repairs there for the Dartmouth Steam Railway is '5205' Class Collett 2-8-0T no 5239 'Goliath' and prior to that the ESR rebuilt LMS Ivatt 2-6-2T no 41313 from scrap condition to ex-works in just two years.
Regards, Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy for your pictures and of course detailed notes..
Recently arrived at Cranmore for restoration to working order is GWR 2-6-2 'Large Prarie' tank engine no 4110, a member of the '5101' class and built at Swindon in October1936. The loco spent a short period (July 1962-May 1963) based at Taunton and was withdrawn from Severn Tunnel Junction shed in June 1965. The same month it was sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard at Barry, South Wales from where it was purchased for preservation, becoming the 100th loco to leave the yard in 1979. Since then it has had several owners and has been based at Southall, Tyseley, Minehead and latterly Kingswear. The loco recently arrived at Cranmore where it is to be fully restored and will then spend 3 years working on the East Somerset Railway. Attached are two photos of 4110, the first taken at Kingswear in October 2019 and the second at Cranmore. There is no doubt that once restored the loco will be in virtually 'as new' condition as the team at Cranmore have a proven track record in producing high quality work. Currently undergoing repairs there for the Dartmouth Steam Railway is '5205' Class Collett 2-8-0T no 5239 'Goliath' and prior to that the ESR rebuilt LMS Ivatt 2-6-2T no 41313 from scrap condition to ex-works in just two years.
Regards, Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy for your pictures and of course detailed notes..
The East Somerset Railway -
a visit by Adrian King.
29th May 2021.
a visit by Adrian King.
29th May 2021.
- Please find enclosed a few photographs which I hope you can use on the website of the East Somerset Railway Centre at Cranmore which I took last Saturday the 22nd May. I've attached several more shots than usual and perhaps you can pick out which to use.
46447128 Ivatt locomotives were built between 1946 and 1953, with Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 46447 built at Crewe in 1950.
46447 was first allocated to the Crewe North shed and worked in and around the north of England and Wales.
In December 1966, 46447 was withdrawn from service and sold to Woodham Brothers for scrap. On 7th June 1972, 46447 was purchased by the Ivatt Locomotive Trust and moved to Quainton Road, Buckinghamshire. Restoration was started but the Ivatt Locomotive Trust subsequently decided that 46447's future was to be at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and she was transferred to Havenstreet during October 2008.
After initial conservation, work was halted on 46447 and she was stored pending restoration as a static exhibit. In 2012, a deal was made between the Isle of Wight Railway and the East Somerset Railway for 46447 to move to the East Somerset Railway, with an agreement that it was restored to running order.
46447 underwent a complete overhaul and returned to service on the 26th October 2014 (her first day of passenger service since 1966), which was a break of 48 years.
46447 was first allocated to the Crewe North shed and worked in and around the north of England and Wales.
In December 1966, 46447 was withdrawn from service and sold to Woodham Brothers for scrap. On 7th June 1972, 46447 was purchased by the Ivatt Locomotive Trust and moved to Quainton Road, Buckinghamshire. Restoration was started but the Ivatt Locomotive Trust subsequently decided that 46447's future was to be at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and she was transferred to Havenstreet during October 2008.
After initial conservation, work was halted on 46447 and she was stored pending restoration as a static exhibit. In 2012, a deal was made between the Isle of Wight Railway and the East Somerset Railway for 46447 to move to the East Somerset Railway, with an agreement that it was restored to running order.
46447 underwent a complete overhaul and returned to service on the 26th October 2014 (her first day of passenger service since 1966), which was a break of 48 years.
Well done to you and well done to the East Somerset Railway who despite Covid 19 have put on a good show.
Martin Scane visits the East Somerset Railway
- 11th August 2021.
We are just starting to get around and about today and, having visited relatives in Wiltshire, we popped into the East Somerset Railway today for a train ride and a cream tea. Here are a few photos which you are free to use if you want . Cheers Martin
- 11th August 2021.
We are just starting to get around and about today and, having visited relatives in Wiltshire, we popped into the East Somerset Railway today for a train ride and a cream tea. Here are a few photos which you are free to use if you want . Cheers Martin
Many thanks Martin.
Chris Osment visits the East Somerset Railway
- 11th August 2021.
- 11th August 2021.
I too was at the ESR yesterday! I wonder if Martin and I unknowingly passed each other?
Not surprisingly, I paid a visit to the signal-box which is being fitted-out for future use, but at the moment is open to the public simply as an ‘exhibit’. The lever-frame came from Coombe Junction and is in the process of being extended by another 5 levers.
Regards, Chris
Not surprisingly, I paid a visit to the signal-box which is being fitted-out for future use, but at the moment is open to the public simply as an ‘exhibit’. The lever-frame came from Coombe Junction and is in the process of being extended by another 5 levers.
Regards, Chris
Many thanks Chris - very interesting about the frames former use.
Wanstrow Twenty nine and a half miles from Yatton
There are excellent pictures of Wanstrow in 'Branch Line to Cheddar' by Middleton Press
There are excellent pictures of Wanstrow in 'Branch Line to Cheddar' by Middleton Press
Wanstrow station on the Strawberry Line (Yatton to Witham branch) was closed to passengers on the 9th September 1963. It was about two miles from the junction at Witham. Many thanks to you Ron.
Witham (Somerset) Thirty one and three quarter miles from Yatton

Witham 82037 stands at the branch platform. It was due to arrive here at 9.34am where it would connect with a Weymouth to Bristol Train at 9.37am. 82037 would then push its train back up the branch, crossover, and proceed up the main line to Frome at 9.45am. Saturday 7th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Witham Junction - map courtesy Google Maps. Use + & -buttons and pan to see recent views of the track layout.