Author Archives: hogg1905

Could the Northumberland Coast Loop play a part in Northumberland’s Tourism Industry?

This article from the BBC ‘North East tourism businesses adapt to changing landscape’ mentions two issues; attracting tourists and having staff available. The Northumberland business was the Craster Arms in Beadnell, but it would apply across many more such as the castles, the historic houses and gardens etc. An improved rail service, particularly serving NorthContinue reading “Could the Northumberland Coast Loop play a part in Northumberland’s Tourism Industry?”

Why the campaign for the Northumberland Coast Loop?

The campaign is centred around connecting the populated south east of Northumberland to North Northumberland and Scotland, but this idea has been around for over 160 years in a wide variety of forms, so why did it not happen before and what shape could it take today? The Blyth and Tyne to 1873 The BlythContinue reading “Why the campaign for the Northumberland Coast Loop?”

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”