The Aln Valley Railway in north-Northumberland is currently undertaking an ambitious project to reinstate the former Alnwick branch line as a heritage railway.
The branch, which originates on the East Coast Main Line at Alnmouth and terminates in the historic market town of Alnwick, was first opened by the Newcastle and Berwick Railway in 1850. A larger terminus station closer to the centre of Alnwick was opened by successor company North Eastern Railway in 1887. Although the trains have long gone, that grand old station still stands today and is the home of bookshop Barter Books.
Although the Alnwick branch survived the Beeching cuts of the 1950s and 60s the powers that be decreed that the line was financially unviable towards the end of the 1960s. The final passenger services between Alnwick and Alnmouth ran in January 1969, with the last remaining freight services being withdrawn in October that year. For the last decade of the line's life Diesel Multiple Units were used for passenger services, but steam-hauled freight was a feature until the line's final day.
The Aln Valley Railway is currently restoring the railway between Alnmouth and Alnwick. For practical reasons a new terminus station, Alnwick Lionheart, has been built on the southern fringe of Alnwick. Track has been restored between Alnwick Lionheart and Greenrigg Halt, which is around a mile short of Alnmouth.
The Aln Valley Railway was recently gifted two Pacer units (144004 and 144019) by Porterbrook. These units were operated by Northern Trains before they were withdrawn from service in mid-2020.
On the day of filming the Aln Valley Railway was holding a special 1940s themed event. Lionheart Station played host a series of Second World War reenactment groups and live music was performed by vintage harmony trio The Seatones.
Of course I was more interested in the steam locomotive running along the line - Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST No. 60 in National Coal Board black livery. This locomotive is privately owned and on loan to the Aln Valley. Built by the Hunslet Engine Company in 1948, it was specially designed to work through the narrow-bored tunnel to Lambton Coal Drops in the shadow of Sunderland's Monkwearmouth Bridge. It retired from its coal duties in 1974 and has been an attraction on various heritage lines in the intervening years.
We begin with no. 60 approaching Greenrigg Halt. It is a balmy day and the adjacent fields are full of cattle, so there are quite a lot of flies buzzing around. They seem to take a particular interest in the wind shield on my microphone, so apologies if you hear the occasional buzz!
The Aln Valley Railway is a tremendous project. They have a dedicated team of volunteers who have slogged away tirelessly over the last few years. I am looking forward to them completing the link between Alnwick and Alnmouth and providing a valuable regular connection to the east coast main line.
More information about the Aln Valley Railway can be found on its website.
Filmed on 10th July 2021.
Footage was captured using a Panasonic HC-VX1 fitted with a Rode VideoMic Go.
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