Walking Scotland's Lost Railways: Track Beds Rediscovered

Scotland has hundreds of miles of dismantled railways, which have become popular walks. This book provides a guide to trackbed walks with detailed information and maps, including black and white old railway photographs and coloured photographs of post-Beeching changes. The Railway Age summarises the change from 18th-century wagon ways to steam locomotives, and the 1960s cuts of the Beeching axe. However, Scotland has experienced a railway revival in recent times, with the Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank being the longest domestic railway to be built in Britain for more than a century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2019
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

Scotland boasts a rich railway heritage, with numerous disused railway lines stretching across the country. These tracks provide ample opportunities for walks, offering a glimpse into the past. While some track beds have been transformed into Tarmacadam walkways and cycleways, others have become popular local walks. The remaining sections vary in quality, from good to overgrown and sometimes impassable. This comprehensive guidebook offers detailed information and maps for trackbed walks, complemented by vintage black and white railway photographs and colorful images depicting post-Beeching changes. Handcrafted maps pinpoint the former railway lines and stations, many of which have undergone unrecognizable transformations. The book also provides a summary of the Railway Age, tracing the transition from 18th-century wagon ways and horse traction to the arrival of steam locomotives in the 1830s. It highlights the fierce rivalry among competing companies as railway development accelerated. While walkers may be unaware of the intricate history of the Victorian railway system, they are likely familiar with the drastic cuts of the Beeching axe in the 1960s. However, in recent times, Scotland has witnessed a remarkable railway revival, particularly in the Greater Glasgow area. Notable projects include the 30-mile Borders Railway, the longest domestic railway to be built in Britain in over a century. Early passenger numbers have exceeded expectations, leading to significant economic benefits for towns along the line. Railway enthusiasts hold onto the hope of more lines being reinstated, while others enjoy the existing network's offerings. The legacy of Scotland's railway heritage continues to captivate and inspire, offering a unique and fascinating journey through time.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 172 x 241 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849954037