A wander along the former Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

Saturday, 27 September 2014

A wander along the former Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

Having spent some time over the past few weeks in the area of the former Sprat and Winkle railway, I ventured slightly further afield, but still in Hampshire, in search of other disused railways. This particular wander took me to Wickham, and on to the former Meon Valley railway. Much of this is converted into a leisure trail, for both walkers and cyclists. Apart from the many bridges, I didn't think there was much former railway architecture left to see, but exploring deeper into the undergrowth a few things showed up.

The first few pictures are of the old track bed as it crosses over the road out of Wickham next to the church.

Meon Valley Railway, Wickham, Hampshire

I particularly liked the underside of this bridge, although I'm not sure the photo really does it justice.

Meon Valley Railway, Wickham, Hampshire

Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

Walking up a small footpath on to one of the many bridges that crosses the track bed revealed some beautiful countryside. It looks like there are plenty of paths either side of the line itself, but they will have to wait for another day.

Somewhere between Wickham and Droxford, Hampshire

Scampering down the banks beneath the railway this time I found these two, wonderful old bridges.

Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

I was very surprised to see these still in place on many of the bridges. I think they are the fixings that would have held telegraph wires.

Telegraph wire fixings, Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

Just off the main track bed was what I assume was a siding of some description, where some of the moss covered sleepers are still visible.

Old sleepers, Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

I have absolutely no idea what this metal structure in the foreground is. Perhaps it's just some abandoned machinery and not related to the railway at all?

Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

Again, here's another structure just off the railway path itself. I would imagine this was at one stage some sort of crane for lifting goods on and off the trains.

Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

One of the many footpaths leading off the old railway line into the countryside beyond.

Meon Valley Railway, Hampshire

Most of the bridges crossing the former railway line were brick. This one still has the brick supports but it looks like the bridge itself was replaced with this metal structure at some stage.