Alresford morning walk 6th April 2016

Peter's short walk around Alresford, starting at the Railway Station.

The section of line from Alresford to Alton that can be seen today was purchased from British Rail in November 1975. Reconstruction of the line subsequently progressed in stages. The section between Alresford and Ropley re-opened on 30 April 1977. To provide engineering and maintenance facilities, the main locomotive shed and workshops were constructed at Ropley. The extension to Medstead & Four Marks opened on 28 May 1983 and the final section to Alton opened on 25 May 1985.

Some of the structures that can be seen on the Watercress Line today were not part of the original railway infrastructure; they have been added to make the line serviceable again and to recreate the feel of a fully operational steam railway. The line is now maintained by a small base of paid staff (mostly in administrative duties) and a core of over 400 volunteers. Thanks to www.Wikipedia.org for this information. Legacies and contributions to Mid Hants Railway Ltd 'Watercress Line' The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG