Exploring Britain’s Lost Railways gives the historical background to 50 lost railway lines, along with details of the route today and clear directions for the walker and the cyclist.

Exploring Britain s Lost Railways gives the historical background to over 50 lost railway lines, along with descriptions of the route today for walking and cycling."

From best-selling railway expert, Julian Holland, explore Britain's historical railways in All Aboard. The history of Britain's railways is a long and fascinating one, filled with stories of grand endeavours, noted figures and record-breaking feats. Julian Holland brings together a unique miscellany of intriguing tales and engaging trivia - the perfect collection for every railway enthusiast. Stories range from Bulleid's 'Chinese Laundries', trainspotting trips in Wales and Scotland and Liverpool's 'Dockers' Umbrella' to railway artists and clergy, a railway-owned airline and railways that were never built. Find out about * The Royal Scot's 11,000-mile journey in the USA and Canada * A narrow gauge island railway in the middle of the Bristol Channel * How the London & South Western Railway saved the British Empire * Mallard's unbeaten world speed record of 1938 * How to fly by Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Plymouth * The 75-mile network of narrow gauge railways on the Isle of Skye * How another 4,500 miles of railway escaped closure by Dr Beeching All Aboard is a delightful miscellany for every railway enthusiast, filled with fascinating and obscure stories, facts and figures.

Follow the routes of 50 long-closed and derelict railways across some of our most beautiful countryside and discover the hidden railways of Britain. Each route is highlighted on historical Bartholomew mapping, showing which parts can still be followed today. The carefully researched text is accompanied by historical photographs showing each line in operation prior to its closure, as well as specially commissioned images from the present day. Routes include: - Yatton to Wells - Strawberry Line - Crab & Winkle Line - Canterbury to Whitstable - Jersey railway - St Helier to La Corbiere - Mawddach Trail - Barmouth to Dolgellau - South Tyne Trail - Alston to Haltwhistle - Dava Way - Forres to Grantown-on-Spey

Julian Holland's Dr Beeching's Axe 50 Years On is a unique memorial to all that was lost following the publication of the ‘Beeching Report’ on 27 March 1963. Uniquely, the author has tried to include every railway line that was closed as a result of the ‘Beeching Report’, and more. They are all shown on Map 9 in Part 2 of the ‘Report’ and have been annotated for clarity at the beginning of each regional chapter in the book. Needless to say it is not plain sailing: there are lines that were marked for closure on the maps but were closed before publication of the ‘Report’; there are lines that were not originally on Beeching’s original hit list but which were closed anyway; there are lines that were originally marked down for closure but which were fortunately reprieved. There are even one or two which seem to have not existed at all! The author has included them all.

A pocket companion that will suit the needs of both casual and seasoned railway travellers. Plan an adventure, follow the changing landscape and discover some truly fascinating destinations that you can explore by train in Britain. From St Ives to Penzance, Ely to Norwich, York to Leeds, this little book uncovers 150 of Britain's top trips between major towns and cities and all the countryside in between. The easy-to-follow location maps, route diagrams and accessible text about history and geography in each area make each destination a joy to read about and to visit, while the stunning colour photographs illustrate the journey and make following the real thing extra rewarding.

More than just a means of transport, trains connect communities, evoke memories and promise adventures galore. This fact-packed miscellany tracks their development from the earliest locomotives to today’s superfast trains, stopping off along the way to explore great railway journeys, iconic stations and memorable depictions in the arts.