On the 18th and 19th October 2025, the Northumberland Vintage Tractor Club (NVTC) is holding their annual rally at the nearby former Brunton Airfield. A few photos from my visit in 2024 are shown below. Please note that the opinions expressed below are those of myself, not those of NVTC or of any other organisation.Continue reading “More trains to Chathill Station on 18th & 19th October 2025?”
Author Archives: hogg1905
The data case for Edinburgh bound trains from the Northumberland Coast Loop Stations
Inspired by the latest Railnatter episode (No. 258 ‘Data, maps and how to use them (with Will Deakin), it revealed some sources of data to augment the case for direct northbound rail travel from stations now opened and soon to open on the Northumberland Line. One of these sources was railwaydata.co.uk, which was used toContinue reading “The data case for Edinburgh bound trains from the Northumberland Coast Loop Stations”
The N.C.L. an opportunity to extend the Metro Fare Zone to Berwick Upon Tweed?
The Northumberland Line has just passed the 230,000 passenger mark according to a recent headline in RAIL Magazine, and a large part of this success is likely due to the line being within the Tyne and Wear Metro fare zone, meaning a low price cap for tickets, but could this zone be extended northwards toContinue reading “The N.C.L. an opportunity to extend the Metro Fare Zone to Berwick Upon Tweed?”
Revive the ‘Coast and Castles Connection’ Brand for Alnwick, Alnmouth Station and Amble ‘Bus Meets Train’ Bus Service?
An excellent existing, but fading brand? A few days ago, and passing through the village of Warkworth, Northumberland. I took an opportunity to stop and photograph the seemingly now defunct ‘Coast and Castles Connection’ branding still adorning the bus stop at the top of Beal Bank, Warkworth. As can be seen in the images above,Continue reading “Revive the ‘Coast and Castles Connection’ Brand for Alnwick, Alnmouth Station and Amble ‘Bus Meets Train’ Bus Service?”
Looking Back and Looking Forward: The Northumberland Coast Loop, April 2025
Presentation on the Past On Tuesday 15th April, I attended an excellent presentation, hosted by Morgan Sindall and delivered by local historian Ed Orwin called ‘Newcastle to Ashington By Train: A Journey Through Time’. This was hosted at the brilliant Energy Central Learning Hub building on Quay Road in Blyth, Northumberland, and in the roomContinue reading “Looking Back and Looking Forward: The Northumberland Coast Loop, April 2025”
A Virtual Railway Station for Alnwick? Inspired by Keswick.
Keswick: A ‘Virtual’ Railway Station for the Lake District town? A recent article from Rail Advent has shown an interesting way that the town of Keswick, in Cumbria, has gained a new ‘station’ on the national network, served not by trains, but by buses. In the article, it describes how Keswick has a ‘virtual railwayContinue reading “A Virtual Railway Station for Alnwick? Inspired by Keswick.”
Petition Progress!
A great start to April with continued progression of both petitions, and a sizeable growth in both since the last post on the blog on 4.4.25. Newcastle – Northumberland Park – Blyth Bebside – Edinburgh Rail Service As of 6.4.25, the rail service petition now stands at 264 signatures, great progress over the last fewContinue reading “Petition Progress!”
Early April Update from the N.C.L.
There have been a number of positive news releases in recent days, so here is a short post to tie them together and a lot of optimism for the future! Northumberland Line The Northumberland Line continues strong performance since opening, with a recent announcement that 250,000 trips on the route are expected by Easter 2025, justContinue reading “Early April Update from the N.C.L.”
Quick guide to the Borderline Greenway in Alnwick
The Alnwick end of the route is near to Weavers’ Court Extra Care Scheme, Swordy Drive, Alnwick NE66 1SZ; this building is home to a canny little cafe within if you’d like a tea, coffee, piece of cake, or hot food before or after your walk! To reach the Borderline Greenway, walk along the footpathContinue reading “Quick guide to the Borderline Greenway in Alnwick”
Exploring the Borderline Greenway, Alnwick 30.3.25
Yesterday (29.3.25) at 11am, the long awaited Borderline Greenway, which runs along a currently short section of the former Alnwick and Cornhill Railway finally officially opened to the public. Click here to view The Chronicle coverage of the opening event. The railway on this stretch opened in 1887 for traffic as a through route fromContinue reading “Exploring the Borderline Greenway, Alnwick 30.3.25”
The Northumberland Coast Loop 