Does this Abandoned Railway have a Future?

[@adamtrue7691]

As a train driver I can see how much of a miracle we're asking for a victorian rail network designed for 30 million to handle 68 million people (plus a network that was savagely hacked by Beeching in the 60's) so any new routes are always welcomed.

[@jamesedwards7241]

People forget that BR had already closed hundreds of miles of track and stations before Beeching ever arrived and all he did really was follow Marples, his paymaster's orders and hand BR the perfect excuse to close hundreds of miles more track. While the corruption of Marples is well documented the real crime if there was one at all was in the hysterical haste the government forced the sale of the land so killing off any chance of re-opening those closed lines in the future. There is an answer but it is totally unpalatable to the people so no government would even attempt it and that is to force the lines back into use and make them free to use with punitive taxes on-road use to help pay for it, Cars did for the railways now make cars pay to put them back again. Even if it is only a light tramway modern tech makes it worth the effort, take a look at what the Dutch are doing.

[@Johnketes54]

I came here looking for you the defender of Beeching, You've popped up in comments in other videos, Why are you defending him?

[@Phleeper]

The line was cleared about 15 years ago as CVR were hoping to extend running to Endon, but there’s a standoff between them and Network Rail about the level crossing there. The fences were put there by a local landowner who was trying to prevent access to the line, but he was overruled.

[@nigelfarley814]

Why the hell aren’t the government reopening all these lines. They make it so difficult to drive anywhere yet provide no alternative. This country needs a nationalised cheap and easy to use public transport infrastructure.

[@jasonstevens7957]

It all needs to be brought back, north Cornwall was cut off and destroyed by NON DOCTOR beaching, all those branch lines fed the main lines

[@HoggRyan]

Worth watching the RailNatter series on why 'reopening' an old railway isn't always the best option - there has to be a a big picture view where parts of old railways might be reused by the Victorian network was far less than ideal at time it was built and a lot doesn't make sense today.

[@doggerproductions]

The government know what they are doing 😂

[@applecounty]

Care to pay for it?

[@leecornwell5632]

They definitely need to open up back the Putnam railroad lines back along side the trailer just like maybrook Connecticut has.

[@kholden2678]

Thank you for walking the line and finding those historical photos! My 2nd cousin 4x removed was George Jamess Crosbie Dawson who was chief engineer of the North Staffordshire Railway from 1886-1914. He also supervised the engineering on the Trent and Mersey Canal and his son George would later become an engineer on the Coventry canal. During his time as chief engineer of the NSR, George Sr. supervised the contruction of Leek Brook Station. It was great that you found a platelayer's hut, George Sr. was well liked by the railway workers and when he passed away in 1914 his funeral was held at Stoke on Trent and his body was placed on a funeral train from Stoke to Stafford. Along the route form Trentham to Norton Bridge platelayers were posted every 200 yards as a final salute. I'm in favour of it being turned into a heritage line with a footpath at a safe distance. The footpath could be connected to the canal towpaths at warious points to create walking trail loops. There's a lot of engineering history that can be preserved on this line. There's a lot of potential for tourist attracions here with interconnected canal and rail footpaths. Thanks again for the video!

[@countottovanshanoo822]

The line has never closed, it has been mothballed. It still connects with the network at Stoke, indeed the first few yards get used for machine training. It was leased by /sold to Moorland & City Railway with the intention of re-opening all the way to Cauldon Low to serve the quarries. However, there was a monopolies and mergers commission involving Lafarge in 2014 which killed the scheme. M&CR sub-leased Ipstones-Leekbrook-Cheddleton to the Churnet Valley Railway (who were there first!). Track from Ipstones to Cauldon was lifted along with (some of?) the track to Oakamoor apparently to 'raise funds' (just happened to be when steel scrap prices peaked). Currently the line into Leek from Leekbrook is being re-laid, to serve a new station just outside the town centre. The line to Endon (first stop towards Stoke) was prepared fro re-opening, but a local ecowarrior tried to get the trackbed declared to be a Village Green at Endon (yes, despite it never being closed) which killed the plan. The potential, though probably not likely to happen, exists to .re-connect Alton (for the Towers) which would please the locals, well me anyway, immensely by reducing road traffic (though since lock-down Alton Towers appears very much quieter).

[@SussexHistory]

If the track is still in place, the formation is still legally a railway, and it is easier to re-open it. Once the track has been lifted, then it is legally farmland, and then it is more difficult to re-open it. As the line is scenic, it would make a good heritage line. What you need to do is found a preservation society, and then gain control of the route as a first step. The first aim is to prevent the track from being lifted. Thanks for uploading.

[@nickboden5866]

Network Rail Passenger Service, help get some the congestion of the roads. Superb video as ever. Second choice Heritage Railway.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much for watching Nick

[@helenthorne8451]

Wow I think it should definitely reopen as a passenger line surely everyone would rather use it than cars it's lovely to see so much intact thanks for sharing Ant hope your well xx

[@Teddystream.]

The Leek to Stoke On Trent line, A feasibility study was carried out in 2021-22 and in 2023 listed for reopening by Network Rail under the " Network North " scheme.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Yes it's a wait and see guessing game o imagine. Thank you for watching

[@tonyclough9844]

This network North is the usual bullshit, to make us think we are getting something.

[@marybradley7791]

I think it should be part of the national rail network again, not all of us have cars and it would nice if we could travel into the countryside, usually bus services in the countryside are non existant or not frequent enough to make it a viable option. They could encourage industry to use it so there would be less lorries on the roads and also provide a bus link to Alton Towers as there is no way of getting there by public transport.

[@joecurly3637]

I think it would be great to see as both a Greenway and heritage line together! This does look like a nice area to visit, which I hopefully will some day. You mentioned a bit about flying drones over trains, I probably won't get a drone myself but would quite like to know the dos and don'ts about them!

[@shirleylynch7529]

Keep walkway, heritage line.canal. All to be enjoyed together. The scenery is amazing and should be enjoyed by all. Well done Ant on another fab video and filming and history.

[@simonballard6413]

I agree with you about a shared Heritage line and footpath. Perhaps an extension of the Churnet Valley line? What pretty scenery it all is round there and your choice of music perfect, as always. Thanks, Ant.

[@tominnis8353]

The Churnet Valley Railway has dismantled sections of its own line so I can hardly see it taking on the Stoke to Leekbrook to Stoke section.

[@smudgycat6750]

I believe in stoke SCC the interlocking allows the OTW to be reset and a train to be sent down towards leekbrook, however it's marked as 'Out of use' In both signaling and as written in the sectional appendix

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Very interesting video, which makes a great case for reopening. A town the size of Leek should have a regular rail service and if the resources are forthcoming, then a Network Rail reconnection to Stoke should, in my view, be supported in the first instance. Failing that, a heritage line and/or Greenway seems a great idea, if the necessary support and resources can be mobilised.

[@Jimyjames73]

Hello Ant - Isn't it amazing how the track still survives & it hasn't been lifted!!! So much water next to the Railway!!! Surprised the Railway has never been Flooded!!! Either National Rail Network again, or even a Heritage Railway Extension I think!!! 😉🤔🚂🚂🚂

[@kevinhare7037]

Both coaches are Mk1s. End maroon one TSO built Wolverton and previously used on the Jacobite. Blue and grey SO built in York. Both eventually to be restored with the CVR doing the right thing in gutting them so windows not smashed or even burnt out.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks for the information with the coaches. Hopefully they'll be lookin like new soon

[@Stevenage.gooner.64]

Thanks ,really enjoyed the trip along old line ,glad to see rails still in place too added to the memories 😊 thanks again

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Excellent walk, in beautiful surroundings. I'm temepted to say connect it back in to the network, but if there have been proposals by CVR to extend then in conjunction with a fenced off walk, and the canals, it would make a great joined-up area that would presumably bring in revenue to the wider area. I think with so many things, groups working together, and pooling resources and ideas, is the way forward.

[@malcolmbarr2267]

Heritage railway, walk and cycle path, choo choo 🚂🚂

[@robinkey4499]

thank you for showing me where I can not go now due to severe walking difficulties

[@mikeslipper1779]

Excellent presentation.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Mike

[@impy1980]

Any line that can be bought back into the network should be, especially since Governments present and future are pushing to get us out of our cars through various agendas. Beeching decimated rural rail connectivity, and if Governments want us to use public transport, that's all very well and good, but if you live anywhere remotely rural, public transport just doesn't exist or is so irregular/unreliable.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

Another great episode Ant. I hope they do reopen it.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks for watching Chris me too

[@MrRiverso1]

I live in Endon , I remember well the limestone trains bringing huge boulders through the village , my dad regularly used the railway to commute to Longton . Personally I think the line should be opened (as promised by city MP ) by network rail as a commuter/freight line , it has the potential to lower congestion levels on the A53 .

[@Marcus.D.P]

Another brilliant video Ant👍🏻…i definitely agree it should be reopened as a railway/walkway

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Marcus ☺️

[@willswheels283]

Interesting vid mate, and an interesting walk as well, I wasn’t sure if you could walk this line in its entirety, it’s a shame to see it like that, it would be nice to have passenger services to Leek from Stoke again either as a heritage line or BR, this would give better access to Alton Towers and the countryside around the Staffs Moorlands. Your idea of a walking/cycling path alongside the track sounds good as well.

[@garymutten4093]

Great video Ant as usual. Would agree greenway and heritage railway

[@TrekkingExploration]

I'm pleased you enjoyed it Gary thank you 😄

[@johnlaw3323]

Another great vlog Ant many thanks for making and sharing.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much John ☺️

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Fantastic video Ant. Love those bridges. I did love the fields of buttercups, so very pretty. The birdsong was gorgeous very different than ours. Thanks for taking me along . Please take care

[@TrekkingExploration]

Glad you enjoyed it Linda i hope you are well :)

[@bobjackson6524]

Wonderful as always. Thankuou Ant. Look forward to the next 🙌

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Bob ☺️

[@chrisbayly5457]

Great video, should be opened as a heritage line with the canal and footpath to enjoy the countryside..

[@TrekkingExploration]

That would be perfect wouldn't it?

[@knottyal2428]

Combined heritage rail and pathway. CVR are attempting to extend more into Leek as well.

[@TrekkingExploration]

It would be lovely wouldn't it

[@JanMartin-co9oo]

i hope they do a trailway similar to the one in dorset as i walked some of that route a few years back its so nice down there x

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much for watching Jan. Hopefully a positive outcome for this

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for this day’s video. As always, interesting and informative to watch. Enjoy the week ahead. Cheers Ant! 🇬🇧👍🙂🇺🇸

[@TrekkingExploration]

I hope you enjoy it Martin thank you

[@michaelmiller641]

Fascinating video, Ant, thanks for that

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much for watching Michael

[@daverob007]

Always look forward to new videos Ant video work is brilliant fantastic thanks Ant

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Dave very kind. I'm pleased you enjoyed it

[@MoorlandMallard]

Ant, great video as usual. What is the grid reference where you finished with the two footpath gates each side of the line? Have you tried the old Cresswell to Cheadle line near the Blythe Bridge main line station? Keep up the good work. All the best, Simon

[@stuartwatson5033]

Another great Video Ant Thankyou. I totally agree it would make a great heritage line ! Stunning scenery.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Glad you enjoyed it Stuart thanks very much :)

[@chrisbradley1192]

Your enthusiasm augments these entertaining and informative videos Ant. Keep 'em coming mate. Greetings from Canada from an ex-Kimberley resident.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Chris I'm pleased you enjoyed it

[@graemehannam3950]

Another great video thanks ant, if network rail aren’t interested then, like you I would agree with heritage railway/footpath/cycle/ bridle way route

[@TrekkingExploration]

Glad you enjoyed it Graeme thanks very much :)

[@mt-mg7tt]

Viewing from Oz where there are some similar situations. It would seem a good idea to have trail BESIDE the rail of some kind (NOT lift tracks to make a trail!). Heritage rail would mean it could more easily be turned into network rail if need be? Or can heritage and network rail share tracks with appropriate arrangements? Great video!

[@georgewilliamtussler5475]

Heritage line...and a cycle/walk path...😊😊😊

[@aliciashepherd8912]

I know one abandoned railway but it’s in Australia it’s called the Camden valley railway

[@railwaychristina3192]

Thank you lovely video😊

[@TrekkingExploration]

I hope you enjoy it 😌

[@markeilo5065]

excellent content as usual thanks for sharing

[@keithsyers5833]

Brilliant video. Stunningly beautiful scenery. British Railways, if possible, heritage railway with walkways and links with canal. A two coach dmu or steam engine with 2/3 coaches

[@inbetween-days]

Thank you for another great video ❤

[@davidallum6841]

I really enjoyed this video it would be great to see the line reopened with a footpath beside. If Sustrans get hold of it though it will never reopen as a railway.

[@TheSynthnut]

Fascinating trek indeed, thanks for sharing. Would be great to have wheels on rails once again along this section but I don't see how it would be economical for network use, it just wouldn't see the tickets. As an extension to the CVR, then maybe, the requirements for a heritage line with it's speed limit might (though possibly not) be able to run without completely lifting and relaying all the track. One minor thing I feel compelled to mention is to consider the speed and amount of camera movements, especially the frequent sweeps. On a phone, it is possibly easier on the eye, but on a larger monitor it can get a little "swimmy" and is a bit dissorientating. When you are looking around in person, they eye jumps quickly between points but this isn't replicated when watching a pan at a certain speed on screen, so it feels unnatural. It would be nice maybe to dwell a little longer on the subject rather than pan back and forth I feel. Keep exploring!

[@JakeJowett-me8eg]

the line to leek is owned by churnet and is slowly being reopened as part of the railway. The line to stoke is owned by 3 company's network rail churnet and the north Staffordshire railway company. (im saying this from the point of view of churnet as the junction between the two is owned by them).

[@chairmakerPete]

Fantastic video - really informative and interesting. Thank you! 👍

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Peter 😁

[@b4mouse]

That line must be cleared every few years, not enough growth for something that was mothballed 35 years ago.

[@TrekkingExploration]

It does seem quite well trimmed in places

[@colinwilson3750]

Excellent as usual.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much indeed

[@psychokeef]

There’s still talk about extending the churnet heritage line to Alton or even making it a passenger line again. There’s a nice station there at Alton which has been turned in to holiday lets and other bits and pieces to look at .Great Video as ever Ant 👏👏👏👍

[@andrewmaurerandrew6801]

Top man as always 👍👍

[@TrekkingExploration]

Very kind thankyou :)

[@PromenadeMTL]

It is great to preserve the linear corridor. But it is a real puzzle what should go there.

[@oldfart6318]

Think I'd go with your suggestion for us e of the corridor.

[@hojomo]

Prefer your idea #4 of Cycle/Walkway BESIDE the Rail line - this whole run is a great example of what I call #LinesInTheLandscape @4RailTrail! Thanks for the superb views ☺️

[@rickorider]

Great exploration. I guess Sustrans are aware of this line. They are the major charity that are involved in converting these lines to green ways.

[@carolinecleaveley-q1r]

hi there. great fun with a 65footer going round that 90 degree bend going to leek. caroline

[@iancaveney7464]

Would make an excellent line for rail-biking, can't see a case for commercial rail use, tourism however, is a different kettle of fish. Lovely stuff, Ant. 👍

[@PaulTreefella]

I prefer your idea of all three.

[@TrekkingExploration]

It would be good wouldn't be it and available to everyone

[@bobsrailrelics]

I would have it as a multi use path and restore the railway for use by Rail Bikes, similar to the ones they have in Europe. Love a hospital line, must look that one up.

[@alankennedy3398]

Another enjoyable video seems a waste not to do anything with that track like anything it’s down to cost but both an extended heritage line and greenway would be great !!

[@jetsons101]

Ant, a joy of a watch usual. There are so many abandoned rail lines to pick from for your videos. The dressed stonework really seems to outlast red bricks in strength and beauty. You need a "Go Fund Me" for walking shoes. lol

[@2010ditta]

If the trackbed does turn into a Heritage railway at least they wont have to do any work on the bridges. Amazig condition. Very enjoyable..all the best.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much for watching :)

[@rossontinternet]

I’m one of the asset engineers for NR and we still inspect it but that’s it so I’d say it’s a nope I’m afraid and not aware of anything bubbling in the background

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Hopefully something will come about

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

could it be rail & trail?

[@angelsone-five7912]

I agree, shared heritage railway and footpath. Too many have gone to purely footpaths.

[@TrekkingExploration]

It would be nice wouldn't it? That would cater for so many

[@angelsone-five7912]

@@TrekkingExploration A very valid point Ant.

[@allenhanley2359]

The full line was only ever mothballed and legally it's trespassing to walk it, although hundreds do. There's a reasonable chance that it will now reopen after the redistribution of HS2 money.

[@nathan83699]

I walked this the other day to Leekbrook. But didn't go onto the CVR bit

[@TrekkingExploration]

It's a good walk isn't it? It's best to stay off there part no matter how tempting it is 👍

[@nathan83699]

@@TrekkingExploration It's just a crying shame the rest of the line is in a sorry state, someone tried it with a rail rider and didn't get very far

[@jetsons101]

Just thinking, the wooden sleepers are pressure treated with Creosote. Over here, North America, 95% of rail ties/sleepers are still treated wood. Found this online; Experience, research, and innovation have revealed new and enhanced known advantages. Wooden ties absorb some of the shock of heavy rail wheels traveling the track, thus reducing wear and tear on the rails and trains. Wood does not conduct electricity, so the ties do not interfere with electric rail monitoring.

[@TickledFunnyBone]

If you could clear the line you could do some rail carting.

[@TrekkingExploration]

That would be fun

[@ukman9797]

Maybe the Billions they spent on HS2 could have better spent in reintroducting local infrastructure. As usual Ant a great informative video.

[@TrekkingExploration]

It's an odd ball this one. It's all there ready for work to begin yet nothing happens

[@nigelkthomas9501]

If Network Rail got their act together they could have this line re-opened within a year easily.

[@nigpobble2946]

Like Blaenavon, South Wales.

[@ruthbrierley1798]

I had a relative or two who ended up in Cheddleton 😢

[@TrekkingExploration]

Oh no 😮😞

[@milehighclassics]

The trouble with heritage lines are the volunteers, there all age 40-80 and every year the land re development profit rises more than the customers who will use the volunteers, the new young people are not interested as they never had to go by train to work, or pleasure as pleasure is a screen in your face, however NEW HOUSES WILL PREVAIL

[@Peter-MH]

What actually is plate-layers hut? Just a hut for railway workers to get a cup of tea, have a warm up etc??

[@TrekkingExploration]

Yes pretty much and manual equipment stored inside

[@tonyclough9844]

It had spare rail chairs in and fishplates also the bolts.

[@MisterHughie]

There is another reason for this line potentially reopening - that is to transport CO2 by rail, I know Aggregate Industries at the Cauldon Cement works are looking at an option to capture and liquify CO2 and transport via rail to the Point of Ayr in North Wales where it would be injected under the sea bed. This would involve even more of this route being opened and track being re-laid, personally i can't see it happening, but then again against the cost of a pipeline, there just might be a possibility.... that's what i would like to see, decarbonising our industry and making use of existing infrastructure/routes.

[@johnhalley974]

I think we should just let the trees and plants deal with the CO2…Don’t you?

[@scottpeacock5492]

East West Rail between Oxford and Cambridge is being revives at moment and the line between Bicester and Bletchley is almost complete, The Railways still have a future as it will take cars and lorries of our congested roads and also tackle climate change.

[@andrewclegg6541]

Do you remember the Lupins beside the rail lines ??

[@robertgordon3575]

Got to be turned in to a heritage line

[@TrekkingExploration]

Yes I think so too. Thanks for watching

[@philipbroomhead9406]

I would favour a greenway. 😊

[@TrekkingExploration]

It's probably heading that way

[@a11csc]

they have just opened a new old one up in leven so could be a chance

[@TrekkingExploration]

I hope it can be done 👍

[@trainsinkansas576]

How long is that line and what would it cost to restore the line ?

[@TrekkingExploration]

It's around 11 miles long unsure of the cost

[@DJ_K666]

As I understand it there'll be an extension from Stoke as a BR line* and an extension of the Churnet Valley line to Leek Brook Junction *I call NR tracks BR for ease.

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

i would be in favour of it reopening as a main line network rail have got money to do it heritage railway it would be a big project to carry out and would take many years to complete

[@TrekkingExploration]

It would be quicker for the national network i agree :)

[@johnathanrowley2707]

Needs to be reopened as a day to day railway line as it would give better public transport to leek and alton towers

[@davidwebb4904]

I FOI.ed DfT about this rail line. They are currently in discussion with NetworkRail about restoring this line. No budget has been proposed for this restoration. Once they have spun the wheel and added a zero, money may yet appear from down the back of DfTs sofa.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Let's hope something positive eventually comes of it. Thank you for watching

[@davidwebb4904]

@@TrekkingExploration Thank you for your queries of 27 March 2024 about the proposed reopening of the Stoke-Leek line. Your correspondence has been passed to the Department for Transport’s Restoring Your Railway team to respond to. As you may know, the Stoke-Leek project was confirmed for progression under the Network North announcement in October 2023, subject to successful business case decisions at every stage. Since that time, the Department for Transport has been working with Network Rail and industry partners to develop a programme for the next stage of development work. At this time, funding is yet to be allocated to the project, however the proposal is currently progressing through governance processes to secure funding and begin the project. The initial development work is expected to be completed internally by Network Rail. There may be opportunities for private sector support in the later stages of the project. These would be announced by Network Rail at the appropriate time. Given the variety of options under consideration, it is not yet possible to say how much the project would cost to deliver. This is something that will become clearer as a viable solution and the necessary works are identified.

[@bobingram6912]

CVR extension??? Don't suppose Council or NR would agree!! Is there a financial need for it to be reistated. So many questions🤔🤔

[@TrekkingExploration]

I do fear it'll just be a situation that just keeps going around in circles 😞

[@polarlicht4758]

what drone are you using? looking for buying one..

[@TrekkingExploration]

On this occasion a Mavic Air 2 I occasionally use the smaller Mini 3. Definitely always a Mavic

[@polarlicht4758]

Thanks

[@alantraish3368]

Needs saving as a railway again

[@TrekkingExploration]

I agree

[@ogo2l]

Needs Trains ! Railways need trains and only trains, who runs the trains doesn't matter. Too many end up as footpaths, guided bus ways and worst of all roads.

[@TrekkingExploration]

I hate guided bus ways I really don't see the point. Last year I saw the Manchester one along the old railway and I thought why? Thank you for watching

[@lucythorne6994]

🚂🚂🚂👍👍👍😁

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks for watching Lucy

[@angelaknisely-marpole7679]

Excellent! Just a quick note, you are walking north east not west :) I worked at St Edwards until it closed in 2002!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Yeah I am arnt I 🤣

[@angelaknisely-marpole7679]

@@TrekkingExploration :)

[@malcolmportlock7250]

Reopen it, with all the traffic on the roads it would take some traffic off the roads

[@TrekkingExploration]

It would be good wouldn't it?

[@suzyqualcast6269]

The decimation of this country's once abundant provenance.... Would there have originally been down and up double track there and, if so happen they replaced wooden with concrete sleepers as they ripped up t'other track line ? Ah!! Singled, thank you...

[@MichaelCampin]

Extend the CVR

[@TrekkingExploration]

It would be nice