Abbotsbury Branch Line Trackbed Explored

Description

Starting at Abbotsbury, permission to film was obtained from the owner of the house that now occupies the station site. A number of interesting relics were seen in the back garden of the property that would not normally be visible to users of the nearby right of way along the track bed, including a siding and a remaining wall of the original station building. Also looked at in some detail was the perfectly preserved goods shed and the derelict engine shed.

The bike was then used to travel the track bed in the direction of Portesham, taking in views of a well preserved track side hut along the way and some superb views of the surrounding countryside.

Portesham station is now a delightful holiday cottage and the owners again kindly allowed filming around the site, where in addition to the station building, there is a goods shed and loading gauge remaining.

East of Portesham, your cameraman was on foot walking accessible sections and occasionally walking around heavily overgrown sections. Large stretches of track bed remain open on the way to Coryates Halt and onwards towards the site of Friar Waddon Halt. A similar mix of walkable and overgrown track bed continue right the way up to Upwey station, where permission was once again granted to roam and film at will.

The 600 yard section between Upwey and Upwey Junction is party built on, but the final, notoriously steep embankment running into the terminus was located and walked. Various shots around Upwey Junction were filmed, indicating the steep approach and marked difference in height between that of the incoming Abbotsbury branch and the still used track that runs south towards Weymouth.

Includes constant, well-informed commentary, reference to a vintage map and a slide show of stills.