The Historical Background

The line was formerly part of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway, built in the 1880s to provide a through rail route from the Midlands to the port of Southampton. It ran from Cheltenham to Andover via Swindon (Old Town), connecting with other railways at either end. After a troubled beginning the section from Swindon to Cirencester was opened in 1883 and it opened throughout in 1891. It never became a major route, although there was much activity during both World Wars as the line served a number of major military installations. At the Grouping of the railways in 1923 the line became part of the Great Western Railway, and subsequently part of the Western Region of British Railways on nationalisation in 1948. The line finally closed to through passenger traffic just prior to the “Beeching" era on 11 September 1961, although there was some local freight traffic on various sections until 1971 and the section from Ludgershall to Andover remains for military traffic.

The Revival

Following interest expressed through the local press the Swindon & Cricklade Railway Society was formed in 1978 with the objective of restoring part of the railway (from West Swindon to Cricklade, and possibly onwards to the Cotswold Water Park) for recreational and educational purposes. A lease of the trackbed was obtained from Swindon Borough Council and a base established at the site of the former Blunsdon Station, which had seen its last passenger train in 1924 and closed completely in 1937. Work has progressed steadily since then, within the limits imposed by fund raising and the availability of volunteer labour.

In 1998 the Society was formed into a Charitable Trust, with an associated trading company to undertake certain activities. The line forms a major part of the Cricklade Country Way project, which is included in the Local Plans of both Swindon Borough Council and North Wilts District Council. Other elements of the project include the restoration of the North Wilts Canal and the provision of a network of local footpaths, bridlepaths and cycleways (in conjunction with Sustrans) using new and existing routes and the protection and enhancement of the environment through creating woodland, hedgerow planting and grassland management.

What has been achieved so far?

• A mile of track (and associated sidings, a total of about 3 miles) has been restored between the River Ray at Blunsdon and Hayes Knoll and a further 1⁄2 mile on the extension south.
• A bridge has been reinstated to carry the railway over the River Ray towards West Swindon.
• Signal Boxes have been obtained and restored for use at Blunsdon and Hayes Knoll, together with other station buildings.
• An excellent collection of locomotives, both steam and diesel, is available for use on the line, together with associated rolling stock.
• A Heritage & Restoration Centre, which includes a new station and a large locomotive shed and workshop was opened at Hayes Knoll in 1999.
• It is acknowledged as one of the best buildings of its kind in the country.
• The first trains available to the public ran in 1983 and regular open days are held.
• Two Norwegian State Railways coaches have been restored and converted into a cafe.
• Two short waterside walks have been created around the lake and long the riverbank

The vast majority of this work has been undertaken by a small volunteer workforce. New members are always welcome; application forms are available at the shop.

Future Plans

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway Trust is  pleased to be part of the Cricklade Country Way. This will create the extension of the line for  to Mouldon Hill and Cricklade with new stations at these locations

For more information visit www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org/

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