swaffham railway walk

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. By 1960 no steam locomotives plied the line on passenger trains and the Sunday service had disappeared. Turn left to continue along this road, past a few cottages until it turns into a track straight ahead. On the west side of Swaffham Market Place are several old buildings which for many years housed the historic Hamond's Grammar School, as a plaque on the wall of the main building explains. 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. Opened in 1875, the Watton and Swaffham Railway -also known as the Crab and Winkle line - connected the towns with Thetford in one direction and King's Lynn in the other. Turn right along the lane to head back into town. Walk across the road to the Red Lion pub on the east side of the square, and head north with the Market Cross behind you. The area was named "Loch Neaton" in honour of the Scottish navvies who built the line, with Neaton being the local hamlet. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. An exhibition of Carters work in Egypt can be seen in the town museum, which also serves as the tourist information centre. [28] Shortly after the sale, Swaffham Town Council gave BCD a parcel of land next to the centre on which BDC intends to build a leisure centre. In the parish of Saham Toney some length of embankment remains in view and, close by, substantial brick-built abutments of an overbridge survive on Long Road at Woodbottom Farm. The coming of the railway invigorated business in the town and two large monthly cattle markets brought livestock traffic to the railway. [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. The centre provided a venue for school trips and event hire, and had educational displays focussing on sustainability in food, energy and transport. which plays at Shoemakers Lane. There was no Sunday service. Practice varies from one area to another: some produce a large newsletter which covers an entire year in advance, while others issue newsletters more frequently. The final timetable in force before closure of the line to passengers shows five through trains in each direction. The Thetford branch closed on 15 June 1964, and the station closed to passengers on 9 September 1968. Rose (NLA), 29 January 2005. It was formed of the Watton and Swaffham Railway, founded in 1866 as an independent venture by the Thetford and Watton Railway Company. From there easily with the Metro to Heinrich-Heine-Allee (Altstadt) go upstairs and walk to the river rhine Promenade. This produces a lot of information which doesnt lend itself easily to a short rubric that we can publish in our magazine. Despite BRs modernisation attempts the end was signalled in Dr. Richard Beechings report The Reshaping of Britains Railways, published in March 1963 and closure of Norfolks branch lines began with some urgency. Carry on along the track, passing more Pingos, and more open common land. P.S. It took me about 2 hours, with a slightly niggly back, but it is definitely a walk I would do again. That came to fruition on 15 November 1876. 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. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please That on the south (up) side housed the main station buildings, the station yard and public access from the town. 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. Swaffham Town Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Swaffham, Norfolk, England. 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. Bearing left, walk down the slight incline, and at the bottom of the hill you'll see another sign on the left hand side pointing to the left. [23] The height of the attraction's popularity was in 2016, when 22,000 people visited the centre and 8,000 climbed the turbine. 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. Swaffham Belt Path. We do not publish these resources on the Internet, but they are available to walk leaders from our Secretary, who can supply them on a CD. These were 0-6-0 tank locomotives with 3-foot driving wheels and 11-inch cylinders. Both companies lines were double track at that point although each became single less than 100yd beyond the junction. Swaffham became a junction station on 20 September 1875 when goods services commenced on the line from Watton and Thetford; passenger traffic started on that route a couple of months later on 25 November. 'Walking your way around Swaffham, you will see many fine examples of historic architecture and you will experience a sense of traditionalism mixed with the energy of modern day life. Passing through Thetford Forest between Stow Bedon and Hockham Heath the trackbed is a Permitted Public Path before once more being obliterated by agricultural activity towards the site of Roudham Junction. The Hamond's Grammar School building latterly came to serve as the sixth form for the Hamond's High School, but that use has since ceased. Under the proposal, the former Watton-Swaffham railway line would be repurposed to become a walking and cycling link. 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. In Kingdom the town is called Market Shipborough. Swaffham Raceway, a former greyhound track, hosts stock car racing. Editors' Code of Practice. The eastwest A47 Birmingham to Great Yarmouth road now avoids the town, using a northerly bypass opened in 1981. 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. West of the station an earth bund prevents access and sight along the trackbed. Swaffham railway station was located in Swaffham, Norfolk. early on as you walk through the woods and the first stretch of Thompson The new route running. I just remember thinking water, water everywhere! 10 Minute Walk From Wells Town . There was no Sunday service on either line. (Tim Chant). When she was completing her 47th and final race, Orford became so excited that he fell off his horse and died. The North Norfolk Railway (NNR) - also known as the "Poppy Line" - is a heritage steam railway in Norfolk, England, running between the coastal towns of Sheringham and Holt. [11], The Swaffham Museum is a small, independent social history museum for Swaffham and the surrounding villages in Norfolk from the Stone Age to the modern. Tools The Bury and Thetford (Swaffham Branch), also known as the Crab and Winkle Line, [1] was a railway line in England. The North Norfolk Coast is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and probably the finest of its kind in Europe. ', '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. SWAEFAS WAY AND AROUND SWAFFHAM - 6.1 miles / 9.8 km, SWAFFHAM TOWN & COUNTRY - 5.1 miles / 8.2 km, SWAFFHAM TOWN & COUNTRY - 6.4 miles / 10.3 km. Manning Wardle of Leeds supplied the companys first locomotives after an offer from Robert Fairlie to test his Fairlie Steam Carriage was rejected. Last walked on 23 July 2016, 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 then to the southern end of Swaffham by streets, 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. Tickets from Michael Stewart (except 1527) Brian Halford. The last passenger service, the 9.21 pm from Thetford to Swaffham, ran on 12th June 1964 and was formed of a two-car diesel multiple unit with driver David Grant of Dereham in charge, carrying, it was reported locally, seventy passengers. A little bit further on I another found a sign as well as some interesting long horned cattle. Of the cattle yards and shed there is no trace: they lie under a scaffolding companys yard. The line was lifted after closure. The line from the junction with the Dereham line at Swaffham remains unobstructed, although with some bridges removed. In this vast open landscape, it is easy to appreciate the power of the wind. An express left for Lynn and Peterborough at 8.25am, non-stop to Lynn. There is a Pingo Trail sign at the top of the hill so it's quite easy to see! They point out that similar links have been created along other disused railway lines across the country, such as the 13-mile Bristol and Bath Railway Path, which hosts some 2.5 millionjourneys per year. In the summer of 2006, location filming was done in the town for the ITV1 series Kingdom, starring Stephen Fry. [2] The extension to Swaffham cost 72,000,[3], On 21 July 1879 the line was leased to the Great Eastern Railway for 999 years, commencing 1 March 1880. Another famous local was Howard Carter, the eminent 20th-century Egyptologist who discovered Tutankhamuns tomb in the Valley of the Kings and is rumoured to have died as the result of the boy-king curse. The authors of the Watton and Swaffham town plans say however that the new link could generate some300,000 trips per year, increasing footfall into local businesses and boosting the area's economy. Parking is normally possible at various places in Turbine Way but near the junction with Brocks Road may be preferable. 35 - 55. 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. 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. A short way beyond that a steel girder carrying the line over Low Road survives. Until 1968 the town was served by Swaffham railway station on the Great Eastern Railway line from King's Lynn. Railway Station to Swaffham, Kings Arms. If you enjoy walking holidays, then you may like to walk the "Ice Age To Royalty" Norfolk Stately Homes walk. . The road was not, however, constructed. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. [17] A wood carving of the Pedlar of Swaffham is also in the church. The view over the lake is beautiful and youll probably catch sight of the resident swan just beneath the hide. Experience a V shaped wood, an ancient ice house, an extraordinary church interior and a beautiful lake. Our walks are open to all members from any area of the club. [9] These locomotives were maintained at a shed at Watton. The line north of Watton closed finally on 19 April 1965. From this distance in time we can only speculate about why this was scheduled. The turbines were originally associated with the EcoTech Centre, a visitor centre which was opened in 1999. Roudham Junction to Watton was closed completely at this time, and the remainder was closed to freight on 19 April 1965, after transporting the final sugar beet and coal traffic. One, the 8.25 am from Swaffham, ran through to Ely: there was no corresponding down service. The nearest Met Office weather station to provide local climate data is RAF Marham, about .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}5+12 miles (9km) west of the town centre. Browse all of the details of each route below and explore more of the nature around Swaffham. Then with a S-Train to Dsseldorf main Station. . You meander through Cranberry Rough where on either sideyoure surrounded by water and wetland, dykes and pools. Walk from the gracious town of Swaffham to the ancient Peddars Way. Near the road the large goods shed, extended to cover the route of the railway between station and level crossing, now houses a motor company. It was vested into the GER in 1897, becoming part of the London and North Eastern Railway on 1 January 1923. book contains 18 walks with an interest. The idea has been suggested as part of Breckland Councils Future Breckland project, for which a plan covering each of the districts five market towns has been produced. It would cost somewhere between 3.3 and4.75m to be built and it would take between five and eight years to finish the project. 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). It was the junction for lines to King's Lynn, Dereham, and Thetford. ", "Eco Tech Centre (United-Kingdom) - Wind farms - Online access - The Wind Power", "Businesses and schools left in the lurch as Swaffham's Green Britain Centre closes suddenly", "Swap deal could breathe new life into vacant visitor attraction", "What does the future hold for Swaffham's Green Britain Centre? A proposal has been made to re-purpose the former railway line between Watton and Swaffham. '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 stationmasters house was an unassuming, two-storey structure of pale cream brick under a hipped roof with a tall central chimneystack. is very dog friendly, as I wanted to discover walks that didn't require much road walking or time on leads. [29] The highest and lowest temperatures reported in the past decade are 34.6C (94.3F) during August 2003,[30] and 10.3C (13.5F) during January 2010.[31]. 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. It was the junction for lines to King's Lynn, Dereham, and . Overview. In the past, our civil liability cover has been an important factor in persuading some official bodies, such as the Army, to let us walk old trackbeds which they now own. People who join our taster events must intend to join the club. Apr 2023 - Watton-Swaffham railway line could become 15km walking link 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. Keep straight ahead on an old Roman road, now a shady path, passing a Norfolk Songlines Sculpture on your left, to reach a crossroads. Here youll find a string of quaint villages and small towns Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea and Cley next the Sea are 21st-century favourites, whileSheringham and Cromer are classic examples of a good old-fashioned seaside resort where grand Victorian hotels look out to sea. When you reach the A47, cross it (very carefully) and aim for the lane opposite and slightly to the right, passing beneath the wind turbine on your left. 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. Theoretically, a group of 20 or so walkers passing over an old railway bridge might, just conceivably, weaken the structure, e.g. Via Airport sky train to Airport railway Station. He had a fine hound called Czarina, who regularly chased hares across the heaths surrounding Swaffham. We recognise that a number of our members are older and appreciate a shorter walk, so where possible many of our walk leaders design their walks with early drop-out points so that those who prefer a shorter walk can be accommodated. The last train carried in coal and took away a sugar-beet harvest. All of our walks are also published quarterly in advance in our magazine, Railway Ramblings. Before I get on to this Great Eastern Pingo Trail walk, let me just quickly explain about Pingos because youll be walking amongst a bit of history here. [23] The centre hosted the 2008 British BASE jumping championships; contestants jumped from the roof of the observation deck. Rose (NAU), 1 June 1988This building was demolished in 1993, the foundations being left as seats for walkers.Two very ornate iron columns at White Hall, Carbrooke, in the form of lotus flowers, are said to have come from Watton station.E. Just after Swaffham, the line split into two, one branch heading south to Thetford, and the other east towards Dereham. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's The pedlar returned to Swaffham, and found the treasure. [26], In June 2018 it was announced that the centre had closed for financial reasons and that Ecotricity intended to hand the building back to Breckland District Council (BDC). Common. 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. The pedlar set off home with great haste, discovered the treasure and donated his money to the towns church. The 1932 LNER Working Timetable showed a steady flow of passenger and goods traffic at Swaffham. The 15km trail would create a new link between . The 15km trail would create a new link between Watton and Swaffham, whose railway line closed in 1965. 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. We tend to be a bit slower than a typical Ramblers group because we stop to examine structures and artefacts along the way. Of the intermediate stations only Dunham and Narborough had definite stops. Freight services commenced in January 1869, with passenger services in October 1869. The lake used to be dominated and almost completely covered with a plant called Water Soldier, and although it provided ideal habitat for a lot of wildlife, it also takes the oxygen out of the water. ', '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). Cross the busy road and head for the path for cyclists and walkers only. Explore Norfolk UK has put together a special package to take in this Pingo Trail, as well as visiting Oxburgh Hall and taking a countryside walk around the area and Sandringham House, again with another lovely circular walk. Closure notices were served for the Lynn & Dereham line in 1968 and it closed to passengers with effect from 9 September 1968, with the last trains running on Saturday 7 September. Country town and its surrounding farmland, Lead required in town, and under strict control on the lanes, OS Explorer 236 King's Lynn, Downham Market & Swaffham, Car park in centre of Swaffham, by Market Cross. For more information on what we can offer on our Norfolk Walking Holidays, click here, Foxley Norfolk, Norfolk Wildlife Trust Bluebell Wood Spectacular. Get your free copy of the "Quick Guide To Norfolk Beaches". The quiet market towns of Fakenham and Swaffham are prime examples, as well as Thetford, with its popular museum focusing on the TV comedy seriesDads Armywhich wasfilmed in the area. [20] Together they generate more than three megawatts. Even with a walk over an official route, theres a lot to consider, including lunchtime and transport arrangements: its no good reaching the lunchtime pub after the kitchen has closed, or the end of the walk after the last bus has gone. There were five passenger workings each way on the Thetford branch and a daily goods worked from Lynn to Roudham Junction. Follow the path through the hedge and walk straight ahead where you'll then come to another small fence and steps which take you down to the disused railway. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Additionally, at 8.30 am, a non-stop train left Thetford and terminated at Watton. 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. Apr 2023 - Watton-Swaffham railway . Most send out two newsletters per year. Parking is normally possible at various places in Turbine Way but near the junction with Brocks Road may be preferable. Generally, you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to manage 7 or 8 miles at about 3 miles per hour. Drive. As you venture out in to the rural surrounds of the town, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating remains of castles, churches and priories, to learn more about Breckland's natural environment and discover how this has influenced land-use and communities throughout the ages.'. 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. (Image: Ian Burt). I had the joy of watching a kite scanning the area and seeing the sun glistening on the water. For the purposes of local government, the parish falls within the district of Breckland.[3]. Steam locomotives worked out of Swaffham engine shed, a sub-shed of Norwich Thorpe (shed code 32A in BR days). Swaffham Walking routes starting in Turbine Way, Swaffham. This was the old site of the Stow Bedon railway line (part of which youll walk on towards the end). Trains began running on the Lynn & Dereham Railway on 10 August 1847 after the line was extended from Narborough. It would be quite fun to take a little boat and row your way around here! The delightful village of Castle Acre boasts an extraordinary wealth of history and is a very rare and complete survival of a Norman planned settlement. The British Railways Board published Dr Richard Beechings report The Reshaping of Britains Railways on 27 March 1963. Norfolk Health, Heritage and Biodiversity Walks Project, 'Walking your way around Swaffham, you will see many fine examples of historic architecture and you will experience a sense of traditionalism mixed with the energy of modern day life. They were joined by a second-hand rebuilt 3ft 6in gauge locomotive whose. Hi, you have 2 choices: 1. We also have a useful Walk Template (see links below). She is thought to be the ancestor of every pure greyhound alive today. [10], Two more Manning Wardle tanks, and two Sharp, Stewart and Company 0-4-2 tender locomotives were added by September 1876. Route map drawn by Alan Young. They had very impressive horns though and were a lovely sight!! Many of Norfolks towns have a particular charm and a strong sense of community. The tale tells of a pedlar from Swaffham who dreamed for several consecutive nights that if he waited on London Bridge he would eventually hear good news. Pretty much everywhere you walk, theres water! The church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is one of only a few churches that have angels carved in wood instead of stone around the top of the walls. . After exploring the church, continue to head north and cross the road at a busy junction with traffic lights, passing the George Hotel. 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. It hadnt gone far during the time it took me to walk the 7 or so miles but because the last stretch is parallel to where I was walking earlier, it had just walked across these two tracks! Rose (NAU), 21 July 1982.Watton station gone, but at Church Road crossing cottage and gates remain.Rest of track as far as Saham Toney removed, bridges all gone.E. If you want to see what's in store for you before you go, why not check out the video below! The new walk and cycle path would include a connection to the Peddars Way, which would enable walkers to branch off towards the north Norfolk coast. Turn right and stay on this road as it passes through a residential area, before keeping straight ahead at a crossroads and passing through a cutting in a disused railway. The pace and physical demands on our walks is more Rob Bell than Bear Grylls. Theres a small bird watching hide overlooking Thompson Water surrounded by lots of bird feeders hanging from the trees, and its definitely worth stopping at, not least to rest your legs! Also known as kettle ponds, these pingos date back to the ice age, and Pingo is the Eskimo word for hill. The new walkand cyclepathwould include a connection to the Peddars Way, which would enable walkers to branch off towards the north Norfolk coast. This route ran from the Roudham Junction of the Norfolk Line (NHER 13571), and had stations at Wretham and Hockham, Stow Bedon, Watton, and Holme Hale, as well as sidings at Stow Bedon, Watton and. Our walks are split roughly 4:1 between walks over official railway paths and walks over old trackbeds which are privately owned. I skirted the pond and quickly found a well-trodden track which I followed. Turn right here and head back in the direction of Swaffham. [5] On the top is the statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of the harvest. Continue up the hill and bear left, (leaving the Peddars Way which bears right). It really is a fascinating walk with so much to see. The Swaffham Pedlar also appears in the hand-carved Swaffham town sign. They are all around the Norfolk Coast. The Fairlie Steam Carriage was instead successfully tested in July 1869 at the, "Fairlie's Steam Carriage. The walk begins in the centre of Swaffham, near the Market Cross. He took up office around the turn of the 20th Century and stayed in post until after Grouping in 1923. The idea has been suggested as part of Breckland Council's 'Future Breckland' project .

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