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Avon Valley Railway, Bristol

The 1990s marked the nadir of fortunes for British railways. Since the Second World War passenger numbers had been declining continually, and not even Dr Richard Beeching's drastic reorganisation beginning in May 1962 could make the railways profitable. In 1993 John Major's government sold off the railways to a large number of private companies, with the national network still in receipt of a significant public subsidy. But against this background we should remember that railways had almost from the beginning not been seen in simple terms of profit and loss. As early as 1844 William Gladstone's government had passed legislation limiting third class fares to a penny a mile. This history of economic uncertainty, and a sense of wider public ownership is reflected in the story of the Avon Valley Railway. In May 1962 Dr Beeching was given the job of making the railways pay, and as part of his programme of cuts to the rail network, the Mangotsfield to Bath branch line was closed in March 1966. Efforts to reopen the line began in 1972 when a group of volunteer enthusiasts organised themselves into the Bristol Urban Railway Society. Very short train rides were possible from 1974, but ironically it was not until 1991, a time when the fortunes of railways generally were at their lowest, that Avon Valley Railway opened an important new extension from Bitton Station to Oldham Common. The driver, fireman and guard who had been on the last train to use the line in 1966 were all present at the new line's official opening in 1991. All of the unpaid effort that goes into lines like Avon Valley illustrates the fact that railways are still not seen in simple terms of economic viability. Support eventually came from the Avon Council who realised that they were being offered a valuable and subsidised social and tourist amenity.

Even though Avon Valley Railway opened when things were looking bleak for the railways, it has continued to do well, now offering a popular tourist service for sightseeing in the Avon Valley. British Waterways have built a landing stage at Avon Waterside Station which allow rail trips to link in with boat excursions. There are also plenty of good spots for picnicing beside the river, or eating in riverside pubs. The station is also convenient for the Avon Valley Country Park. Refreshments are also available at Bitton Station.

Address: Avon Valley Railway Company Limited, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD

Opening Times: Go to the official web site for timetable details.

Directions: The Avon Railway is based at Bitton Station just off the A432 Bristol to Bath road. Click here for an interactive map centred on Bitton Station.

Access: A guard's van has been adapted for wheelchair users and their helpers, and all platforms have ramps to street level. Only standard toilet facilities are available.

Contact:

telephone for general enquiries: 0117 932 5538.

24 hour talking time table: 0117 932 7296

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