Abandoned Lost Railways MSWJR Cricklade

Having followed the long abandoned Midland and Southwest Junction Railway from Cheltenham, we have arrived at Cricklade. Whereas a lot of towns and villages forget or ignore their railroad history, it is good to see that Cricklade has made an effort, and reserved a space for some of its rail memorabilia just outside town. It is sighted at the bottom of the old embankment. and as well as a signal, sign board and various bits and pieces, there is a history board. This shows the line of the old railway along with the location of the station and some superb photos of the operations togeather with a potted history.
Finding evidence on the ground is a bit more challenging as the trackbed is now a road and new housing has been built over the remains, so that there is no clue as to where, for instance, the station was located. Having made such a fine effort to remember its history at the start, it is disappointing that not even a road or street name in the new estate carries any reference to the railway that they were once so proud of. (I did ask the postlady who should know).
It is easy to follow the embankment south as a footpath runs parallel to it, and to the north you can again pick up the line heading for Cheltenham.

[@AzrallDRG]

Thanks for showcasing this! The Swindon & Cricklade Railway is gradually extending north, to reach Cricklade once again!

[@richardgiles9547]

Great vid. I can remember the removal of the railway bridge over the B4040 and often return to Crick to walk the line.

[@nigelt1218]

If you look at the boundary between the path and the gardens, on the south side near where the bridge over the Purton Road was, there are a few original concrete M&SWJ fence posts. The B4040 Malmesbury Road follows the line of the railway, but is about 2m/8' offset to the North of the old track alignment. Restoring the line through would be almost impossible, as a house has been built on the alignment after the location of the old bridge to the North West of the station.

[@mikego18753]

Love that painting.

[@matthewcrorkin-davis1798]

Very interesting, let’s hope one day the S&CR heritage railway make it back to Cricklade.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Wonderful history. A very pleasant walk. I disagree - it costs you to make these fantastic films and videos. For this I thank you enormously.

[@simonarmytage2444]

Thank you once again for a very interesting walk, although I was sitting down! I have yet to view your other MSWJR walks, but will savour these as well, no doubt. All the best, and thank you.

[@BernieHollandMusic]

Did you know that Daniel Gooch, Brunel's assistant, was once Conservative Member of Parliament for Cricklade ? As Michael Caine would say "Not a not of people know that".