Author Archives: hogg1905

From Waggonways to Hyperloop: A Journey Through The Evolution Railway Transportation

Please click here to see the Rail Baltica article about The Evolution of Rail Transportation The Northumberland Coalfield has a long association with waggonways and railways, with Huntingdon Beaumont establishing the first example near the River Blyth in the early 1600’s, and Bedlington Ironworks/R.B. Longridge and Co being significant in the development of both railsContinue reading “From Waggonways to Hyperloop: A Journey Through The Evolution Railway Transportation”

Northumberland Coast Loop: Ashington

As can be seen from the route map below, the Northumberland Coast Loop wouldn’t directly serve Ashington, with it being on a branch from the main route between Newcastle and Berwick. This is perhaps most clearly seen on the geographical map from Rail Map Online below, where after leaving the main route at Bedlington, theContinue reading “Northumberland Coast Loop: Ashington”

Northumberland Coast Loop – The Business Case

The Northumberland Coast Loop is a proposal to see a range of services introduced on the alternative through route between Newcastle Upon Tyne and Berwick Upon Tweed (and destinations beyond) via Bedlington. East Coast Main Line (Existing Services) As of February 2024, the East Coast Main Line (ECML) is the only passenger carrying line alongContinue reading “Northumberland Coast Loop – The Business Case”

Cab Ride along the Northumberland Coast Loop (‘UP’ Line (Southbound))

This view below from YouTube (AWL 57) is an older cab-ride video (c.2018) from Morpeth North Junction to Benton Junction. Northumberland Coast Loop – Morpeth North Junction to Benton Junction c.2018) Starting at Morpeth North Junction (just south of Bothal Viaduct on the East Coast Mainline) the train is taking the direct route as ifContinue reading “Cab Ride along the Northumberland Coast Loop (‘UP’ Line (Southbound))”

Acklington Station: Services explained

The previous post covered Bedlington Station services, which would see two services running through the station (Northumberland Line services to/from Ashington, alongside the potential N’land Coast Loop services between Newcastle and Berwick), and a terminating service coming from Morpeth (this is the current Carlisle – Newcastle ‘Northern’ train being extended to Bedlington). While Bedlington isContinue reading “Acklington Station: Services explained”

Bedlington Station: The Three Potential Services Explained

Following some confusion on Social Media of what services will go where, this short explainer will hopefully help. Northumberland Line The first service to start (Summer 2024) will be the Northumberland Line (Ashington to Newcastle via Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval, and Northumberland Park), which will stop at Bedlington once that station is openedContinue reading “Bedlington Station: The Three Potential Services Explained”

The Northumberland Coast Loop through South East Northumberland and North Tyneside.

The map above shows the route of the proposed Northumberland Coast Loop through South East Northumberland, which shares a common route with the Northumberland Line between Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and Bedlington, Northumberland. It then heads westwards and rejoins the East Coast Main Line (ECML) near Pegswood and Morpeth, allowing access towards North Northumberland and Edinburgh. While thisContinue reading “The Northumberland Coast Loop through South East Northumberland and North Tyneside.”