Northumbrian 15” gauge
The Heatherslaw Light Railway
30 July 2006
We're continuing our journey northwards - to England's most
northerly tourist railway - the 15" gauge Heatherslaw Light
Railway. About 9 miles south-west of Berwick, the line follows
the meanders of the Till for almost 2 miles between
Heatherslaw Mill and Etal village.
We arrived just after a departure, and for a moment I wondered
if we were to be rewarded by a trip behind the line's other
locomotive, the somewhat home-made looking diesel "Clive".
Fortunately no - so it was tea and cakes in the mill, to while
away the time before the next departure. The steam
locomotive, "The Lady Augusta" is a little 0-4-2 built by Brian
Taylor (better known for the Kirklees Light Railway) in 1989. It
seemed a tad underpowered for our 8-coach train (or perhaps we
were just taking it easy through the very pleasant countryside).
Conclusion? Most enjoyable - well worth a detour if you're in that
part of the country.
Link:
Heatherslaw Light Railway
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
