Yatton to Witham branch

Cheddar Valley branch

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

19th June to 23rd September 1951

79 Yatton, Cheddar, Witham Winter 62,63

Yatton

Map courtesy Google Maps - zoom as required for recent track details

Pan west to see up and down loops at Yatton

Yatton, the Cheddar Valley bay The line closed to passengers on 9th September 1963 being a Monday. This picture on the last day of operation 7th September 1963 41245 was shedded at Bristol Barrow Road. Upon closure of this line the loco moved to Barnstaple Junction Shed. Copyright Mike Roach

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

Here the RCTS has reached as far as it would go on the Blagdon branch - Wrington. Wrington lost its passenger service on 14th September 1931 and was closed to goods on the 10th June 1963. The line on to Blagdon closed entirely 1st November 1950. Mike Morant Collection

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

A 1961 view of Wrington station surprisingly still intact over thirty years after its closure - the line continued to be used to supply coal to the pumping engines at Blagdon until 1963. Copyright John Thorn.

Langford

Burrington

Blagdon - delighful views obtained on a private visit

The immaculate private approach to Blagdon Station. 10th June 1989 Copyright Roger Winnen

What a Gem. The beautifully restored station at Blagdon, what a marvelous job. 10th June 1989. Taken on a private visit. Copyright Roger Winnen

Blagdon Station. A toad brakevan sits in the bay at Blagdon station. 10th June 1989 Copyright Roger Winnen

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

Sandford and Banwell looking extremely smart on the 18th September 2014 Copyright Chris Osment

Sandford and Banwell, looking perhaps better than brand new. 18th September 2014 Copyright Chris Osment. Well done by all concerned.

Winscombe (somerset) Five and three quarter miles from Yatton

Front and back of season tickets Winscombe to Wells - The Mike Roach collection

All that remained of Winscombe station on the 8th September 1979 was this shed. The main station building was beyond the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

790908l Winscombe (Somerset) Station. Copyright Roger Winnen The station being inspected by the CRS minibus party on 8th September 1979

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

Avery interesting luggage label a Bristol and Exeter Railway label for Axbridge. Mike Roach collection

Axbridge closed 9th Sept 1963 seen in the Autumn of 1964, before it became the A371 Axridge by-pass. Note the signal still on its post and the box still complete with namboard. Copyright John Thorn

Axbridge station in more recent years - alongside the A371 by-pass. Copyright Roger Winnen.

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]

Cheddar station, remains of, taken on a minibus tour. The late Gordon Dobbs, the CRS Chairman and the minibus driver on this occasion views the 'gothic' doorway. Copyright Keith Jenkin

960804a Cheddar Station with its grand 'gothic' entrance doorway. . Copyright Roger Winnen

Cheddar 790908i The view through the 'gothic arch' with the CRS Mini Bus beyond.. Copyright Roger Winnen

960825c Pub sign of the Cheddar Valley, showing Cheddar Station. The sign depicts the station as broad gauge. The Bristol and Exeter Railway converted its broad gauge branch line to standard gauge between Yatton and Wells between 15th to 18th November 1875 Copyright Roger Winnen

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!!

A view of Cheddar church from the railtour train, the 'cleft' in the skyline marks the site of the famous Cheddar George. 18th November 1968. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Heads look out as the LCGB Cheddar Valley Railtour runs into Cheddar Station on the 18th November 1968. This station had an overall roof until after closure to passengers. Copyright Keith Jenkin

A nice touch was that the Cheddar Station nameboad had been recovered from safe keeping and placed on the platform for Photographic records. 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The Cheddar Valley Railtour reaches its final destination. 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Looking beyond the train towards the quarry sidings. 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Draycott Twelve miles from Yatton

A shot from the railtour as we passed through. 18th November 1968. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Draycott station as the railtour passed through on the 18th November 1968. Evidence is there that 'modifications' to the station are in progress. 18th November 1968

Draycott station, taken on a minibus tour. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Lodge Hill Fourteen Miles from Yatton

790908c Lodge Hill Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lodge Hill Copyright Keith Jenkin

Lodge Hill 790908d Lodge Hill. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lodge Hill taken from the Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968 - Copyright Keith Jenkin

Wookey Sixteen and a half miles from Yatton

Wookey seen in April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Wookey April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Wells Seventeen and a half miles from Yatton

Wells Tucket Street Good shed Looking towards Yatton. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Trains cross at Wells Tucker Street and 82037 takes water. 82037 is on the 8.03am Yatton to Witham and Frome. 7th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

2268 at Wells Tucker Street on the 8.12am Frome and Witham to Yatton. 2268 was a Westbury engine. It would later move to Machynlleth for the last 12 months of its life. 7th September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach

Wells Tucker Street 7th September 1963 looking towards Yatton. Copyright Mike Roach

Stations in the City of Wells. The area has been virtually cleared of all railway remains. A road occupying much of the GWR route through the city. There was double track at Tucker Street station. Many thanks to Peter Butt for the simlified map above. Copyright Thanks to Hannah Lane for corrections

More pictures of the Wells area are availble in our Branches to Bridgwater and Wells section

Wells Tucker Street seen from Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Wells The remains of the old East Somerset station Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968

Priory Road Level Crossing. Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

This is Wells Priory Road - the Somerset and Dorset station as seen in 1963. The station was closed to passengers on the 29th Oct 1951 and to goods on 13th July1964 Copyright John Thorn

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.

A picture by Chris Osment of the Priory Road plaque at Wells. Copyright

A slight enlargement of the plaque above serves well to show the rather complicated track arrangements in the area. Note how the approach to the sidings which spring off the S & D line is across the main running line of the Yatton to Witham route. Copyright Chris Osment

Wells Cathedral as seen from the Cheddar Valley Railtour as it headed towards Wells. 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

About two miles from Wells looking towards Wells taken from the Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

About two and a half miles from Wells, taken from the Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

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.

790203ad Shepton Mallet (Great Western Station) Copyright Roger Winnen. 3rd February 1979

Shepton Mallet station taken from the Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968 Copyright Keith Jenkin

A361 level crossing Shepton Mallet Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968 - Copyright Keith Jenkin

Railway remnants at Shepton mallet in 2015

Picture taken by Colin Burges, a keen cyclist, in 2015. The pavement in the middle is the station frontage, with the imprint of the building to the left and approach to the right, where I'm "parked." Copyright Colin Burges

"The death warrant has been delivered" says Colin Burges Copyright .

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.

Mendip Vale Opened by the East Somerset Railway 23rd June 1985.

A lovely shot as 7822 Foxcote Manor has just arrived at Mendip Vale on the East Somerset Railway. 3rd July 1993 The line singles to a head shunt for the run round loop. Maybe, one day trains will run again to Shepton Mallet. Copyright Roger Winnen

813 The Port Talbot Tank runs from the extreme end of the line at Mendip Vale to run. 30th June 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

It is the 30th June 20017 as 813 having run round awaits departure from Mendip Vale. Copyright Roger Winnen

930703c 7822 Running around its train at Mendip Vale. Copyright Roger Winnen

u 860628i The Jinty working hard on its return to Cranmore Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

860628j Carrying the Societies crest the jinty tank heads for Cranmore. Copyright Roger Winnen

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

The East Somerset Railway in 2005
John Cornelius

The East Somerset Railway in 2017
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

BR 41312 en route to the Mid-Hants Rly. 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

A gleaming BR 41312 en route to Mid-Hants Rly makes it onto the A361 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

BR 41313 on shed at Cranmore 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Cranmore D5410 later numbers (27123, 27205, 27059) is seen on the 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Parked on the former bitumen sidings are 51909 56271 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Saved from scrap Westbury Cement Works Sign at Cranmore 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Cranmore. Ex Westbury Cement Works Sentinel 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Ex Westbury Cement Works Sentinel PBA42 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

The East Somerset Railway in 2018
a report by Roger Aston

46447 draws into Cranmore station. East Somerset Railway 24th March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

Also in steam was 0-4-0 Barclay Saddle tank 1719 24th March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

46447 and 1917 carry out a parallel run 24th March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

5637 heads a demonstration freight at Cranmore. 24th March 2018

Cranmore Twenty six miles from Yatton

As seen in BR days from the Cheddar Valley Railtour 18th November 1968. Copyright Keith Jenkin

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).

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 April 1976 - East Somerset Railway - Copyright Mike Roach

CRS Members detrain at Cranmore West 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen This platform was previously at Ilton Halt on the Chard branch.

A train hauled by 813 stands at Cranmore West on return from Mendip Vale 30th June 2007 This platform is adjacent to the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

The CRS party waits to cross the running line to the sheds having detrained at Cranmore West. The late Ken Gent is the nearest party member waiting for Foxcote Manor to depart. 3rd March 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen

The Jinty tank prepares to heads the passenger service from Cramore probably to Merrifield Lane. 28th June 1986 . Copyright Roger Winnen

A view from the signalbox as Foxcote Manor having run round its train runs in to the main platform prior to another run to Mendip Vale. 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen

35xxx has moved off shed and makes a very pleasant picture standing at Cranmore station. 4th June 1994. Note the protective flag clipped to the rails protecting the entry to the loco shed. The lines to the bitumen sidings cross in the middle foreground. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A good old red Telephone Box stationed on the platform at Cranmore. 30th June 2007. Copyright Roger Winnen

Cranmore East Somerset Railway - a look around the shed and yards.

Cranmore Engine shed. The workshop had come from Devonport Dockyard and the smoke vents from Westbury. Photographed by Peter Butt

92203 Black Prince at Cranmore April 1976 92203 was withdrawn from BR service and condemned at Birkenhead Shed in November 1967 where it had been operating iron ore trains from Bidston Docks to Shotton Steelworks. Copyright Mike Roach

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

David Shepherds 9F 92203 Black Prince stands outside the shed on the 28th June 1992. Copyright Roger Winnen

68846 makes steam. 22nd June 1996 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Southern 0-6-0 number 110 looks fine on shed 15th May 1999 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Saddle tank 1719 in residence in the shed at Cranmore. 7th June 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

For a period in 1994 this 3' 6" gauge Rhodesian loco and a sleeping car were kept in the bitumen sidings area. 4th June 1994 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

East Somerset Railway Cranmore April 1976 Copyright Mike Roach

Cranmore East Somerset Railway Grampus 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.

Its the start of the day and 5637 passes the shed en-route to getting coaled. 14th May 2016. Copyright Roger Aston

Steady as you go! 5637 gets coaled at Cranmore. 14th May 2016. Copyright Roger Aston

5637 departs with the first train of the day at 11.00AM 14th May 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

5637 makes a fine sight and sound as it climbs back up towards Cranmore on the return run. 14th May 2016. Copyright Roger Aston

John Cornelius visits
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

Last trip of the day. Copyright John Cornelius

Wanstrow Twenty nine and a half miles from Yatton
There are excellent pictures of Wanstrow in 'Branch Line to Cheddar' by Middleton Press

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 82037 in the up main platform on its way to Frome. In the down platform is a dmu on the 9.25am Westbury to Weymouth train. 7th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Witham, Looking at station buildings situated on the up main platform 7th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Crossing over the footbridge and looking east it looks like 5912 Queens Hall or could be 5913 Haydon Hall coming through at full bore, 7th September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Looking across from the down to the up platform, note the junction for the Cheddar Valley line bearing away to the right and starting the climb towards Wanstrow. Also note the station masters house on the platform 7th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Witham Junction - map courtesy Google Maps. Use + & -buttons and pan to see recent views of the track layout.