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Local HistoryYou are in: Dorset > History > Local History > Dorset's lost railways A long abandoned railway bridge Dorset's lost railwaysIt's 45 years since the infamous Beeching Report, which began a huge reduction in Britain's railway network. Dorset lost miles of track and many stations in what became known as 'Beeching's Axe'. It's 45 years since Dr Beeching's government report, The Reshaping of Britain's Railways, which saw a huge reduction in the country's rail network. Britain's railway system was run by the state, and it needed to cut the railway's running costs. Weymouth & Portland aerial photo Beeching's recommendations, said to be 'modernisation', saw a third of the network closed - 5,000 miles of track and 2,000 stations. Dorset lost out significantly - many stations and several stretches of line were marked for closure. Among others, stations such as Wimborne and Blandford - as part of The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line - were lost, stations in west Dorset, such as Lyme Regis, were closed, and services between Weymouth and Portland were removed. Nature trailsParts of the old rail route between Weymouth and Portland have now found a new use as a nature walk, the Rodwell Trail. The 麻豆社 is not responsible for the content of external websites Similarly, Dorset Countryside has an ongoing project in the North Dorset Trailway, which runs along the old Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line. There are currently five sections to visit, in places such as Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton and Blandford, with further sections of the Trailway to follow. The 麻豆社 is not responsible for the content of external websites Bridport RailwayThe 'Heart of Wessex' line, which runs from Bristol to Weymouth, once had a branch line called the Bridport Railway. Beginning at Maiden Newton station, it went to Bridport, with stops at Toller and Powerstock inbetween. Beeching's 1965 report indicated the line should close but it actually continued operating until 1975. The Swanage Railway and Corfe Castle Wareham to SwanageAlthough not mentioned in Beeching's report, the line from Wareham to Swanage was closed and track removed in the early 1970s. The track has now been reinstated, and part of the line operates as a heritage steam railway and is a popular tourist attraction. With the full track in place, enthusiasts hope regular passenger services from Wareham to Swanage will one day resume. More on Dorset's old railwaysExternal links to a selection of websites about Dorset's railway stations and lines.
The 麻豆社 is not responsible for the content of external websites Dorset's closed stationsIf you have any stories or photos that you would like to share with us, please e-mail the 麻豆社 Dorset website, or leave a comment below. This website has an A-Z list of closed stations in Britain, many with 'then and now' photographs. Dorset stations on the list include Bridport West Bay, Daggons Rd, Hurn, Lyme Regis, Melcombe Regis, Radipole, Ringwood, Verwood, West Moors, Wimborne: The 麻豆社 is not responsible for the content of external websites last updated: 26/11/2009 at 15:00 Have Your SayWhat do you remember about Dorset's lost railways? Please also leave an email address (which won't be published).
ed jabbari
derek.maple_row@btopenworld.com
Linda Springett
Matthew Arnold You are in: Dorset > History > Local History > Dorset's lost railways
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