Old railway lines are accessible, easy to follow and a pleasure to roam
The UK has more than 4,000 miles of ex railway lines, criss-crossing the country, that are there to be used by walkers. Most came about as a result of the Beeching Report in 1963, which closed down swathes of the rail network. Many of the routes eventually were reclaimed for public use by walkers and cyclists and remain so to this day.
Railway routes are wonderful for walking on. They’re largely straight, often smooth and raised up a little, so they drain well, meaning no muddy boots. Because they’re such easy terrain, they’re accessible to all, regardless of age or ability. They’re also easy to navigate and hard to get lost on so you don’t even need to take a map. Next time you’re thinking of a good walk, maybe consider a railway ramble instead. Here are a few spots around the country where you can do just that.
The Camel Trail, Cornwall
This railway once ran between Padstow and Wendfordbridge along the Camel Estuary and was used to transport sand from the estuary to inland farms. It’s great for bird watchers and passes through beautiful countryside. Poet John Betjeman called it “the most beautiful railway journey I know” and it’s still pretty lovely today.
Parkland Walk, London
This path was once the Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace rail route and passes through the former Crouch End station (pictured above). It has wonderful views over London from the top of the hill at Ally Pally.
The Mawddach Trail, Wales
Following the southern edge of the Mawddach estuary, this route runs from Barmouth to Dolgellau through Snowdonia National Park. One of the most accessible railway rambles, it’s largely wheelchair friendly - you can also hire a ‘tramper’ - and the North Wales Society for the Blind has produced a free audio guide to download that accompanies the trail.
Innocent Railway Path, Scotland
Running from Newington, under Holyrood Park out to Brunstane. A highlight of the path is the 517 metre Innocent Tunnel, one of the UK’s oldest railway tunnels and pleasingly eerie!
Monsal Trail, The Peak District
One of the newer railway walks, this stretch from Buxton to Bakewell was only rescued in 1981 and some of the amazing 400-metre tunnels have only been reopened in the last decades, so there’s novelty factor to this stretch of railway. It also has some amazing views to enjoy. Don’t miss the cafe in the old station ticket office at Millers Dale.
Find more railway routes to walk on the OS website.
The picture above is of the abandoned platform along Parkland Walk in London. It’s part of our feature all about nature reserves in the May issue of The Simple Things, which is on sale now.
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