Sandown to Newport Trackbed Tour

Description

Starting with views of Sandown station, particular attention is paid to the disused Newport platforms and course of the diverging disused track.

A short stretch of track just past Sandown is omitted, where houses have been built over the course of it. Thereafter, all accessible track bed is cycled along the delightful Yar river valley in the direction of Newport.

Access was kindly granted to film platforms and remains in the gardens of disused stations at Newchurch, Horringford and Blackwater. Good views of the platform remains are seen over the fence at Alverstone, the station site at Shide is also taken in as are the remaining platforms at Merstone.

Just short of Newport, the camera is bolted to the roof of a car and the remaining course of the track is driven, noting the site of Newport Pan Lane station, before approaching the site of Newport station. A view of remaining brick abutments that used to support the lifting bridge over the harbour are seen before the journey’s end.

Also included is a brief inspection of Shide quarry spur and tunnel.

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