Winchester – Itchen Abbas – Alresford 2022/2023

Description

Opened in 1865, closed in 1973, explored by Dumpman in 2022 and 2023.

Starting at Winchester Junction, the disused track bed is followed towards Kings Worthy, where a huge embankment and road tunnel still indicate the where the line ran. Heading east, an incredibly deep, filled-in cutting is travelled, finding a buried bridge and then a further bridge where the line ran under the A33.

Moving through fields towards the M3, another deep cutting has been filled in (said to have been levelled with the spoil from the construction of the M3 through Twyford Down in the 1990s) before arriving at a substantial embankment immediately east of the motorway. The start of the Watercress Way heralds around a mile of delightful railway walking before arriving at Itchen Abbas Station, where kind permission from the owner allowed filming.

The platform remains are featured in detail, along with views along the track bed in both directions, before moving east through a private section of track bed garden to the largest structure on the line at Northington Road viaduct. Moving east from this point, footpaths running parallel to the line are used to gain access to provide views of remaining structures and track bed, including bridges at Rectory Lane, The Three Castles footpath and Church Lane at Itchen Stoke.

A few track bed views and views of the impressive embankments from the south are included (along with the old watercress beds) before arriving at Seward’s Bridge. Accessible views of the course of the track through Alresford are taken in before arriving at Alresford station to see the end of the journey and some steam action.

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

Running time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (2 x dvds). DVD Region 0 (should play on any machine).