Which is your favourite NR branch line and why?

[4SRKT]

Gunnislake all the way. Why? Because it's three quite different things in one. From St Budeaux to Bere Alston it's a main line, with a couple of incredible engineering features. From Bere Alston to Calstock it's the archetypal West Country branch line, running high above a gorgeous green valley of lushness before taking a fantastic high viaduct to a picture postcard village with a tiny yet exquisite station. The last three miles to Gunnislake are like nothing else. More like some mineral railway twisting and turning its way up fierce gradients and reverse curves, taking 13 minutes and 3 miles to cover a distance about a third that as the crow flies. The hardest work you'll ever hear a DMU doing!

 

[dickdarlington]

Has to be the West Highland Line. Although does it count considering the sleeper? If not the Kyle Line.

Have a soft spot for the Esk Valley (like DarloRich because it ends up in Whitby).

 

[Afcwimbledon2]

The Line from chester to Llandudno (ok I know its not an acutal line, but it is awe-inspiring)

 

[The Sleeper]

Has to be the West Highland Line. Although does it count considering the sleeper? If not the Kyle Line.

Have a soft spot for the Esk Valley (like DarloRich because it ends up in Whitby).

Why do you think they call me 'The Sleeper' I love the West Highland and going by the sleeper is the best bit, but I sorely miss the dinning car from Glasgow there was nothing like breakfast going over Rannoch Moor - more porridge sir?

 

[wintonian]

The Lymington branch - grew up round there and hardly been down there since the Desiros now run it.

Far North Line - I must be gluten for punishment

Also rather fond of the Kyle line and the Heart of Wessex though not exactly a branch line

 

[jonty14]

the cumbrian coast line is my favorite.

 

[DarloRich]

Although I have to say that Boro - Saltburn, especially around Redcar could offer a spectacular view of industrial processes in action particularly at night. Very blade runner!

It is very different to the normal picturesque branch line lol

I would nominate the Durham coast line but for Hartlepool

 

[Hydro]

Although I have to say that Boro - Saltburn, especially around Redcar could offer a spectacular view of industrial processes in action particularly at night. Very blade runner!

There's no passenger services, but the Killingholme lines up to Immingham are utterly mind blowing at night if you like that sort of thing. Same with some of the South Wales steel facilities.

 

[4SRKT]

There's no passenger services, but the Killingholme lines up to Immingham are utterly mind blowing at night if you like that sort of thing. Same with some of the South Wales steel facilities.

The old main line between Sheffield and York via Cudworth used to go right through the middle of Manvers coking plant at Wath. This was a terrifying experience for a small child!

 

[sTEAM Stewart]

For me, it has to be the Sudbury Branch Line, running from Marks Tey, to err, Sudbury. Passing over the Chappel Viaduct is something else

 

[466.networkers]

Surprised that no-one's mentioned my local line ... :P

It is my favourite cos it's useful and scenic at times.

(Hint: See my location <--- )

 

[cambsy]

my favourite branch is Helensburgh-Fortwilliam,just for scenery and was best when could be done behind 37 on the sleeper,it is such a stunning line

 

[matchmaker]

I would suggest that the Oban, Fort William and Kyle lines are hardly branches, as they were all built as long independent lines in their own right!

 

[The Sleeper]

Surprised that no-one's mentioned my local line ... :P

It is my favourite cos it's useful and scenic at times.

(Hint: See my location <--- )

That goes against the Grain...lol

 

[anthony263]

I liked the Maidenhead - Marlow branch when I did it back in march 2010.

The Ebbw Vale and Rhymney lines are very good, the later is even better when you do it on behind a 37.

 

[gazthomas]

Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog and the St Ives line

 

[Hydro]

Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog and the St Ives line

I'm going to Blaenau today for the first time, I shall see what it's like. St Ives looks lovely but ive only ever done it before it's light, so I can only guess at the specifics. The vague shapes and lights look nice though

 

[Teaboy1]

My local is the old SYJR but still going (strongish) after 102 years. Its freight only and sees only about 1 train / 2hour but passes through some superb countryside in deepest SY coalfield. Not much en-route except Maltby and photos are so so so difficult but ... NR are cutting back the jungle slowly to give some good, unseen for 30 years, views.
It is largely still intact except for Harworth branch and some of the old infrastructure (stations) is still lying about under all the weeds. Semaphore control in places for a bit of old world character but after 40 years I have found the best places to photo and video.
Specialised line and not for beginners who will probably give up and go home before seeing anything move!

 

[Toad]

St Erth to St Ives

Par to Newquay (on a Western on load 12/13 and a dead 66 on the back)

 

[Hydro]

Cab rode most of the Ffestioniog branch today, and it certainly gets a thumbs up from me. Ffestioniog tunnel is awesome, very long and bare rock on the inside. It's like travelling on some standard gauge mining train.

 

[Tracked]

Inverness-KoL + the West Highland Lines, predictably enough
Heart of Wales line
Barnsley-Huddersfield
Leeds-Ilkley

 

[rmt-driver]

Greenford Branch... very scenic, beautifully stunning views, and takes you to the best tourist attractions in West London

 

[gazthomas]

Cab rode most of the Ffestioniog branch today, and it certainly gets a thumbs up from me. Ffestioniog tunnel is awesome, very long and bare rock on the inside. It's like travelling on some standard gauge mining train.

Even better going through the tunnel at Blaenau with a couple of 37's!