An Abandoned Railway Line in Liverpool

The North Mersey Branch line opened in 1866 to loop freight around the north of Liverpool to the docks. It fell into disuse in the 1980s and closed in the 90s and for thirty years its been sat decaying - the only life in the line now the dense vegetation slowly taking it back.
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[@fenlinescouser4105]

Thank you very much for the Aintree Iron

[@Exisles]

Thank YOU very much; As a kid growing up on Isle of Wight, I always used to sing thank u very much for the "entry" iron. Now I know & what's in an accent !

[@paulvose6476]

Used to walk the dogs along here in the 90's, amazing how quick nature reclaims everything.

[@Gary_Fairbrother]

How did you get on the tracks?

[@warmaudiokingy]

Loved watching this . We used to walk ‘the raller’ daily on our way to school (St Wilfrids) which is no longer there. I remember being able to see down the entire length of the black bridge - st Wilfrids stretch. On rare occasions a Diesel engine would appear in the distance, causing a group of boys to scramble to find a way off the raller to avoid the mythical ‘raller police’ 🤣. Very happy days

[@bigdunc228]

The Raller love it !

[@d4zz1e]

Them Mythical police exist, I was caught and brought into offices at Lime Street (transport police) and cautioned and told if I was caught again I'd be fined.

[@whosderek3936]

Haha the mythical raller jacks

[@kippen64]

The Google Earth images were impressive. The weather looked lovely. Really enjoyed this explore. Thanks for this video.

[@geoffsimms7265]

A good video showing parts of the abandonment of the rail system. It’s good to see someone show people how it’s been abandoned. Other videos exist showing how well peeling holdings have done with the docks. Granted lots of new cranes but no way of getting the freight in and out. This is a good video showing how the infrastructure is bad and in desperate need of upgrading. Well done.

[@paulspyker3749]

Mad me watching this. Five or more years ago when I was a builder we was asked to do a job in a back garden in Aintree. My boss asked the customer for the planning. Customer didn't think it was needed. Customer applied for planning permission and got it. Boss checked the deeds on the land and ten foot of his garden goes over the line, I can't remember the full stipulation but anything he did in the ten foot was at risk of being demolished in the future for the line. I just looked on google maps for the job, was at Roseworth ave and the line runs through seventeen gardens. At the back of the gardens there's a five foot gap all the way along.

[@johnburns4017]

The North Mersey Branch line was scheduled to be a part of Merseyrail with a few stations on it, one named _Giro,_ at the Giro bank complex. Sefton Council have continually lobbied for its reopening. About one third of Merseyrail was cancelled by Thatcher forty years ago - in the meantime London has had: the DLR, Overground, Underground extensions, Thameslink, Crossrail, etc. Miles and miles of trackbed and tunnels are awaiting trains in the Liverpool City Region, with even an underground burrowing junction and header tunnels built awaiting connection to the network, south of Central underground station. We are building HS2, but Liverpool is still waiting for tracks and trains. The North Mersey Branch line is reserved for reuse, with Merseytravel having long term aspirations for its use. It was used until recently by slow moving maintenance trains, hence why the tracks are still in place. It was once electrified 3rd rail, with Liverpool Overhead trains reaching Aintree.

[@sloth-gaming]

While I understand your comment we have to be grateful of what we have, we have a great rail network here in Liverpool, cities like Leeds are very isolated and nowhere near as good as us.

[@johnburns4017]

@@sloth-gaming Grateteful for what we have? So we should stand there cap in hand that Boris Trump has not ripped it all up? The city's rail infrastructure is extensive with some of the oldest, and unique, historical railway infrastructure in the world. All we want is to have what was promised, *and started,* 40 odd years ago. To give the city region the metro it deserves. We have to fight to get it all reused.

[@flippop101]

Good comment John Burns!

[@johnburns4017]

@@flippop101 If the underground burrowing junction south of Central station was flyovers on the surface, it would have been used decades ago because people can see it. Insisting it be used. The expensive to build junction, laying there unused, is out of sight, so out of mind. The city needs the junction connected to the Wapping tunnel ASAP. It connect the eastern section of the city to the central underground section. It creates an east- west _crossrail,_ say from Wigan to West Kirkby, if the stock interchange tunnel between Central and James St is used for passenger trains. The Liverpool to Wigan line was supposed to be on Merseyrail, but it was not electrified. It was electrified with wires in 2015. It never transfered to Merseyrail. Now the new Class 777 trains can use wires, there is no plan to transfer the line to Merseyrail, because the trains cannot easily get to the maintenance depot at Kirkdale.

[@sloth-gaming]

@@johnburns4017 no. What I'm saying is that in the North especially there are areas with little to no local commuter rail, like I said with Leeds. Liverpool has a fairly reliable commuter rail network for UK standards with pre coving trains per 15 minutes, there's plans to extend the network and there already building new station's the new trains will be out this year (if they can pull there fingers out) what was exactly promised 40 years ago? Because alot of liverpools rail that closed just wasn't economically viable

[@greigs9384]

It’s officially mothballed, opposed to closed. They ran a loco on a gauging trip along here in the early noughties.

[@DadgeCity]

I did wonder why the track hadn't been lifted. So many disused lines seem to have the track lifted almost immediately.

[@lordnevets9184]

You could see my house from the first Viaduct. I used to use the track to get home from school and in recent years, it's been used as an ambush for the unsuspecting, notably for the spate of 'Buttock shootings' a few years back. You would have to get me very very high to make me want to walk any part of that route. Fair play to you young man. Top work Fella.

[@fionaparkes1508]

Loved watching this. You started out 5 minutes away from where I live near Seaforth. Really interesting to watch, thank you

[@criaghuges4445]

I lived in litherland. Where are you now

[@johnhockenhull2819]

I’ve walked some of the closed lines in the Stoke area where the track is still there. Fighting your way through the undergrowth but with the track still there to guide you along the correct route.

[@stevebramhill3811]

Until 1953 that section was electrified and there was an alternative Liverpool to Ormskirk route. Also at Aintree Central it connected with a Cheshire lines route to Southport Lord Street station with trains from Liverpool and Manchester.

[@johnwebster3224]

The line from Sefton Junction to Fazakerley has mostly been given over to Housing especially around Aintree Loco Shed.

[@simonsays335]

I believe the footpath still exists though?

[@xboxcrazee]

Nice work. Knowing those kind of places are the haunts of “scally youth’s “ leaves you open to being mollested..

[@michaelhawkins4005]

Enjoyed this- thank you! I worked as a BR apprentice for three months at Fazakerley sidings in the earl eighties, very good memories!

[@jetsons101]

Just make my morning coffee, turned on the lap top and what was waiting just for me---a new "Bee Here Now" video. When were the sleepers changed from wood to concrete? What a great day for a adventure, nothing like a long walk on a perfect day. Your videos are so enjoyable to watch, the way you look around while you narrate to the camera makes it feel like were walking around with you. Happy three year youtube anniversary.... Stay strong, Stay safe.

[@davidjohnjenkinson]

Great video - I really enjoyed seeing the old maps included for context 🙂

[@bryan3550]

How rare to find an abandoned line with intact rails! Interesting to see check rails here and there (those third rails, installed to keep the flanges on track). Particularly liked you earth 3D exposition intro. 😉

[@travisbickle2715]

Just got into these videos by accident and really enjoying seeing a different history of my city.

[@OraigCwen]

So glad you did this. I spent many years as a child wondering where this line went. I remember the bridge heading into the docks before it was demolished. The advent of Google Earth allowed me to follow the lines from above. This bridge pretty much got my hooked on historic railways. Thanks for the video.

[@pscott000]

Love these videos. Abandoned railways are the most enchanted of places. Even in the early 1960's we would hang out in such places full of birds and butterflies and remnants of days gone by.

[@criaghuges4445]

At point 6.06 you are at the old Linacre Road station. You can still see the platforms either side

[@ste-fitzgerald]

Thanks for doiing that arduous walk. Would love to see that openned up for something.

[@andrewwoodgate3769]

'Gorse: Nature's razor wire' 😂

[@send2gl]

Abandoned railways can be fascinating, peaceful, deserted, an oasis (in parts) yet just feet from the bustle of normal human life.

[@stevenstopford9847]

Fantastic video thanks for battling through that undergrowth 👍

[@Teobi1]

Binge watching your videos rn. All the tunnels under Liverpool, what an amazing city above and below. Great work!

[@Rlea67]

I’ve fancied walking this short section for years as I’ve studied its history, definitely a challenge with all that vegetation, you’ve saved me the trip, great vid 👍

[@anthonyireland6108]

Really nice to see , there are still old railway lines left behind to explore . Like you're presenting style , giving a history of the line as your walking around the old track bed and bridge's .

[@basfinnis]

Interesting. Thanks Would be great if it could be reused for something! Seems to shame to see all that work hidden.

[@Scouseviking1990]

I’ve found loads of old rail systems especially around kirkdale where I’m from there was a line on what we call the ralla the back of the kirkdale depot

[@johnmwarr]

Well done young man! Good exercise. Start a campaign to relaunch the freight traffic! Happy Days!

[@simonfunwithtrains1572]

Another really interesting journey - thanks for getting all the scratches and arachnid action on our behalf! Best wishes J & S

[@majorpygge-phartt2643]

Look at that, all that struggling through all that undergrowth in all that sun and not a drop of sweat in sight! If I tried it I would be lucky if I could get a few hundred yards without my head absolutely EXPLODING like versuvius with absolutely APPALLING profuse sweat, and that's what happened when I tried to cross the short viaduct at Clifton some years ago.

[@halmcclain3322]

This would make a wonderful walking and biking trail.

[@halmcclain3322]

@@jamescrab4110 Why not?

[@idot3331]

It would make an even better fully functioning metro line.

[@simondavids9438]

Brilliant .The one you did at carrington was super as well.

[@lisie1814]

At the Aintree end, the tracks don’t finish there either. They continue across the field and to between the new housing estate and warehousing. The tracks ran right through to Dunnings Bridge Rd and could be see before they started building Mersey Reach Estate! I even have pics and of the old factory foundations!

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Now I know why there’s been no railtours booked to do this line of recent!

[@Truerealism747]

When was last train

[@nigelkthomas9501]

@@Truerealism747I’m afraid I ain’t got a clue.

[@mikes3975]

Well done Ollie, another superb well researched video looking forward to the next one👍

[@rubbershorts999]

Great video as always. Thank you Ollie

[@pauldavies9014]

another sound video really interesting ,very well put together as always

[@Davejezz]

Another great video Ollie, many thanks.

[@somthingfresh9285]

Fantastic videos you have. Nice to see my home city’s hidden gems. Love your historical notes as well. Keep it up.

[@johnburns4017]

The new 3rd rail/battery hybrid Class 777 Merseyrail trains have been suggested to use the line. No expensive electrification is needed, as the trains will be running on batteries. A station was suggested. Whether it will be double tracked or remain single will be seen. The line would not be used a lot so single track may stay.

[@simonbradshaw3708]

Really enjoyed the video, it's just a shame you didn't go and actually show the junction. Are the points for the branch still in place or has it been taken up? I looking forward to another explore.

[@BeekeeperShrewsbury]

Really enjoying the videos....thanks for sharing your explorations 😊

[@123tinhat123]

Not far from me where you ended, you could have carried on a little bit to Aintree station and finished with a view of Aintree Racecourse. Hopped over the fence and got the train home.👍

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Yeah i didn't even think about it. I was too tired haha

[@stevenfell3883]

Thanks mate, it's great what you do and your great at doing it 👍

[@marybedward9381]

Love old rail tracks spent years walking the old route in Ireland 🇮🇪

[@christinaburton9297]

Why was the spur closed? Would be useful diversionary route. What I love about the north is that so much is intact, rather than just sad abutments.

[@mal_752]

Another great sunny vlog. Thanks. 👍🏻

[@user-ne1dn9lx8m]

Loved this vidio I was brought up in Fazakerley used to go over what we called the dizzy steps whiich took you to the Aintree shunting sheds, my father inlaw was a train driver at these sheds, I used to play football for Aintree SS the the pitch ran along side the Ormskirk line access to the ground was down Helsby rd, I now live in Durley Rd with the Kirkby line at the bottom of my garden great memories.

[@Cartoonman154]

It really needs to be reopened to serve the docks.

[@dannywalche8170]

What a great video, thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@adriannorthcott902]

As always a very informatve video Ollie I used to work trains along there in the early seventies to Fazakerley and Aintree liner it didnt look like that then amazing how nature reclaims land. ( It was on a Merseyrail site that a trespasser was seen up there I don't know if that was you )

[@dangerousandy]

Nice job. Really enjoyed this.

[@31Macdog]

Great video, recently moved to Formby and noticed when traveling out of Liverpool central on the train, those old rails, might have to have a stroll along some time!

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Great video. I love stuff like this that shows nothing is permanent! Places that once seemed so important left to fade back to nature are fascinating. Really good watch thanks

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Thank you very much

[@d4zz1e]

We used to walk that line home from school as a short cutwhich has since been demolished (St Wilfrid's) I was caught one time and brought into offices at Lime St to be given a caution and since it was my 1st time being caught I was let off with the fine.

[@martyn6792]

Fascinating video, I was aware of it's existance but great to see how it was

[@TroyTempest0]

Nice one again - great for not giving up and interesting for me as I have family nearby...

[@SocieteRoyale]

great stuff, I always pass the line were in branches off and upwards when I am on the train to Southport, it's still marked on most maps and I think it's not technically abandoned just unused by Merseyrail as they have no use of it

[@makeshift1012]

Great video mate, love it 😍

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

Another great video - thankyou.

[@pauldavid22212]

Brill video. Loved the pic of the EWS class 37. 👍

[@flippop101]

Excellent video! Made my Sunday!

[@jezza1953]

you do some very good work thanks

[@repentia1]

legend has it, it is still an active line, the train in typical Mersey rail fashion, is just late.

[@simonsays335]

Superb videos as always, been waiting a while for someone to cover this one, only one left in Liverpool I haven’t seen done yet is Cheshire Lines Committee - Southport to Hunts Cross, big project yes because of the long route but I think you could be the man for the job! 🤩

[@wrexshunt]

Great video

[@theowdgit9790]

Cracking vid 👍👍👍

[@davidmoore9136]

The tracks on the branch still carry on to the west platforms at Aintree Sefton Arms station whereas the "main line " carried on to the ex L & Y line to Wigan Wallgate after Aintree Racecourse station and the extensive sidings.

[@stephensmith4480]

A cracking video. We used to have jobs down to Aintree Liner Depot, from Garston. Some great still photo`s there mate, especially the Class 40 with the lifted track panels. I have worked on the Railway for over 30 years and I still find this stuff interesting, it`s like looking into the past. To think that some of the lads, I worked with, that would have been part of their daily working life.

[@bigdunc228]

I noticed the EE type 4 too . Great stuff.

[@donphipps2776]

Great video, brought back lots of memories when we were kids we used to lean over the bridge abutments, I think it was the bridge with the everton graffiti on it and wait for the stream trains to come under one side of the bridge get covered in smoke and sparks then see who could beat the train to the other side. It would be great to see the line brought back to life or opened up as a footpath or cycle way.

[@michaelgamble296]

Amazing to find a complete single track rail for the entire (?) length of your walk. Cut away the undergrowth and you can start a 'Velorail' (as per Normandy disused railways) Very interesting. Thanks for the invitation to join you.

[@thenazarite2444]

Good job, excellent video thank you 🤸🤸😃

[@Gary_Fairbrother]

That last photo you showed in Bootle under the bridge, I live 5 minutes away on Scott Street next to the Best One shop on Knowsley Road.

[@mtb0519]

Walked this line a few times me self I know this part of Liverpool very well

[@Merseyjuke]

Very enoyable, just one slight criticism - If you could have named the roads which used those viaducts would have helped. As a local I could have had a better idea of the location. Nontheless well done. I have subscibed. :)

[@ste2442]

Cracking vid that la , my neck of the woods .

[@ramblingrob4693]

Good job of getting through that bramble etc. well done

[@treasurehuntingscotlandmud9340]

Enjoyed the video

[@MrMoggyman]

What I am very surprised at is the fact that the rails are still there and that the land, like most of the rest of the land that became vacant after the vandals destroyed our railway system, has not been flogged off for yet another housing estate development.

[@whosderek3936]

Used to go to the black bridge when I was a kid, n go through a hole in the ground to the metal beams underneath, you could sit there with the Southport train going right underneath you

[@billjarv]

at 14:41 the map shows the shunting depot and turntable just where the two maps are joined there is a little circle which was the turntable....the Aintree Iron....Used to play on it as a kid. and go and watch the whippet racers roughly where it says Bull Lane on the map

[@simonsays335]

My dad told me about the turntable there, there was also a junction box and an engine shed too

[@tjnz]

I grew up in Bootle. Used to play on that viaduct

[@LeiceExplore]

Nice channel, and nice video...Subbed.

[@JohnWalshLegend]

That first viaduct does have merit, because Engineers study the intricate brickwork involved as it is skewed. I don't know the ins and outs, but apparently this is true!

[@Carlplastering]

Hi just watched this and the rustic pole structure you pointed out belongs to me one of your subscribers if you would like to see my set up put in the cat and ferret the extention on to the railway embankment is play area for them cheers your videos are boss I also have done videos of train tunnels kirkdale years a go one day I'll put them on u tube keep the good work up I love watching them thanks

[@BeeHereNowuk]

Ah no way that's so funny. I really liked the structure. It's nice it's for the cat and ferret to have a run around. Yeah your should put your videos on youtube definitely

[@Carlplastering]

Thanks for the reply l will put them vids up don't forget put the cat and ferret in it's on u tube thanks again cherrs

[@TheCatandFerret]

@@BeeHereNowuk Hi mate, this is my other channel I mentioned here. When you get some free time, feel free to check out our channel and this video that goes a into a bit more detail about the enclosure you came across. Hope you enjoy seeing a little bit of what's going on there kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4SXhYyYq859bMU

[@andicog]

And now Peel ports want to build a dual carriageway from near the end of the M57, across Rimrose Valley Park, past local housing causing so much upheaval and pollution, why don't they at least reinstate some of these lines to get into the docks?

[@stevewalsh1987]

Walked this today, being Winter alot less vegetation. Was a great explore mind.

[@rontanser9369]

Thank you very much that was interesting you fighting your way through all the vegetation , I do think it’s very sad that very little freight goes by train now as we seem to put all our eggs in one basket i.e. the roads but it is coming back to haunt us at the moment with the shortage of drivers I think companies that can should be encouraged to put the goods if possible on the 🚂 Trains

[@martinbather4835]

Hiya,have you mentioned the old coastal railway from Southport to Liverpool...? Great to see the history....;-)

[@user-pg9xc1wu8u]

I remember being on a Merseyrail train approaching Bootle New Strand around 1990 and seeing a Class 37 come over the bridge and run alongside us whe this line was still used ocacsionally. Later I saw the running connection at Ormskirk allowing access from the Preston direction (now long since lifted).

[@gazjonze]

It may look abandoned but it’s our best line.

[@jonathanmc-smith7284]

Have you been along the old railway that runs along the back of Alderhay hospital and through part of Notty Ash.

[@garysimpson3900]

Surprised how the extensive vegetation hasn't damaged the structure of the viaduct.

[@damedavidfrith55]

Loved it very interesting,have to get you a machete for the undergrowth and muggers 😂

[@MrMaca1234]

My playground growing up here in litherland and next to viaduct the track went straight on towards the docks over the Liverpool Southport line but they pulled the section down over the line also the first bridge you stopped at used to be a station .

[@guineagirl5078]

My Mum came from Litherland

[@user-bj4vs7yh5v]

There is a survey chart of this line and it followed the canal system to the unload area for the barges