Looking through a dark brown brick railway bridge, trees line either side of the image.

Walking Abandoned Railways: Exploring Britain’s lost railway lines on foot

Discover Britain’s lost railways on foot – following old track beds, examining station remains and uncovering the stories of lines that once connected communities.

From a young age, I have been interested in railways. My first visit to a railway museum as a boy, and watching locomotives and rakes of carriages, gave railways a romantic mystique. I can imagine these stopping off at quaint village platforms deep in the countryside, or alongside the coast. While today’s live railways cross some of the most picturesque scenery in Britain, the network is a fraction of the size it was. Lines and stations considered needless and unprofitable fell by the wayside, but some can still be seen by those who know where to look.

In this series, I explore what remains of the abandoned railways in my area and beyond. Each Walking Abandoned Railways post offers the following:

  • Route information, including walkable sections
  • The history of the route, including its closure
  • Observations of remaining stations, bridges, tunnels and track beds
  • Personal photographs taken along the route
  • Discussion of whether the line should and could reopen.

Please note that all walks use publicly accessible routes. Conditions and access were correct at the time of posting but may be subject to change.

Choose a route below to discover its history and what you can still see today.

Route NameRouteRegion
The Crystal Palace and South Junction RailwayCrystal Palace (High Level) to NunheadLondon, UKThe south portal of the Paxton Tunnel, which trains would enter after leaving Crystal Palace (High Level) - the influence of the station is apparent in the grand brickwork.
The Woodside and South Croydon Joint RailwayWoodside to Selsdon (feat. the Addiscombe branch)London, UKThe site of Spencer Road Halt still has an active station footbridge which is maintained by Network Rail.
The Palace Gates LineSeven Sisters to Palace Gates (Wood Green)London, UKBridge on the Palace Gates line.
The Edgware, Highgate and London RailwayMill Hill East to EdgwareLondon, UKConcrete electricity posts, which would have carried electricity current for the line, line the side of the path.
Parkland WalkFinsbury Park to Alexandra PalaceLondon, UKIn the foreground is Alexandra Palace station, a one-storey cream brick building with burnt orange arches. Immediately behind it is Alexandra Palace, a much bigger building in the same style. To the left of the station building is some steps up to Alexandra Palace, with blue railings and fencing.
The Tooting, Merton & Wimbledon RailwayWimbledon to Tooting JunctionLondon, UKIron arch, on which is an engraved sign stating Merton Abbey Mills. Behind this sign are two storey buildings to the left and right. An electricity pylon can be seen in the distance.
The Horsham & Guildford Direct Railway (Part 1)Guildford to CranleighSurrey, UKAcross the road from the remains of Bramley & Wonersh station. On either side of the road are replica old white and red manual level crossing gates.

Coming Soon

Route NameRouteRegion
The Harborne RailwayMonument Lane to HarborneBirmingham, UK

Do you have any recommendations of abandoned railway lines in the UK that are well worth exploring?

Please feel free to leave a comment with your recommendations. Alternatively, you can send an email to editor@thebloggingdj.com.