Читать книгу Railway Day Trips: 160 classic train journeys around Britain - Julian Holland - Страница 39

The first half of this railway trip follows the Marshlink Line from Hastings to Ashford, which survived a threatened closure in the 1963 ‘Beeching Report’. From Hastings’ ultra modern station, diesel multiple units leave in a northeasterly direction, immediately passing through Mount Pleasant Tunnel to call at Ore. Here the third-rail double-track electrification ends and the single-track line begins, burrowing through Ore Tunnel before following the valley of the River Brede, calling at Three Oaks, Doleham and Winchelsea and arriving at Rye station, where there are staggered platforms and a passing loop. The most famous landmark here is the Grade II-listed white smock windmill that stands close to the railway. From Rye the railway heads across the Royal Military Canal to cross the vast expanse of Romney Marsh in a dead-straight line to Appledore station, where there is a freight-only branch line trailing in from Dungeness nuclear power station on the coast.

The single-track section ends at Appledore and trains soon cross the Royal Military Canal once more, calling at Ham Street, then paralleling the busy A4020 to the outskirts of Ashford. Passengers must change trains at Ashford International station to continue their journey to Ramsgate. From Ashford, electric trains head northeast along the Great Stour Valley, calling at Wye, Chilham and Chartham before diving under the Dover main line to arrive at Canterbury West. From here, the final part of this journey takes trains through Sturry to Minster, where the electrified line from Dover joins at a triangular junction. Ramsgate is but a short distance east of Minster and is also the end of the line for the Hitachi high-speed ‘Javelin’ service from London St Pancras. A regular Thanet Loop bus service links the 1920s Grade II-listed brick-built station with the town centre and harbour.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Blue Flag beach; marina; seafront parade with bars and restaurants; maritime museum; motor museum; Regency and Victorian architecture; cliff-top promenades; street market (Friday and Saturday)

FREQUENCY OF TRAINS

1 per hour

56¼ MILES 1 HOUR 37 MINUTES (Mon-Sat) 1 HOUR 55 MINUTES (Sun)

NUMBER OF CHANGES: 1

(Ashford International)

The busy Royal Harbour and marina at Ramsgate.