I’ve lived in Byfield most of my life, and I also love trains and railway history. I’ve walked this path manybtimes over the years, mainly if we’ve walked towards Byfield Reservoir. Having said that, I’ve never noticed those gateposts made from old rails, I’ll have to look out for those next time! I believe that bridge you crossed over was bridging the quarry line, which curved round through the surrounding fields and crossed over the Boddington Road just outside the village, I’ve seen black & white photos of it. If you want to see a more accessible part of the SMJ in Byfield, the Pocket Park by the church is where the station was, and there’s still visible remains of one of the platforms still remaining. In the overflow graveyard, there’s a pile of brixks under a ghedge, which are all that’s left of the station’s goods shed. Great video, and beautiful doggo!
Boddington reservoir was built to feed the Oxford Canal, around 1805. It couldn't possibly have been the quarry that you were looking for. It seems a nice peaceful walk around there, not another person around at all.
Lovely video, really enjoyed it. Looks like you were in and around the site of Byfield ironstone quarries. A line to them left the SMJ at right angles heading north, the junction seeming to correspond with the track on your walk. Some sidings were provided adjacent to the main line here, and so the track bed was quite wide. In its day, the quarries provided ore to steelworks in Staffordshire and north Wales, and spent time in the ownership of the Staveley Iron & Coal Co. The workings finally closed in 1965.
I’ve lived in Byfield most of my life, and I also love trains and railway history. I’ve walked this path manybtimes over the years, mainly if we’ve walked towards Byfield Reservoir. Having said that, I’ve never noticed those gateposts made from old rails, I’ll have to look out for those next time!
I believe that bridge you crossed over was bridging the quarry line, which curved round through the surrounding fields and crossed over the Boddington Road just outside the village, I’ve seen black & white photos of it.
If you want to see a more accessible part of the SMJ in Byfield, the Pocket Park by the church is where the station was, and there’s still visible remains of one of the platforms still remaining. In the overflow graveyard, there’s a pile of brixks under a ghedge, which are all that’s left of the station’s goods shed.
Great video, and beautiful doggo!
Boddington reservoir was built to feed the Oxford Canal, around 1805. It couldn't possibly have been the quarry that you were looking for. It seems a nice peaceful walk around there, not another person around at all.
i’ve found after the video that the quarry isn’t in that area.
Another interesting video and it's nice to see a bit more of what's left of the old S&MJR.
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent video as always, thank you.
Lovely video, really enjoyed it. Looks like you were in and around the site of Byfield ironstone quarries. A line to them left the SMJ at right angles heading north, the junction seeming to correspond with the track on your walk. Some sidings were provided adjacent to the main line here, and so the track bed was quite wide. In its day, the quarries provided ore to steelworks in Staffordshire and north Wales, and spent time in the ownership of the Staveley Iron & Coal Co. The workings finally closed in 1965.
Thanks for the info! that’s good to know. thanks for your support