a lost southern line

There are few really rural lines left in Britain, this was Watergate Halt on the old Torrington to Halwill line, which retained a freight service into the 1980s. This shot was taken in 1980. The line had closed to passengers as late as 1965, it was also one of the last standard gauge lines to open in Britain. The line is now unfortunately lifted throughout, although the northern section of the route from Bideford to Barnstaple is likely to reopen in the not too distant future.

Holyhead Breakwater Railway

The Holyhead Breakwater Railway was unique in that it was an industrial line owned and operated by British Rail - and was totally separate from the rest of the network.

There is now a society which aims to restore part of this line.

secret line in Cornwall, UK

The Padstow Cliff Railway is a private line used to transport lifeboatmen down the cliff to the lifeboat station at Mother Ivey's Bay. At just 32 metres long it must be one of the shortest - and steepest - lines in the country!