The Alston Branch

The 13-¼ mile single branch from Haltwhistle to Alston was neglected by enthusiasts for many years, but having survived the Beeching closures, it belatedly emerged as one of England’s best-loved rural lines. When the axe finally fell in 1976, many people regarded the closure as a national tragedy. The history of the branch was inextricably linked with the story of mining of lead and coal in the area, these activities add an extra dimension to an already interesting story. The narrow gauge South Tynedale Railway continues to operate on part of the line’s original trackbed. New information has been included in this edition on the prisoner-of-war camp at Featherstone Park and the use of camping coaches on the line. It has 120 pages, A5 format, with colour cover.