This trail is great for running and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 35 - 55. Swaffham railway station was located in Swaffham, Norfolk. Time for a picnic lunch at Killamarsh station, Derbyshire, on the former Great Central Railway during one of the clubs 40th anniversary walks in September 2018. Shortly after its arrival a light engine set off from Dereham back to Swaffham! We tend to be a bit slower than a typical Ramblers group because we stop to examine structures and artefacts along the way. In 1876 two larger Sharpe, Stewart & Co 0-4-2 tender engines joined the fleet, presumably because of the motive power needs of the new Swaffham extension. I expected to see a few Pingo ponds, but nothing like as many as there were. Nowadays, the station site is occupied by a small housing estate called The Sidings, which is as predictable as any name in such a location. It took me about 2 hours, with a slightly niggly back, but it is definitely a walk I would do again. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. The Category Disused Railways is a subset of Heritage and History. [23] The height of the attraction's popularity was in 2016, when 22,000 people visited the centre and 8,000 climbed the turbine. An express left for Lynn and Peterborough at 8.25am, non-stop to Lynn. The section of line between Stow Bedon and Wretham was intended to be used for a new road, and Stow Bedon station was demolished as part of this plan. The path crosses the dismantled railway and, after about a mile (1.6km) of peaceful traffic-free walking, comes out on the North Pickenham Road. Both companies lines were double track at that point although each became single less than 100yd beyond the junction. 2007 - 2023 Norfolk Historic Environment Service, Priory of St Mary in the Meadow, Beeston Regis, Kings Lynn Urban Archaeological Database (2017-2022), Early Prehistoric Record Enhancement (2014), World War Two Fighter Pen & Shed Restoration, The Heritage Explorer Project (2005-2007), Great Yarmouth Archaeological Map (2004-2006), Route of Thetford, Watton and Swaffham Railway (later Great Eastern). Further round the coast you'll findGreat Yarmouth, one of the most popular resorts in the UK and packed full of amusements, shops and seashore entertainment. Rose (NAU), May, 1988.The section southwest of Stow Bedon mentioned above is now a footpath.At 9350 9491 is a crossing house of two storeys, grey brick skin over clay lump, now derelict.E. [10], Two more Manning Wardle tanks, and two Sharp, Stewart and Company 0-4-2 tender locomotives were added by September 1876. Goods traffic continued on the line as far as Watton until 19 April 1965 and Swaffham lost all of its goods trains in 1966. East of the A1065 another unsightly business park lies over the running lines and northern sidings. Continue up the hill and bear left, (leaving the Peddars Way which bears right). Biddle (Victorian Stations, 1973) notes the plain ogee gables and lozenge-latticed windows which betokened a delightfully cosy simplicity entirely fitting in north Norfolk. There is a Pingo Trail sign at the top of the hill so it's quite easy to see! Via Airport sky train to Airport railway Station. The main line saw a big increase in services: eleven up trains bound for Lynn stopped at Dunham, one more ran only to Swaffham where a change for Lynn was offered. ', 'Inspired by the BBC series, Railway Walks with Julia Bradbury, this section aims to document the surviving remnants of Britain's many disused railways (unfortunately without the assistance of Julia Bradbury). The club are currently members of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division and play at Shoemakers Lane. You occasionally have to keep an eye out for way markers, but Norfolk Trails have upgraded the posts, so you shouldn't have a problem. If you start this way first, its The Fairlie Steam Carriage was instead successfully tested in July 1869 at the, "Fairlie's Steam Carriage. Opened in 1875, the Watton and Swaffham Railway was also known as the Crab and Winkle line - and it connected the towns with Thetford in one direction and King's Lynn in the other. Check out this 3.2-km out-and-back trail near King's Lynn, Norfolk. The final timetable in force before closure of the line to passengers shows five through trains in each direction. We have developed resources to help our walk leaders design and plan railway walks ranging from straightforward events over official railway paths to walks which require negotiation with landowners. Turn right along the lane to head back into town. . which plays at Shoemakers Lane. 1974-1988. [4] As a result of this prosperity, the town has a large market place. Re-connecting Watton and Swaffham: re-purposing the Watton and Swaffham Railway line as a walking and cycling route will better connect the two towns for residents travelling for education, employment and leisure purposes while also creating a new attraction to encourage people to visit and spend money in local businesses. It has five galleries exhibiting local history and local geology as well as an Egyptology room about Howard Carter and the Ancient Egyptians, celebrating the centenary year of Howard Carter discovering the Tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. One of the most prestigious events in the days of the Regency was the annual hare coursing hosted by the Swaffham Club. [23] The centre hosted the 2008 British BASE jumping championships; contestants jumped from the roof of the observation deck. However, our leaders ability to do this depends on the location of the walk, which in turn governs the level of available public transport. Streetmap, A circular walk from Turbine Way, Swaffham; heading west from Swaffham along Shouldham Lane, turning south then east from Town Farm along Shoemakers Lane towards the southern end of Swaffham, joining Dulgate Lane to head north on tracks and paths until the route of an old railway line is reached, turning west on this route and continuing on paths and roads back to the start. The path crosses the dismantled railway and, after about a mile (1.6km) of peaceful traffic-free walking, comes out on the North Pickenham Road. Immediately south of Watton little remains of the line in Thompson Parish except at Griston where the railway crossed a minor road. The Junction box was taken out of use at this time. All of our walks are also published quarterly in advance in our magazine, Railway Ramblings. The nearest railway station is at Sheringham for the Bittern Line which runs between Sheringham, Cromer and Norwich. The town is well known for the legend of the so-called Swaffham Pedlar, a local man called John Chapman who had gone to London and met a stranger on London Bridge. The route either side of Stow Bedon station has been removed, and the station site levelled. Of the cattle yards and shed there is no trace: they lie under a scaffolding companys yard. An evening train ran from Thetford to Lynn. Rural views and a charming atmosphere make them an A warm welcome awaits at Bramley, a delightful detached house, set in a peaceful location on the fringe of the village, with ample safe parking in the generous grounds. Generally, you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to manage 7 or 8 miles at about 3 miles per hour. Several distinct ticket types were issued: all were standard Edmondson size. Sometimes, our own walk leaders were there to take some archive photographs. In addition there was an 8.00 am Watton to Swaffham service. . [21] The first of the wind turbines to be constructed was an Enercon E66/1500 with 1.5 MW generation capacity, 67 metres nacelle height and 66 metres rotor diameter. Swaffham Station signal box was at the east end of the Up platform, alongside the footbridge, controlling the station area with the crossing gates being hand-worked. Parking is normally possible at various places in Turbine Way but near the junction with Brocks Road may be preferable. Its a remarkably handsome house with a high gatehouse and surrounded by a wide moat. To a passer-by on the A1065 north of the town centre there is no indication that a railway once crossed the busy main road. There are still rumours of a puma-like black cat wandering around Norfolk[15] and Cambridgeshire.[16]. Beyond it the spans of the Sporle Road bridge have gone although its abutments are partially present. Swaffham railway station was located in Swaffham, Norfolk. The view over the lake is beautiful and youll probably catch sight of the resident swan just beneath the hide. We also have a useful Walk Template (see links below). You continue along the Peddars Way track which then turns into a tarmac lane. Here you need to go through the gate and follow the path through more woodland. Anyone who is concerned about risk can arrange their own, personal insurance cover, but in practice our walks are no more dangerous than any other walk, and probably a lot less dangerous than some other outdoor pursuits, such climbing or even cycling. Last walked on 5 January 2019. Theoretically, a group of 20 or so walkers passing over an old railway bridge might, just conceivably, weaken the structure, e.g. The eastwest A47 Birmingham to Great Yarmouth road now avoids the town, using a northerly bypass opened in 1981. The last train carried in coal and took away a sugar-beet harvest. Travelling south from Swaffham there were stations at Holme Hale, Watton, Stow Bedon, Wretham& Hockham and Roudham Junction. Just after Swaffham, the line split into two, one branch heading south to Thetford, and the other east towards Dereham. There were five passenger workings each way on the Thetford branch and a daily goods worked from Lynn to Roudham Junction. A near-flat awning with plain valance, supported by remarkably large and chunky brackets with trefoil motifs in the spandrels, was attached to the station building on the platform elevation. Luckily they didnt seem to be bothered with me which was a great relief, as I do have a slight fear of walking through fields with cows! Most send out two newsletters per year. For example, since the rail replacement bus service between Maiden Newton and Bridport (Dorset) was withdrawn in 2015, anyone tracing that route which is only partially open to walkers anyway will find no public transport at all between Maiden Newton and the outskirts of Bridport. Here a deep depression had to be filled and compacted and an embankment formed to carry the railway. From Watton went poultry, butter, milk and eggs, principally to Cambridge and London markets. The 1932 LNER Working Timetable showed a steady flow of passenger and goods traffic at Swaffham. (See below)Line immediately south-east of Swaffham Junction is an overgrown cutting so small that it would be hard to believe it were a railway were it not for the overbridges.E. The 15km trail would create a new link between . This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's A former Norfolk railway line could become a new walking and cycling route between two of the county's towns, according to newly-published documents. The turbines were originally associated with the EcoTech Centre, a visitor centre which was opened in 1999. Eventually you reach a very quiet tarmac lane. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card. Takes 50 minutes from Airport (Train and walk). The idea has been suggested as part of Breckland Council's 'Future Breckland' project . [5] On the top is the statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of the harvest. There was a smaller building, little more than a shelter, on this platform facing the south platform; the pent roof of this structure sloped upwards towards the platform face and its angle was continued by the timber awning. Swaffham is near the crossroads of the west-east ( Kings Lynn (15 miles) to Norwich (30 miles)) A47 and the south-north A1065 ( London, Cambridge and Newmarket to Fakenham and North Norfolk). The route from Thetford to Watton opened in 1869, and the line between Watton and Swaffham opened in 1875. The club carries Civil Liability Insurance, which covers all members plus non-members on taster events (as described above) but not friends, family or other casual participants. This area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the pollen and the plant remains in the peat which is below all this wetland. Watton station has also been demolished and the site redeveloped, although a level crossing gate survived on Church Road as late as 1983. Steam locomotives worked out of Swaffham engine shed, a sub-shed of Norwich Thorpe (shed code 32A in BR days). The cheapest way to get from Swaffham to Wells-next-the-Sea costs only 8, and the quickest way takes just 32 mins. ', 'The UK's specialist club for exploring old railways: it organises walks throughout the country for varying ages and abilities, usually on disused railways but occasionally on an old canal or even Roman road. It was formed of the Watton and Swaffham Railway, founded in 1866 as an independent venture by the Thetford and Watton Railway Company. Some steam turns continued on goods trains on the remaining lines to Kings Lynn and Dereham until Norwich Thorpe shed closed to steam on 2 April 1962. 2h 19m. As I came out of the first wood and faced a very open Pingo, I wondered which way I should go until I saw a sign to my right. Throughout its life there was little change in the number and frequency of passenger trains on the branch. A former Norfolk railway line could become a new walking and cycling route between two of the county's towns, according to newly-published documents. He took up office around the turn of the 20th Century and stayed in post until after Grouping in 1923. Many of the old railways that we visit present no problem because they now form part of official traffic-free trails, and the structures on them are maintained and inspected regularly. Using photos and text, the course of each lost railway line is described in detail, enhanced where possible by photos taken during the line's heyday.'. The latter are often the most interesting walks, but they take a lot of time, effort and skill to arrange. Sunday saw two trains, both late in the day, the first activity being at 4.32 pm from Swaffham. Freight services commenced in January 1869, with passenger services in October 1869. One of the places they met was the handsome Assembly Rooms built between 1776 and 1778. Eastwards towards Dereham they ran, at first, only as far as Sporle from 26 October 1847: Sporle to Dereham opened on 11 September 1848. Apr 2023 - Watton-Swaffham railway . On Wednesday only market-goers bound for Watton were catered for by a 1.20 pm departure from Swaffham: it set out on its twenty-minute return journey at 3.15 pm. Norfolk prides itself on its wealth of historic houses, the most famous beingSandringham, where Her Majesty the Queen and her family spend Christmas. (Tim Chant). Swaffham railway station when part of the Eastern Region of British Rail Until 1968 the town was served by Swaffham railway station on the Great Eastern Railway line from King's Lynn. See full article Mar 2023 - Travel Routes in Somerset Roudham Junction, Wretham & Hockham, Stow Bedon, Watton & Holme Hale, Click here for Swaffham Gallery 2: 1963 - 1967, The Great Eastern Commemorative Steam Tour, Off Station Street A1065 north of the Market Place and town centre. Although not a large town, Watton has a long-established market having received its Charter in 1204 allowing a market to be held on Wednesdays. Download your free copy of the "Quick Guide To Norfolk Beaches" and join our newsletter tokeep up to date with 4 different tips every month for enjoying what Norfolk has to offer. This trail is great for running and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Here can still be seen the crossing-keepers hut and, beside it, a gatepost and the remnants of the personnel gate that was part of the level crossing. This was the old site of the Stow Bedon railway line (part of which youll walk on towards the end). This club organises walks over disused railway lines, and non-members can sample up to two of these before joining. The Swaffham Pedlar also appears in the hand-carved Swaffham town sign. The turntable line was reached from the signal box by way of west-facing points. Railway Ramblers is very fortunate to have voluntary walk leaders who are prepared to undertake this work for the benefit of members. There was also a theatre, which entertained such august personages as Horatio, Lord Nelson and his family (and his mistress, too, according to the records). In 1926 the LNER rationalised the signalling with a tall signal box beside the level crossing; it had three tracks in front and one behind. Some of the main platform edging and surface survives. The Thetford branch closed on 15 June 1964, and the station closed to passengers on 9 September 1968. Turn left here for yet more glorious views and wetlands! The railways were all closed as part of the Beeching Axe, though the possibility of rebuilding a direct rail link from Norwich to King's Lynn via Swaffham is occasionally raised. Place. There was no Sunday service. Until 1968 the town was served by Swaffham railway station on the Great Eastern Railway line from King's Lynn. Some of these ponds were stagnant, others had pretty water Legend has it that the fabulous Tudor windows of the north aisle of the Church of St Peter and St Paul were paid for by Chapman. In 1897 it was fully absorbed into the Great Eastern Railway and became part of the London & North Eastern Railway at grouping of the nations railways on 1 January 1923. Drive. Walk from the gracious town of Swaffham to the ancient Peddars Way. Under the proposal, the former Watton-Swaffham railway line would be repurposed to become a walking and cycling link. The line north of Watton closed finally on 19 April 1965. Set off on this walk from Tennyson Ave and follow the Swaffham . On 7 July 1869, the company had obtained an additional Act that allowed its trains running powers on Great Eastern tracks from Roudham Junction to Thetford and to form a junction with the Bury St. Edmunds and Thetford Railway at Thetford. Last walked on 16 May 2015, A circular walk from Turbine Way, Swaffham; heading west from Swaffham along Shouldham Lane, turning south then east from Town Farm along Shoemakers Lane to reach the centre of Swaffham, heading east by the churchyard and continuing north-east on streets, paths and Sporle Road until the route of an old railway line is reached, turning west on this route and continuing on paths and roads back to the start. The road bends left and heads into the countryside, with the sails of a giant wind turbine turning up ahead. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 39 min to complete. A little further north a brick overbridge is intact crossing Hale Road. The clue is in the name! We also offer Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path walking holidays, as well as The Wherryman's Way and Short Break Walking Holidays. Five trains left for Dereham, one more on each of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. "Ice Age To Royalty" Norfolk Stately Homes walk. As regards tickets issued for travel, Mr T C F Vollacott wrote a short history of the two railways. [12], One of the ballast quarries created during the construction of the railway through Watton was converted into a leisure park and bathing lake known as Loch Neaton. The last train to Thetford left at 7.16pm and arrived back at Swaffham at 10.01pm. . Once past this stretch of open meadow, youll have a very pretty walk in amongst woodland and alongside a stream and eventually arriving at more Pingoponds and then the wonderfully picturesque Thompson Water. [17] A wood carving of the Pedlar of Swaffham is also in the church. ", "Environmental centre was 'too difficult' to convert into leisure facility, says council", "International firm to move global HQ to Norfolk town", "History of Greyhounds: 18th and 19th Centuries", Information from Genuki Norfolk on Swaffham, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swaffham&oldid=1144919603, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference, Articles with MusicBrainz area identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 16 March 2023, at 08:46. Timetables from Alan Young . By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. The cottage has a 27 HD TV and a Blu-Ray DVD player; WiFi is available. Beside the cycleway the substantial black-brick wall that lay alongside the sidings is largely intact, still preventing the adjoining land slipping onto the railway. [4], The line was closed to passengers on 15 June 1964, with a two-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) driven by driver David Grant of Dereham operating the final service. There is no national registry of who owns old railways and so our volunteers have to find out the hard way by research, letters and visits to find out who owns what, followed up by personal requests which, of course, have to be handled with some skill. The Leeds engines were 0-6-0 tanks with three-foot driving wheels. To help you find the best hikes and walks around Swaffham, we've reviewed our full collection of trails and routes in the region. . The centre provided a venue for school trips and event hire, and had educational displays focussing on sustainability in food, energy and transport. You can park here if you wish, but the actual car park is just behind here, so take the track in the middle of the lay-by and turn immediately right.Most of the walk is very well sign posted. It was the junction for lines to King's Lynn, Dereham, and . Today the town is known for the presence of two large Enercon E-66 wind turbines. 1869 - Image ID: D96P36", "Important Improvement In Steam Carriages", "Route of Thetford, Watton and Swaffham Railway (later Great Eastern)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bury_and_Thetford_(Swaffham_Branch)&oldid=1013832911, This page was last edited on 23 March 2021, at 18:08. Another mere that you may like to walk around is Horsey Mere on the Horsey Windpump Circular walk.Thompson Water is a lovely spot to stop before you start on the next stretch of the walk on a wide farm track. After about 0.5 miles (800m) you reach a sign on your right saying 'Peddars Way Restricted Byway Pickenham 3km'. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. Under the proposal, the former Watton-Swaffham railway line would be repurposed to become a walking and cycling link. After the first kilometre or so along Procession Road, we have lost the historic route of the Roman road, which we won't regain until after Castle Acre. Browse the best walks around Swaffham and see interactive maps of the top 8 hiking trails and routes. Swaffham Belt Path. Beyond the barrier the line is a cycleway and footpath, about a mile long, ending abruptly at a metal fence near the A47 Swaffham bypass. Our walks are split roughly 4:1 between walks over official railway paths and walks over old trackbeds which are privately owned.
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