Wye Valley Track Recovery
Looking to the A48, January 2020
The same view, October 2020
Looking south along the track bed, October 2020
Looking southwest along the track bed, October 2020
'Hymek' No.D7068 approaches Bishton Lane bridge with loaded 'Dogfish' hoppers
2nd August 1971 (Bill Potter/KRM)
Wye Valley Track Recovery
The Dean Forest Railway is undertaking the most comprehensive track recovery programme since the pioneering days when track was recovered from British Railways (BR), the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) and the National Coal Board (NCB) to name but a few.
We have been working to recover the rail and sleepers from the former Wye Valley railway at Tiddenham, near Chepstow in collaboration with Greenways and Cycleroutes - a charitable community benefit society that develops walking and cycling routes for the community. Greenways aim to open up the old railway route from Sedbury to Tintern to the public through the creation of the Wye Valley Greenway.
Looking north to the A48, January 2020
The same view, October 2020
As part of the first stage we were able to recover the rail from Bishton Lane to the National Diving & Activity Centre (NDAC) over the Winter of 2018/19 and in Winter of 2019/20 preparations began for the second stage - removal of the track from the bridge over the A48 (at the NDAC) southwest, to a point roughly halfway towards Snipe Hill. Our January 2020 update covered the Wye Valley Clearance Work.
Looking south from the A48, October 2020
Track bed further south, October 2020
Whilst the hard work is completed for this second stage thanks to tireless efforts of the volunteers that turned out to cut vegetation, prepare and lift the track ready for transport, we are accepting donations to help cover our costs. Costs include consumables, the hire of plant from Maddock Plant Hire and the transportation of sleepers and rail back to the DFR by RBM Haulage and Hire and Kings Heavy Haulage respectively.
RBM loading sleepers, November 2020
Kings loading rail, November 2020
As part of our ongoing relationship with Greenways and Cycleroutes; we are now looking at the recovery of further permanent way materials that are still in-situ. This will help provide us with an incredibly useful supply of materials for ongoing maintenance and improvements, along with the basis of any Northern Extension.
'Hymek' No.D7068 approaches Bishton Lane bridge with loaded 'Dogfish' hoppers
2nd August 1971 (Bill Potter/KRM)
How to Help
If you would like to contribute towards any of the costs involved with this project, you can help by donating - there are many ways to do this:
- Donate directly via PayPal:
- Send cheques (Payable to "Dean Forest Railway Society") or cash to:
DFRS Track Recovery,
Dean Forest Railway,
Forest Road,
Lydney
GL15 4ET