Southern Steam: The Cranleigh Line [1 of 3]

[JimTLonW6]

Very interesting to see this line, which I travelled over in 1960 and 1961. What struck me then was the derelict Wey and Arun Canal, which is within reach of being re-opened, something I'd never have thought possible.

[spiceall]

Those were the days before H&S Executives stuck their noses into everything.

[Paulwherrell]

Great seeing this. I have cycled most of this along the Downs Link Path. This line like so many others should never have closed. The section between Guildford and Cranleigh has been identified by ATOC as a possible reopening....

[AustinSomerset]

Wonderful. I cycled from Tunbridge Wells to Guildford along the line (before any tarting up had been done and riding on the ballast on a thin tyred racer was - er - interesting. When you look at how much Cranleigh has grown in the intervening years - closing this branch was a mistake. Reopening this and the line to Shoreham would relieve both the Brighton line and the Southampton one.

[SouthernRailwayFilms]

There is a chance, probably a slim one in light of the current economic situation, that the line may re-open. The trackbed is fortunately protected under the statutory planning process. I think the most recent proposal was in 2009. Links added to info section :-)

[AustinSomerset]

Thank you. I'll have a look. I had heard the rumours - I think Lord Adonis mentioned it too in an interview after his Grand Rail Tour last year.

[AustinSomerset]

@SouthernRailwayFilms Thank you. It's surprising - as the battle to re-open Uckfield to Lewes keeps discovering - how many times you hear the phrase "Not economically viable" It makes the mind boggle - yet if someone came along and said "Tarmac the lot over for a new road - "No problem". :( We do have the wrong prioriteis. Still, at least we still have your films. :D

[AustinSomerset]

Oops! Didn't realise I'd replied already - it didn't show up until I'd 'replied' Darn this newfangled way of Youtubing. Sorry!

[100thbombgroup]

Wonderful film. I used to walk this branch line.A very nice walk now called the ' Downs link'.

Please could you tell my where I could get this film.

Thanks for posting.

Great film.

[jamesyctfc]

I noticed Baynards was missed out!!!!!!!

[LucaZone]

Wonderful footage. Thankyou so much for putting this on YouTube.

I recently cycled the line and was totally absorbed by what the line used to be like.