Newport to Wooton Trackbed Tour

Description

A drive along the station site at Newport with the camera bolted to the top of the car starts this film, followed by a look at the site of the old lifting bridge crossing over the harbour.

The journey through Newport tunnel is then cycled before heading out on the track bed to the east.

The track is faithfully followed until it becomes impassable, rejoining it at a crumbling bridge over Belmont road. Thereafter, easy cycling is encountered (and a red squirrel) on the way to Whippingham station.

Whippingham was once Queen Victoria’s private station and many of the original features have been maintained. Happily, the owners generously allowed full access inside and out for this film and many shots are included here that cannot normally be seen by the passer by.

Further easy cycling east arrives at the old site of Wooton station, before the site of the new station is seen, as part of the preserved Isle of Wight steam railway.

Also included is a walk along the branch at Ashey station, which used to serve the racecourse and quarry, with a good look at the remaining tunnel portal that used to enter the quarry.

Includes constant, well-informed commentary throughout and reference to a vintage map.