Most interesting short heritage line.

Don't the PDSR and WSR also tick that particular box? (Be kind if I'm wrong, I've never been to either. And yes I know they are both >5 miles long!)

 

In operational terms, the WSR doesn’t quite operate back to the junction station it started from. (Same for Swanage). So the line is complete from junction to terminus, but is generally operated over a shorter section.

I think the general claim people have in mind when they say the KWVR is “complete” is that it runs from junction station to terminus as routine heritage operation. Swanage and WSR operate over part of the original line, with just occasional through charters traversing the whole length.

Tom

 

Swanage does as well, although of course the whole branch is not in daily use and is again over 5 miles, being 15 miles to Worgret and 16 mile to Wareham.
Crossed with Tom's post but of course for two trial years Swanage did cover the whole branch to Wareham, even if WCRC crewed it for some of the journey.

 

I wondered about them but I suppose technically the station in Paignton isn’t the original junction.

Another that basically fits the bill but for a new station at one end is the Cholsey and Wallingford.

 

How did I forget Swanage, which I actually have been to?

I did think of that one, but as it's truncated at the Wallingford end I discounted it. (Unsure if it meets the 'most interesting' criteria in the thread title - it's another I've never been to - but it's definitely short.)

 

The Caledonian Railway at Brechin operates the entire Brechin branch from its former junction at Bridge of Dun to the amazing terminus at Brechin. Sadly the main line from Bridge of Dun has been closed, but the branch is preserved in its entirety. The station at Brechin is one of the most impressive in preservation.

 

The Mid Suffolk has the right sort of terminus - middle of a field just like the original

 

Thanks to all that have mentioned the Mid-Suffolk as a volunteer on the line there, its really nice to see our name mentioned so many times - good to see we are doing something right!

Just as a small plug too - we will still be a short line, but we'll be a bit longer as of August! (Extension opening weekend being 2nd/3rd August!)

 

I must pay a visit !

 

I don’t know if you were there but I think all of us on the recent photo charter were well impressed.

 

Not sure it's been mentioned but on a cold day and a warm coal fire going in the hearth, Shakerstone station on the Battlefield is a real gem in my book.

I also try to refrain from running personal comparisons as each railway is unique in it's own way and often from it's location geographically affecting the market it can attract. On a list of things to feel good about......

North Norfolk Railway & K&WVR - short lines that knows how to punch well above their weight!
Glos & Warks - very 'pretty' - a Rupert Bear idyllic England line in my mind if not really a shortie!
Cranmore station & sheds
A Bulleid arriving at Eridge or Corfe Castle - what's not to like!!

It's nice to focus positivity towards all of our HRs - we have so much to enjoy and so many to choose from

 

Unfortunately I wasn't but seen some of the photos and they are lovely, looks like it was a very good day!

 

Disapointed that nobody seems to have mentioned the Lakeside Branch..... seems a perfect fit for the OP... I have many happy memories pre-reopening and the first few years of midweek operating.

 

Looked it up on Wiki at 3.2 miles it's certainly short and fits the criteria, it's USP is the line managed to fit 3 stations in it and timed to meet the Lakeside ferry.

 

We visitede Steeple Grange on Sartutday, great welcome, great cuppa, two different lines to ride on and a really good heritage/natural history chat at each terminus. Never goingto go any further and no steam, but well worth a call

 

Chasewater is a great little line. It's cut off by the M6 Toll at each end, so not going any further unless a friendly millionaire bankrolls rebuilding in another direction toward Wimblebury and Chase Terrace. Despite that, in 2 miles or so it's got four stations - two of them quite impressive - a small but packed museum crammed with railwayana, mostly from the Cannock Chase coalfield, plus running through the Chasewater Country park the scenery is quite pleasant to look at.

 

It’s not that long. 10 to Worgret and 11 to Wareham I believe.

 

As mentioned the Lakeside & Haverthwaite has some beautiful scenery, even if it goes past at a walking pace.

The recent addition of Ivatt 2 46441 is an added attraction too.

 

back in the day....... when the line was in almost BR condition it certainly wasn't walking pace.... ;-)

 

Are we including narrow gauge?

The West Lancashire Light Railway is a wonderful little place. Very well presented, friendly volunteers, immaculate station facilities, lovely collection of steam and diesel locomotives.

Not many places you can pay £3.50 for unlimited rides behind a steam locomotive (even if the line is only about 300 yards long)