Abandoned Railway Blakeney Royal Forest of Dean

The Royal Forest of Dean is littered with old transport routes. This is a railway connection which initially joined Blakeney to the river Severn, but ultimately to the Gloucester - South Wales main line. It was later extend up into the Forest itself to provide another rail route for merchants to ship their goods to the wider world.
When the merchants in the Royal Forest of Dean wanted to expand their customer base, they looked towards the river Severn for transportation to new markets. The roads at the time were not up to the job so they invested in a new fangled system known as a tramway. Like a railway tramways need a fairly level surface with moderate grades, which means that if a hill is encountered, the options are to cut it open or tunnel through it. This short route didn’t encounter any of those problems but never the less, the engineering is worthy of note and a joy to behold. There were also a few surprising finds on the day.
Sit back and enjoy a walk through history.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Amazing what lies hidden in undergrowth, and even more so, what still remains above ground in Blakeney. A very interesting treck. Thank you.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

You can't beat a good grovel around in the underground Malcolm. Ron

[@michaelpilling9659]

Thanks Ron - that was wonderful. Some superb architectural finds, especailly the bridge at the end of the video.Closed in 1949 - not too much left to see. However, the builders of the railway have certainly left their marks. Your "super sloothing" has paid off again. See you next week at home.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Their workmanship and skill were amazing Michael, but because they don't have a computer chip in them, some folks aren't interested. Rant over for today. Take care of yourself. Ron

[@thehairygolfer]

Ron, the phone rang as I was enjoying this. I had to pause you in mid stride for 10 mins no doubt with your foot in the air. My apologies for making you stand on one leg for a while and for any discomfort caused. A lovely walk again, I always surprised by what you find. Simon

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for starting my Friday off with a laugh Simon. Ron

[@petersmith5574]

Thanks Ron. As always full of fascinating snippets of information plus your take on the route

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

It was reasonable weather that always helps Peter. Ron

[@garydwyer641]

Hi Ron ,Great video once again the rustic bench s eat you showed translation old and decrepid falling apart do not sit on it's Dangerous. Wonderful old bridges and infrastructure nice to see it still there standing proud a testament to days gone bye, looking forward to watching your channel next week bye.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Gary, glad you enjoyed it, hope you are still coping with covid ok. Ron

[@charlespaterson9714]

Wonderful Ron. I always find your Walks to be so soothing in your wonderful English Countryside. Especially loved the Bridge at the end.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Charles, nice to have you along. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Hi Ron, This is my second attempt to leave a comment the first one did not save probably due to leaving a link which I will try again to do as a separate message. Blakeney was unusual in that the Goods Station was on the Branch line and the Passenger Station was on the Main line. At 02:24 is Blakeney Viaduct which was 44 yards long and was 1 mile 1430 yards from Awre Junction. The fence at 06:53 includes metal horizontal pieces which were originally used as point rodding being replaced by stronger box section rodding during remodelling of track layouts. The markings on the Bridge at 11:13 is the BR identification number as they are still responsible for the structures remaining under the Railway Closure Act. The link to the Harbour at Brimspill mentioned at 17:53 closed prior to1894 and was reached via a facing point from Blakeney and crossing the South Wales Main line on a bridge. At 18:57 the site of the traditional gated single track level crossing is shown, removed when the track was removed in 1961 the main line had a similar double track level crossing until 30th December 1973 when the crossing in the video was put in. The Signal Box at 19:45 is Awre and Blakeney Station Crossing Box put in after 1890 when regulations on interlocking changed and replaced a smaller box on the site of the level crossing control cabinets shown at 20:36, Awre and Blakeney Passenger station site is shown at 20:13. The junction where the Branch line met the Main Line was just in excess of the 350 yard legal limit for operating points from the Signal Box so was controlled by a Ground frame which was 308 yards from the Signal Box. The Old Station Close at 24:44 is almost certainly the site of the Goods Station which was reached via a facing point from Awre Junction and contained a single siding, to the right of the Branch line, with Loading Dock and Goods Shed last used by a revenue earning train on 29th July 1949. From Blakeney viaduct shown at 02:24 there was 1144 yards of embankment before the 136 yard long Furnace Bottom Viaduct was reached shown at 27:10 this went over the road.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Fascinating info Andrew, I've just relived the whole film again going to the points you raised, thank you. I bet they were a little put out that they couldn't operate the junction points from the signal box, meaning presumably that someone had to get out in the wind and rain to throw them. Not too popular in winter you would guess. Thank again for your work. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@ParkinsonsWalks I do not know why they did not put the junction a little nearer the Signal Box which would have avoided the problem of the Ground Frame, the points were probably only feet over the limit. Incidentally there was no direct access from the Down Main onto the Branch, to obtain access the Train had to be bought to a stand in the Down Platform then crossed over From the Down Main and propelled through a Single Slip into the Up Main Loop from which you could get from to the Branch. Coming off the Branch you could get to the Up Main via the Ground Frame but to get to the Down Main you had to put the Train directly into the Up Main Loop and then propel it onto the Down Main via the Single Slip. The branch also had a Branch loop coming off just after the level crossing going as far as the Ground Frame where there was the Up Main, Down Main. Up Main Loop, Up Branch and Up Branch Loop all parallel to each other. If you can obtain access to the Branch track bed from the level crossing you would not have to walk up very far to find the junction to the harbour Branch the only problem there is the bridge over the Main Lines has been removed but there might be access to the rest of the Harbour Branch to Brimspill from East of the Main Line. I finish this message by thanking you for another wonderful video which I enjoyed so much and have seen three times today! Andrew.

[@westcountrywanderings]

Outstanding details Andrew! Thank you for your thorough resume.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@westcountrywanderings Morning Paul, I hope you are keeping well, thank you very much for your kind comments they really are appreciated. Regards, Andrew.

[@westcountrywanderings]

@@andrewmerriman7133 No problem - your encyclopedic knowledge of all things railway astounds me. You and Ron work well together - maybe like railway detectives!

[@davidbennett6079]

Some fantastic stuff lying around there Ron; that old signal box was a particularly lovely find. Well worth the hack and the cautious tread past Rex's lair, who I assume is released on anyone who calls for Poulton Court.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Love your take on Rex's Lair David, Made me laugh. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

This was wonderful Ron, with a great railway surprise at the end. 10/10 for perseverance with your railway detection work. I loved that disused signalbox by the level crossing too - bet it's like a time warp inside - very few originals left now. Thanks again - great work!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Paul, I would have loved a look inside that signal box, I suspect there are a lot of hidden CCTV cameras about though. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Paul, If your out with your camera and come across one of the traditional type boxes if you knock on the signal box door and ask if you could take a photograph inside the box you will probably find most signalmen or signallers as they are correct known now will be more than happy to let you. It was certainly something that was allowed in the past and provided the Movements Inspector is not there or there about I suspect you could still get a positive response, I even know of some Movements Inspectors that allowed people up in the box to take a photograph I certainly did.

[@westcountrywanderings]

@@andrewmerriman7133 Thank you Andrew - I will certainly bear that in mind. Such a shame that they have been dissapearing at an ever increasing rate, and now they only seem familiar on preserved lines. If I do get inside one, you can be sure I will build a video around it.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@westcountrywanderings I like you am really sorry to see Mechanical Signal Boxes disappearing, if you ever get the chance to have a go at working a mechanical Signal Box do so it will be an experience that will stay with you for ever. I have not worked one for over thirty years now but I can still remember that the Up Branch Distant was the longest pull at 1664 yards mostly on a curve and that to cross four trains required 90 moves on the frame and took 19 minutes to complete. The Box at Dovey Junction was the only mechanical Box in the country that controlled signals in three different counties, I am sure some Power Boxes do so now. The largest mechanical Box left in the world now is Shrewsbury's Severn Bridge Junction Box with 180 levers but a substantial number are out of use, railway patterns of operation have changed allot since it was built in 1903. If you want any information on Mechanical Signalling or Signal Boxes send me a message and I will do my best to answer the questions you have. Andrew.

[@nicholaslewis6065]

Very enjoyable. I admire you all the more for keeping going! Nicholas

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thank you Nicholas, I'll keep going as long as I can. Ron

[@Sharron-Idol]

Thank you again Ron for another delightful foray into the countryside on a railway of yesteryear. I'm sure that there were steel structures atop most if not all of those abutments, bridging the roads below. The demolition crews no doubt realised the value of recycling the major metallic pieces such as bridge decks and rails as scrap; ( Or indeed taking them back to the railway yard and on to the foundry to make new rails or whatever from even. ) but smaller pieces such as fencing posts made from old rails Etc weren't bothered with as they didn't want to be all year doing the job. Again it really is such a shame that so many lines were abandoned after salvage of anything with any substantial value. - And despite that; many engineering masterpieces were dispensed with and left to the forces of time, tide, and countryside.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Sharron, always nice to hear from you, you are often in my thoughts when I'm wading through chest high nettles! I agree it is such a shame these works of art have been left to rot. Enjoy your week. Ron

[@Sharron-Idol]

@@ParkinsonsWalks As a Scorpio I have a sting; so think of me particularly if you get stung by the nettles. ;) - Actually that makes me sound rather bad - so maybe not lol.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@Sharron-Idol Thanks Sharron, made me chuckle. Ron

[@johnsparkes8963]

Very enjoyable Ron, more cracking finds on your latest adventure. I have driven past that bridge a few times on my way to Wenchford picnic site not for a picnic but to do some photography. There is a nice old bridge there that you can walk on.Thank you for sharing Ron and take care.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks John, sounds like some happy days spent there, hope you are ok. Ron

[@johnsparkes8963]

@@ParkinsonsWalks So far all not to bad thank you Ron.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@johnsparkes8963 That is good news John, long may it last. Ron

[@papaspage2001]

Nice area for a walk, Thumbs up

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

The weather played ball too. Ron

[@vishengro]

Ron, as per usual I enjoyed the walk and detective work! I especially liked the end section when walked up and on to the embankment. There is something privileged about being up there, rising majestically above the surrounding countryside. Regarding souvenirs, whilst a mere whippersnapper they (Metropolitan and ex Great Central joint) were doing some track replacement and a number of old chairs marked GCR found their way under the mesh fence at the base of an embankment. It would have been rude not to have acquired one and so, triumphantly I returned to the family home , bike frame groaning under the weight of the chair balanced precariously in the saddle. Suffice to say that my, and my parents, enthusiasm was not commensurate and one dark day it mysteriously vanished.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Richard, loved your story of the rail chair, I relived it with you. Thanks for posting. Ron

[@lennylaa1686]

Came across this excellent video by chance. Reason being i was looking for new film of that road closure you discovered at the end. It had been closed for almost three years causing grief for motorists for miles around. But great news, it suddenly re-opened without warning last weekend!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi, yes I heard about the reopening, great news, glad you enjoyed the film. Ron

[@jamesweekes6726]

Ron that was a great walk, thank you so much for sharing it with us. Those birds do seem to follow you around...I'm afraid work got in the way of my usual PWs schedule this week...OVM is snoring away next to me now but she did watch most of the trek! Have a good week Ron.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Great to hear from you James, I hope you were typing that quietly so as not to wake you know who. Take care. Ron

[@JimNicholls]

Some wonderful finds there, Detective Inspector Ron, and a lovely walk. I knew squirrels collected nuts, but I didn't know you did. And how many jars of blackberry jam did you make when you got home - surely that bumper crop was too tempting not to pick?

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I was trying to keep quiet about nicking the nut Jim. I did help myself to the blackberries, very nice. Ron

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

Another truly fascinating railway walk, Ron. Very enjoyable, thank you for sharing. Ron

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Ron, I enjoyed that one. Ron

[@sumacmacarthur3380]

Interesting "Beware of Dog" sign Ron...I didn't see anything. James put up a sign out front of the house for me..."Be AWARE of the dog"...I find it much more appropriate. I enjoyed the walk and didn't see one nettle, thanks for that. The nut was well-earned!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Sumac, starts my day off with a chuckle. Ron

[@callum3651]

Another great video! Do you think you would ever explore the old Monmouth railway!? :)

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Callum, I keep looking at that railway, I'm not sure what is accessible but I might give it a shot. Ron

[@callum3651]

@@ParkinsonsWalks towards symonds yay you can actually walk through the tunnel there! If you continue up to Welsh Bicknor, there’s a beautiful old iron bridge with another tunnel at its end. It’s a lovely walk!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

On the list Callum, thank you. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Railways never completely disappear. You can find it if you know what to look for. You’ve got to admire the men who built those bridges all those years ago. Seeing that warning sign on the sewage works fence reminded me of the same thing down near Romsey. As you rightly said “ Who would want to steal anything from there”! That signal box was a good find, plus a trophy to keep in the form of a galvanised nut. Was that freight train that passed, part of Tesco home delivery service? Take care, my friend.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi both, sounds like you have the old railway bug as well, I'm working my way through your films, very good keep them coming. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

@@ParkinsonsWalks I’ve walked the old line from Ogbourne St. George back to Marlborough. I think you might be interested in seeing that. I’ll make that my next project. I always keep my videos, so it should be available.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@lionelmarytravels6003 That sounds right up my street Lionel, hope you find it. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

@@ParkinsonsWalks No luck so far, which is strange. I know I put it on a DVD, but I can’t locate that either. We walked in the opposite direction a bit later up towards Swindon and I’ve got that. It’s the southerly walk which most interesting. I can always walk it again. Not likely to have changed very much. Cheers Ron

[@RaggyAl1971]

You make nice videos but please don't film peoples private property,houses and gardens,stick to the railway.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for this, I don't set out to film peoples homes deliberately, there has to be something relevant to the film subject or a special feature. Sorry if I caused any embarrassment. Ron