The Castleman Corkscrew Abandoned Railway

[@fredericksaxton3991]

In the late 60's and early 70's I used to drive the A35 and every time I drove past Homlsely station, I thought, "what a waste, I hope some one does something with it". And they did. I must pop in one day.

[@Albert5522]

Having lived in Ringwood most my life I've been past Homsley Tea rooms no less than 4,000 times, and fairly certain I've never actually been in! After your recommendation that is going to have to change! So glad I've found your guys Chanel as I've been yearning to learn more about the local history around me as I know there is so much! Cheers

[@thedorsetdrone]

Guys, wow, how have I not seen your channel before, great video, very local to me, absolutely loved it, new subscriber here.

[@martinpook5707]

I used to travel on the train from Broadstone to Ringwood to work. Two coaches hauled by a tank engine. One afternoon the tank had failed and we were treated to a Merchant Navy! Bournemouth Railway History by Lawrence Popplewell gives some info, but more S&D, not an easy read. Castleman lived at Chettle House off the A354 north of Blandford, there are some photos 'below stairs'. Tickets from Bournemouth to Southampton were always marked 'via Sway'. It was difficult to get the line through the forest because of the terrain, the New Forest Verderers and Sir George Meyrick who eventually had a station at Hinton Admiral. My wife travelled from New Milton to Bounemouth to work every day. One evening she got on the fast train by mistake. For whatever reason it stopped at Hinton Admiral and having realised her mistake she got off the train only to be told that she couldn't get off here because the train didn't stop here! She phoned her dad to collect her. Reminds me of Nobby Whiting who was a porter at Blandford and was looking after the parcels one day when a Jack Russell terrier that was travelling alone escaped and ran off down the platform with Nobby in hot pursuit yelling 'Stop thik dog, 'e's a parcel'. Happy days.

[@Alan_UK]

Your wife's story reminds me when in the late 60s I commuted every day from St Denys to Waterloo with initially a local train either via Southampton or via Eastleigh. One day I was going to go via Eastleigh to catch the semi-fast when the semi-fast pounded through followed by the local. On arriving at Eastleigh I explained the situation and said there was the fast due in a few minutes and could they stop it. A few minutes later the signal went to red and the fast was unceremoniously stopped and I boarded! A passenger on the train looked up from his newspaper and said "Doesn't normally stop here. Must be someone special." Yes, me! Soon the MN/BB/WC steam engines were replaced by electric but I think the journey time was still 70 mins.

[@johnjephcote7636]

Pacifics would be turned on the Hamworthy triangle, as my 9F was, the last time I came down the S&D (from Templecombe). It would be similar to the 'locals' that were often hauled to Hailsham from Eastbourne, as something useful to do for mainline engines ending up at Eastbourne and requiring turning.

[@martinpook5707]

@@johnjephcote7636 I hadn't realised that that was how they were turned. 9F, you weren't the driver who left the guard on the platform at Blandford?

[@derf9465]

New Milton!!!! Rock'n'roll!!! Used to use that train Station alot, sadly as a diesel /electrics of NSE

[@PaddyWV]

Nothing sadder than the site of a massive car park where a railway junction once was.

[@pwhitewick]

Concur!

[@hwood9783]

In reality it is a fairly small car park.

[@philiptownsend4026]

I had a very nice lunch at Holmsley too ;-)) Thanks I enjoyed your trip through my old stomping ground - the New Forest.

[@eddieprowse3320]

Lovely surprise whilst having a cup of tea to catch a fleeting glimpse of the information panel at the site of the former West Moors Station. I was fortunate to receive support and funding from local councils and businesses in my efforts to erect the panel. Important to remember the significance of these lost places.

[@JamesHardiman99]

Rebecca looking especially lovely today! 😊

[@knownothing5518]

What better way to spend my evening than watch this while having dinner? Gorgeous!

[@timberjoy1978]

I worked as a chef at holmsley tea rooms and met my wife there 18 years to this day... a lovely place to work with fond memories.

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

That was very enjoyable. To my shame, it's over 50 years since I was last in that part of Dorset. Thanks for reminding me how pretty it is. 👍

[@jasonhaymanonthedrawingboard]

Oh yes! I’ve walk a bit of it. Even went behind ferndown industrial estate. Wasn’t easy to follow. I’ve done ringwood to moors valley.

[@westhavengwr4613]

Good video. I live just off the track in Ringwood. There is a road crossing at Barrack Lane east of Ringwood where there still are rails in the road.

[@whereinsussex]

A great video. Always like a bit of EDS on a Sunday

[@dannybacon1571]

Great memories of cycling this route many times with friends when growing up in Poole from birth 👍👍

[@christinecrockford1654]

Another fab video again. You must get Paul to wear some nicer shirts and tops lol. You again not that far again. I do love your enthusiasm in your vids. Big thanks love Chrissie xx p s Rebecca blonde looks so much better.

[@gaugeonesteam]

The viaduct just south of Wimborne was blown up with high explosives many years ago. (Metal girders on brick piers type construction) station closed in 1977. I think Broadstone junction was also part of the old route to Weymouth via Hamworthy junction near Poole. lines went south to Poole Harbour & west to Weymouth. The owner of the house at the spot where the "Corkscrew" line joins the main line at Brockenhurst has lots of railwayana in the back garden. You can see it from the train. Also there's been talk over the years of re-opening the section from Ringwood to Brockenhurst but whether it will ever happen or not who knows? Yes, good tea room that is!

[@davidberlanny3308]

Lovely brickwork on that bridge👌👌. Great video as always. Good luck from Spain!!

[@raider568uk9]

You walked over some very clever geocaches in some of those shots. Great to see you down this next of the woods though.

[@pwhitewick]

Oooooh did we!?

[@thomasdieckmann5711]

Thanks as usual for taking us on an entertaining trip :-)

[@davie941]

hello again Paul and Rebecca , thank you for another cool interesting video , loved the start lol , enjoyed this , well done and thank you 😊

[@keithingram44]

Brilliant doing this one been waiting for this live in ferndown and walk the west moors to Ashley heath part

[@lambrettascooter]

Hi, in between Broadstone and Wimborne, you appeared to have missed the most ornate bridge, taking the line across land belonging to Canford School. It is now a grade 2 listed building.

[@davidkimmins8781]

I travelled on this line in 1958 on the way to Swanage for a family holiday. I remember being disappointed at Brockenhurst as we were diverted off the main line that would have taken us through Bournemouth and Poole.

[@Alan_Watkin]

well done guys, it always ends up abit of a laugh these days an i think thats pretty cool, as always many's thanks

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you

[@Tobeshadow]

Lovely to see a video about the corkscrew, one of my favourite lines too! Superb work as always Paul and Rebecca!

[@stupididiot6116]

You need to walk along the old Stonebridge railway ( Stonebridge railway near Coleshill in Warwickshire) it used to have the original Coleshill ( re named Maxstoke) station on route and criss crossed along the river Blyth

[@mikesheldon1957]

Have you looked at the Tissington Trail which starts at Asbourne, Derbyshire which is where the White Peak Marathon starts which I've run twice. It used to be a quarry railway to transport the granite stone from a few quarries and is now a cycle/walking route. I suggest you hire or take mountain bikes unless you are fit enough to do the 26 miles on foot. It joins the High Peak Trail which is also the rest of the White Peak Marathon route and you go past the Parsley Hey Station, run past a man sat on chair about a mile further on and go back past the station and along the rest of the High Peak Trail. The last part is going through Hoptons Tunnel then later a very steep hill down to the canal which the train carriages were lowered and raised using a static steam engine and cables, presumably to load the stone into barges for transport elsewhere, the marathon joins the canal and you run the last bit along the towpath finishing in Matlock Rugby Clubs field.

[@TrainDriverRob]

Great video in a lovely part of the world.

[@nilo70]

Thank you Paul and Rebecca , for another wonderful trip into the countryside. Cheers from California !

[@Jimyjames73]

very good / Corkscrewy!!! 😀🚂🚂🚂

[@tardismole]

Nice to see you working on your roots. I mean routes. :) This line is fascinating in that it would take an entire series of videos to cover everything. You did well to squeeze in so much in one video.

[@sideshowmatt7119]

The train you see departing Brockenhurst towards the end, is actually on the Lymington branch, which is still in operation today, with a 30 minute service linking to the ferry that goes across to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. I work on the SWR patch, and love my trips on the route through the New Forest, and often wonder what might have been had the Castleman's Corkscrew and other routes like the Watercress and Meon Valley were still in mainline operation today.

[@torspedia]

Those two abandoned stations, at the triangular station, reminds me an awful lot of West Ealing and Hanwell.

[@r.davies2702]

Speaking of roots, Rebecca's are looking a little multi coloured 😂. Great video guys 👍

[@vincebagusauskas278]

Big change from last weeks vid

[@rozza381]

Paul and Rebecca, I absolutely love you two! You should without a doubt be on mainstream tv. You're so knowledgable and presentable. Carry on you're outstanding work please!

[@Blade_Daddy]

Loving Rebecca's faces!

[@painterman235]

Another great video ... luvin the music!

[@duragamer132]

Can't believe you didn't have the sausages at the tea rooms, I make them every week!

[@paulinehedges5088]

Fascinating. Another great video full of understand information and LOVELY scenery. Thank you for my Sunday evening entertainment.

[@uksteves]

Thanks, enjoyed that. We moved to Broadstone in 2006 - a very long time after much of the old trackbed had disappeared beneath the leisure centre and relief road to Poole. Older Broadstonians happily recount fond memories of taking the train to Wimborne and beyond, and seeing the Pines Express (on the S&D) passing through. Today, the only clue that there was ever a railway here, is the existence of Station Road - having a Station Road without a station being pretty common in these parts. The Castleman Trailway is a fine asset of a legacy though.

[@hughgurney8686]

Are you referring to Station Approach in Broadstone rather than Station Road? The Goods Yards pub on the corner opposite the Sports Centre was called the Railway Hotel back in the day then became the Broadstone Hotel. We moved to Broadstone in 1978 and I remember a road bridge with a dodgy suspended walkway where the roundabout is now, high over the tracks. I used to play on the disused line before it became the relief road. Found a large rusty screw on one occasion that, once cleaned up, sat beside my parent's fireplace for many years!

[@uksteves]

@@hughgurney8686 yes, sorry, I did mean Station Approach. Apparently the original Railway Hotel in Broadstone (or Railway Inn), was actually up the hill on Higher Blandford Road (the building is still there, now a residential property). Have heard many stories about the road bridge - I think my father in law worked for the company that turned it in to the roundabout and underpass that's there today.

[@hughgurney8686]

@@uksteves Thanks for the update. In the days before the cycle trailway became more prominent, I never saw the point of the underpass, easier just to cross the roads up top! Simply seemed like it became a place for teenagers to hang around, smoke and drink cider in the evenings

[@theuktoday4233]

I use the tea rooms regularly and that walk after it...

[@nigelgladwell1783]

love your channel guys

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers

[@mikebirkett010]

Oh mates, you shoulda told me you're gonna be here, live in Ferndown near the Amysford crossing, could a shown you a whole lot more. You did, however, miss the Lady Wimborne bridge which is just before the crossing of the stour outside Wimborne station. Walked the whole route from Ringwood to the main line at Poole back in the 70's when the RAOC at West Moors used trains to transport fuel. Mum and Dad IL lived near to Ashley Heath station and we've seen the development of the Trailway since 1986... Keep up the good work...

[@adriancherrill8479]

Ah you beat me to it. I cycled from Hamworthy to Brockenhurst along this route just three weeks ago, and in my desire to do as much of the old railway as possible, discovered that beautiful bridge. It's listed too isn't it?

[@derf9465]

Cycled the wooton to brockenhurst stretch many hundreds of times as a kid in the late 90's. Loved the holmsley to burley stretch, platform, signal boxes. Awesome fun.

[@peterkazmierczak7273]

Always learn something from your videos. Like the humour in your travels... You might want to explore the bit between Creekmoor and Wimborne in more detail in another vid. South of Broadstone you can clearly see the different levels the formation took; one going to Hamworthy, the other to Poole. There's almost a tunnel - it's a very long skewed overbridge - south of Merley. There are still enginemen's cottages and a sand house off Oakley Lane in Merley, where Wimborne Loco shed used to be. Nearby, there's also the miniature railway of the Wimborne Model Engineering Society - it gives free rides when operating. There's also the restored Lady Wimborne bridge just south of the Stour - possibly the most decoractive bridge in the whole country. In Wimborne itself, there's Allendale House where Castlemain lived. In Avenue Road, near the former station, you can find a house where Thomas Hardy once lived. There's a blue plaque on it. So still lots to see...

[@clivefinder3035]

Hi Paul and Rebecca, Spooky that you put this video outthis week! Wimborne Railway Society are exhibiting their model of Wimborne as it was in the 1950's at Allendale House in Wimborne this weekend (10th & 11th September 10a.m. to 5p.m.) as part of Dorset's Heritage week. Allendale House was for a number of years the home of the Castleman Family if anyone wishes to visit. Shame we didn't know you were recording this as we could have pointed out some other points of interest. Anyway great video as always.

[@hainanbob6144]

For some reason this one made me smile much more than usual. Nice one!

[@Sim0nTrains]

Another enjoyable Every Disused Station, Can imagen GWR were outrage that when the Castleman Corkscrew got taken up by London South Western Railway.

[@paulus842000]

Really enjoyed the video, shame you didn't include the bridge on the Canford magna side of the stour on the path from the road to Canford school. It's really spectacular.

[@hughgurney8686]

The Lady Wimborne Bridge is a sight to behold. Apparently it was put the because the landowner didn't want the train to cross his land. I'm not entirely sure but I think that footpath would have been the main access up to the house from that direction. The other direction for the school, it's actually quite interesting to look at a map annd see there is a straight path coming from Poole on Wimborne Road, at New Inn go straight over to Darbys Lane through Oakdale it becomes the footpath through Canford Heath and would then have gone across the actual heathland to come out at the school gates that are still on Magna Road.

[@janinapalmer8368]

Good one ... very interesting... it's amazing just how much use old railway line routes have been given new use as walking or cycling tracks

[@pwhitewick]

Just wish they would do more!

[@dodgydruid]

I remember the old line to Blandford that was still pretty much in evidence in the eighties from my own viewpoint at Hamworthy, think the army branch was finally lifted in '84 but there was also the West Moors Fuel Branch that lingered on a bit more. My old father who was a senior signaller at Swanage on the paid staff, he sometimes did a favour for a mate of his on the West Moors railway in checking out the signalling stuff on the little line there in the park, he would advise other heritage railways on signalling layouts, BR era rule books, block layouts for the railways S&T to work with, in signalling he was considered pretty close to godhood as he lived, breathed and slept signalling, he didn't watch telly or read books but sat there reading old BR rule books and workings for fun which in reality made him incredibly boring to talk to. Used to take my youngest trail walking the old line up and through West Moors in the late 90's, sometimes after Ashley Wood boot fair we would tramp about trying to find old railway furniture.

[@andrewf9041]

Dog library? Never seen that before out walking, brilliant. Thanks for the vid. :)

[@lilchris26]

Nice one, love the railway videos thanks for your time. Chris

[@shirleylynch7529]

Another great video. Very informative and interesting. Lovely scenery. Beautiful horses. Your meal made me hungry. Great jump Paul.

[@ZPHOENIX27]

Can you imagine of all of the abandoned stuff was active? That was be so cool! (Might displace a few peeps, so that wouldn't be as cool....)

[@stevebarryBAZZA]

Brilliant and interesting as ever, I just love your former railways videos. Something to look forward to on a Sunday.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Steve.

[@iangame7234]

So glad that you did this one as those tea rooms are local and we visit them quite often.

[@lambrettascooter]

Also , as you approached Holmsley , you missed several remains of level crossings, and the old platform? All from the days of the railway!

[@andrewbradbury8527]

Great video as always 🥰

[@WBCBuilds]

Ah! Nice to you see you've come down to my neck of the woods. I love the history of the old mainline between Brockenhurst and Dorchester and wish it was kept in place. Also I would say that Lyndhurst is the heart of the New Forest haha

[@tipthetube3219]

correcr!

[@davefrench3608]

More good local footage. Thanks you two for another entertaining video

[@johnjephcote7636]

I used to live in Blandford but before that, the carriages on the steam semi-fasts out of Euston would often have watercolours by C.Hamilton Ellis, above the seat backs. One of them was of a lovely prussian blue S&DJR 4-4-0 passing the golf links just outside Broadstone. On my journeys to Bournemouth, I used to note the old connection from near Bailey Gate to Wimborne. I have the Ringwood station master's carriage key (not a lot of use now!).

[@johnraworth8019]

I lived in Ringwood many years ago, now live way up in the Northern Scottish Highlands. Even though you missed Ringwood in this one it was a great video. Keep up the good work 😀

[@robinwatling6538]

love the railway ones best!

[@johnponter1486]

About time you did this one, I did mention the holmsley tea room to you previously, glad you liked it, you didn't show much of the platform that is still there. Anyway it's lovely cycle that route, such a shame it doesn't join up very well through ringwood.

[@janeashby7119]

I’ve been to the Ashley Heath bit myself. My in laws live in West Moors.

[@kevinandreoli3176]

Haven't been in that tearoom for about 30 years! Always was good. Another interesting video - thanks. Could I suggest you record the date of filming in the doobry doobry as Rebecca calls it?

[@stevebarryBAZZA]

I think she calls it the dooblee doo 😂

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The smaller arches would be cheaper than a large abutment. The boundary fence would normally be along the top of the cutting not at the bottom.

[@LLACEM]

perfect video great filming and knowledgeable research

[@and7barton]

Nice to see you at Broadstone - I live almost in the camera view. Any chance to covering the western end of this route ?

[@terryengland1880]

The stream is lined with old sleepers because it runs through sandy soil, if they just dug it as a ditch it would be constantly having to clean it out

[@Alan_UK]

I think the London & Southampton Railway was renamed London and South Western Railway when the L&SR proposed a branch from Bishopstoke (now Eastleigh) to Portsmouth. Portsmouth took offence at being a) on a branch line (rather than a direct line from London) and b) the L&SR had the name Southampton in its name (Southampton being an arch rival). So the L&SR changed its name to L&SWR but Portsmouth still objected so the L&SWR opened the branch to Gosport instead, with travellers taking a short chain ferry river crossing to Portsmouth. PS Been meaning to go to the cafe at Holmsley. Must go soon based on your recommendation!

[@esmeephillips5888]

There was a military reason for wanting a more direct route to Portsmouth: it was the main Royal Navy base between Chatham and Plymouth. It had a chain of semaphore stations linking the dockyard to the Admiralty in Whitehall, but the roads were mud baths in winter, with highwaymen. A few years before the railroad arrived, armed soldiers had escorted gold shipments from the port to the Bank of England using the Wey & Arun Canal via Chichester. Imagine how much faster and more secure an express train was.

[@paulmartin6397]

Spot on. I think the definitive book on the LSWR published in the 1970s says exactly that about the change of name.

[@iankemp1131]

AlanUK - Correct except that the Gosport line was planned from the word go and indeed was given an impressive terminal station with a colonnade similar to Nine Elms and Southampton (Terminus). After years of neglect it has now been imaginatively converted into flats and the colonnade on the south side preserved. Getting into Portsmouth needed a more roundabout route from Fareham and the Admiralty were awkward about breaching the fortifications at Hilsea. After a few years agreement was reached and a joint line with the LBSCR was built.

[@Alan_UK]

@@iankemp1131 The Admiralty were awkward about Gosport as well. They had it written into the Railway Act that they were to have final approval over the design. Their assigned officer was a right pain in the butt for Sir William Title the architect and insisted the design incorporate defensive features, hence the long low design with parapets. Ironically they could not stop the publican of the local inn building a 3 storey hotel next to the station!

[@iankemp1131]

@@Alan_UK Thank you, very interesting! I'd known that they had influence on the railway route in both Gosport and Portsmouth because of proximity to the fortifications but hadn't realised they had affected the station design as well. However I do like the long low colonnade and am very pleased it has survived.

[@a11csc]

what a beautiful place

[@tipthetube3219]

yes, those of us who live here, we are very very lucky; some of best weather in UK; dog friendly beach ait Barton(very important); and when you know where to walk in forest, one year height of holiday season i ambled about for at least 2+ hours and didn't meet a soul! Downside - house prices......just don't.....but i've been here 60yrs how our youth can afford to stay.......my eldest at 33 and girlfriend saved ferociously to get their 2bed terrace about 3-4 yrs ago and that was over £200.00...It's not fair...At this rate the new o a p's will be the carer's in our MANY care home's.lol

[@a11csc]

@@tipthetube3219 thanks very true

[@ReubenAshwell]

A brilliant video. I enjoyed that clip at the end of Paul doing that jump. :)

[@MrGreatplum]

Another enjoyable video - I think many years ago (BC - before children), I went with my wife to the new forest and I think we walked part of this route!

[@johncunnane1582]

thanks for the video, the weather was lovely.

[@pwhitewick]

We had it good didnt we!

[@tomlee812]

Another great video. I do appreciate the time and effort you put into making these.

[@Bender24k]

As usual, very enjoyable to watch! Thanks you two!

[@scotti_wan_kenobi]

I often get the train down to Brockenhurst to cycle in the New Forest and have ridden on that rail trail before. Its great to learn some of its history so thanks for that. I'll be sure to stop at the tea rooms next time. p.s. That skew arch bridge is gorgeous, isn't it. I have a few pictures of it on my phone.

[@MichaelSebastianTodd]

i really enjoyed this one brilliant video

[@dilwyn1]

Great vid as always both ... Paul ... @05:30 you must have racked up hundreds of brownie points !!!😃🤣😂

[@Tbass17]

When the video started I immediately went “hey I parked there last week!” 😆 and the pub is actually called ‘The Goods Yard’

[@Tbass17]

And not sure when you filmed this but sad I missed you 😅

[@dianespears6057]

Love the area. Thank you.

[@mrlister2000]

Another excellent fact-filled adventure! I can't believe how many "stations" to been too!

[@steveparkinson8887]

Bloody superb, nothing more to say

[@chriswebb141]

Lovely route , brilliant filming , well done .

[@dawndietz4654]

Enjoyed it as always❤️

[@JP-su8bp]

You had me at, "Who cares what episode?" :)

[@SharpblueCreative]

Ashley Heath was a tv presenter on Swindon Cable sadly passed away to a brain tumour a few years ago. Funny how his name was also a part of the railway back in the day. Wonder if he new of it?

[@harrygatto]

Fascinating. I used to live in Broadstone but it was, like the poster below, 50 years ago. "Private Road" "No turning" Aren't some people really petty.

[@ste2442]

Sunday dinner and an abandon railway video , cheers folks ☺️💪

[@railwaychristina3192]

Thank you for this fab film of the old road. Have you visited Hurn?

[@mikebirkett010]

Lyndhurst is/was the centre of the Verderers court so the 'modern smoking demon' was not for the good folks of this Forest. It's not beyond the realms of imagination to say that the railway was seen as the equivalent of the modern day motorway. Let's be honest, hooda wanted that?

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Post the tranquil intensivism of the canals...... 💦

[@wagwanbennydj6003]

Went here today and didn't even realise how many times I've walked an old rail way 💪

[@Rail_Focus]

Top video as always 😁

[@wilf5068]

great vid as ever cycled this route many times when camping in sethorns being southern based have you ever thought about doing a feature on the old netley military hospital and its branch line feed in from netley station quite a bit of ground features still visable

[@iankemp1131]

It was also known as Castleman's Snake, both names being obviously apt. Interesting to see the originally projected route. I'd always assumed the deviation was partly to avoid the hill west of Lyndhurst. In those days Bournemouth didn't exist and Ringwood and Wimborne were more important, but Christchurch was put on a branch. I hadn't previously realised that Broadstone wasn't an original station - now quite a big settlement, but has grown from scratch. The Southampton-Brockenhurst and Hamworthy-Dorchester sections still happily survive in regular use. Maybe not that rare for local businessmen to promote railways, they knew it would benefit their towns. George Hudson of York was the most obvious example although of course he also made a lot of money from it - for a time.

[@MsLancer99]

Thank you for a very nice video

[@DavidBeddard]

Yay! My local abandoned railway! 😄