Abandoned Swindon to Highworth GWR Branchline Railway Walk

This is a nice peaceful walk alongside a country park with a quiet lake. Plenty of wildlife to be seen, and an old GWR abandoned railway line with one or two unexpected finds to explore,. My passion has been walking, last year I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and walking is no longer natural. However I find that the more walking I do, the easier it gets, at least for now.
I hope that watching these films will encourage others to hang in there, and try to keep going, whilst enjoying beautiful countryside

[@johnberge9246]

A heart warming viewing on a cold and wet December afternoon. I grew up in Swindon in the 60's and remember the remains of the line well. There are photos and a couple of pages devoted to it in Mike Oakley's book "Wiltshire Railway Stations" Although it closed to the general public in '53 a Swindon Works service continued until '62. What is amazing is that anything at all survives as the line had no major structures and area has been subjected major re-developments. Thanks so much, brought some good memories.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Glad you enjoyed it John. Ron

[@rockme4688]

The route to highworth was better, as I played at the once black bridge each day when I was a kid.the original highworth station was 20 meters from my home in windrush. I can remember playing in the old Bartrop sidings which Is now houses to the right of westrop school, the only remaining building is the Chris perry workshop.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Chloe, thanks for the comment. I did explore Highworth for signs of the railway and station but without local knowledge such as yours, I couldn't find anything worth filming. Where were you when I needed you? Thanks again PW

[@TomSykesMedia]

@@ParkinsonsWalks www.swindonweb.com/?m=2&s=2378&ss=2379&c=13800&t=Return+Ticket+For+Highworth+Station+Sign

[@rodneymasters5996]

As always, expertly researched, entertaining and filmed to perfection. Your railway series is much appreciated.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thank you for those kind words Rodney, much appreciated.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

5 years ago. A oldie but goodie. I found this walk very interesting, especially with the number of relics you came across. That original level crossing gate was a wonderful find. The wrecking gang do seem to have left quite a bit of materials behind. And what about that wonderful bench at the old bridge. Even had a ramp built up to it. As you said, "Great spot for lunch". All that and some beautiful weather. What more can an explorer wish for.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Lionel, yes that walk did have lots of things to look at and puzzle about. I would have thought it was near enough to you to give it a shot. Regards to Mary. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Hello Ron. Yes. I can easily get to Swindon by bus, but I'm not sure about Highworth. I'll need to do some research first, or persuade Mary to take me.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@lionelmarytravels6003 Hi Lionel, Has your driving License been withdrawn again? Are you ok? Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron. It's purely by choice that I'm not driving anymore. But I'm keeping my licence as it helps with identification. Apart from that. I'm fine. Thanks for your concern.

[@alisonlee3314]

Parkinson's hasn't affected your eagle eyes x Thank you for another wonderful video

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Ha! Thanks. Unfortunately Parkinson's is affecting my walking a bit, but I'm hanging in there

[@michaelpilling9659]

That was a lovely walk. Loved your lunch spot. Any more ideas on the ramps or the wooden structure you were sitting in? Superb. Thank you

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Michael, it was obviously an accommodation crossing at one point. I think the wooden structures were added as part of the park features.

[@vrtakeover3147]

Very nice :) great video dude

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for the visit. P.W.

[@TomSykesMedia]

Lovely video thank you. I hope to fly some or all of this route with my drone.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Should be good Tom, its a lovely area, but get there before there is too much leaf cover. PW

[@chrismccartney8668]

Superb countryside

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Nice place to live Chris.

[@angelsone-five7912]

17.14 a signpost made out of broad gauge rail.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Ah but what did it say Hazel? My bet is 'Whistle' because there were a lot of accommodation crossings down there. Thanks for your interest, I feel a mention in the Vlog coming on! P.W.

[@angelsone-five7912]

@@ParkinsonsWalks I`m all agog...

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@angelsone-five7912 Don't worry Hazel, I think you can get pills for that these days! P.W.

[@angelsone-five7912]

@@ParkinsonsWalks I`m relieved to hear that, lol.

[@yan24to]

I walked part of this in 1985

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Time to do it again Ian. Ron

[@RBWill1]

Ah it’s a shame you turned left into the woods on the yellow path. If you had carried on another 100ft you would have found another branch / spur to the line crossing the lane you were on. You can see the cutting and embankment and if you eyeball the route of the line across the adjoining field you can see it leads to an original bridge that is still in use

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I wish I had known that at the time, it would have made a more interesting video. P.W.

[@TheRogey1]

The Highworth route is in 3 downloads under Routes.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

THX