Pilning Railway Station Nr Bristol
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- Welcome to Pilning - the station that refuses to die! By 1990 our service had been cut to one train each way daily, during daylight hours only (the lighting had been removed as it had become unsafe). In 2006 it was further slashed to one train each way A WEEK, on Saturdays only. In 2016, a real body blow - our footbridge was demolished and not replaced, leaving us with just two trains a week in one direction and none at all in the other. Was that the final kiss of death? No way - since then, the station’s official usage figures have shot up by a staggering 900%
The 1886 Pilning station had a good-sized main building on the eastbound (Bristol-bound) platform, housing the stationmaster, ticket office, parcels office and toilets, and a much smaller waiting shelter on the westbound side. Both were constructed of wood, and bore no similarity to any other stations on the line. At the Bristol end of the eastbound platform there was a small goods shed, and the station also had several sidings. In addition, it boasted no fewer than three signal boxes. As a result, there was quite a railway community based here - by 1903 these numbered a stationmaster, fourteen signalmen, six signalmen/porters, six porters, two “lad” porters and a tunnel inspector. Contrast today, when the place is deserted!
Pilning station also had the distinction for some years of being the eastern terminal of a car-ferry train service running through the Tunnel to/from Severn Tunnel Junction.
My passion has been walking, a while ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and walking does not come naturally any more, however the more I walk the easier it gets, for now anyway. I hope these videos will inspire others to keep going and hanging on in there. I try to cover variety of subjects, such as old abandoned railways, and canals. I love the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, with its rich history and I usually take my camera whenever we holiday in the southwest and Cornwall. The rugged coastal paths are a magnet for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. I live close to the Cotswolds Hills and have done quite a lot of walking around there, recently, following some of the lovely rivers. Hill walking on the Malvern’s is a challenge but worth the effort. I try not to let Parkinson’s get me down and take every opportunity to get out with my camera and film, I hope you enjoy watching. P.W.
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Hi Ron. I long for the days when nobody had heard the words "selfie stick"... The direction problem definitely has a suitably railway solution. I recall Bill Bryson in "Notes From a Small Island" being incredulous at the logic behind a return ticket being cheaper than a one-way. I'm in St. Catherines for four days with the rowing team for the final regatta of the season. Very hot and of course missing OVM, who continues to improve. I laid out a grid on the kitchen counter with masking tape to delineate her medication for the next few days while I'm away as her actual owner will take over the job of getting it into her (I also left some cheese sauce that helps with that task). Have a good week Ron, thanks for an interesting visit and for braving the heat. James
Hi James good luck at the regatta, hope your boys do well. Good to hear Sumac is still progressing well, although I bet she will miss you. Ever thought of trying for a change of ownership? Or are you happy how things are? Stay dry. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks ...she may miss me Ron, but I left her a credit card to ease my absence...
Good morning Ron and thank you for today's video. This is an area I know very well having lived in north Bristol for nearly 30 years. I have always enjoyed walking along the Severn Way at Severn Beach, New Passage and up to Aust (when it’s not closed for water defence improvement!!), this being only a short distance from Pilning station. I still visit the area regularly even though I now live “over the bridge” in Wales.
Mention has already been made of the fact that the branch went to New Passage and a decent amount of the original route to the now very shortened pier (it went a long way out into the estuary originally) at New Passage (actually Chestle Pill) can still be traced. At the end of the branch, just before reaching the pier, and where the ferry departed for Black Rock near Portskewett on the Welsh side, the embankment of the railway can be discerned running through the garden of a house which is appropriately named “Puffers End”. Again, as mentioned, the route to New Passage was extended to join the Severn Beach line which eventually would it’s way round Avonmouth and the Avon Gorge to Bristol. I guess you could say that at that time it was no longer a branch. Today the line from Bristol terminates at Severn Beach and there is no railway infrastructure to be seen between Severn Beach and New Passage. As has also been pointed out, there was a car ferry which for many years crossed the Severn from Aust to Beachley; in fact it was also known as the Beachley ferry. This service became redundant with the opening of the original Severn bridge (now the A48) in 1966, and closed soon after. One of my all time heroes, Bob Dylan, crossed on the Aust ferry in 1966 during his U.K tour and the event is captured in his film, “No Direction Home”. So, a good opportunity to see some footage of the ferry (other footage is available !). This area is now known as Old Passage by the way.
I’ve just realised that I’ve got completely away from the subject in hand which is Pilning station - good job I didn’t get side tracked and started talking about the film of Gene Pitney crossing the Severn Bridge in a coach in the “video” for 24 Hours From Tulsa! (oh I just did I lol).
So, Pilning station was opened by the Bristol & South Wales Union Railway in 1863 and, apart from Cross Hands, was the only other station on the branch from Patchway to New Passage - it was still another 23 years before the Severn Tunnel would be opened. On opening of the new line through the tunnel to south Wales, the old Pilning station site became Pilning Low Level for passenger use from 1928: the branch having been used only for freight round the loop to Severn Beach and beyond up to that time - the section to New Passage pier having been closed in 1886 when the Severn Tunnel opened. In 1886, a new station, Pilning High Level, was opened for the line through to south Wales. On closure of the Severn Beach loop in 1968, Pilning Low Level closed and Pilning High Level was renamed to just Pilning. The station had all the normal facilities you would expect: booking office, toilets, goods yard, parcels office etc, but after withdrawal of good traffic in 1965 the station went into decline and eventually all the station buildings, which were of wooden construction, were demolished in the early 1970’s. Pilning had the distinction of being the loading point for cars wishing to travel through the Severn Tunnel, the loading ramp being on the Bristol bound (“up”) side. I’m not sure if any of the remains of this are identifiable in the video? However, the admin and logistics of operating this service, and the opening of the Severn road bridge in 1966, was the nail in the coffin for this service and it was withdrawn very soon after.
On approaching the station from the Bristol direction the first features encountered were goods sidings on the left hand side followed by another single siding which led to the Pump House that you featured in the video. As you correctly surmised, this was to raise water from the water course for use by the station Shortly after the pump house, on the right hand side, was the goods shed and yard crane followed by the start of the platform. The now missing passenger bridge was located about 30 metres east of the current boarded up platform building and almost certainly took off from the second of the two foundations that you found.
Well I’ll leave it there for this week Ron. I’m off backpacking in the Peak District for a while so will catch up on next Friday’s Vlog on my return. Best wishes Trev.
Hi Trev, fascinating comment, the station might not have a lot going for it but the surrounding history, which as usual you have brought to life, makes this an area to explore. Maps out again as we speak.
Enjoy the Peak District, you will no doubt have packed the waterproofs! Be careful. Ron
Say hello to Patrick if you bump into him!! Have a great time in the peak district. .... I'm going to get side tracked search for Tulsa now!!
@@davidberlanny3308 mmmm replied to you on this one David but it seems YT is doing it's no show trick again!
I remember when Geoff Marshall covered this a while ago now. Unbelievable that Network Rail they took the footbridge away when the line was electrified. They really don't want anyone in the old sidings area do they?! Very grim looking station - reminds me of Avonmouth St. Andrews Road. I didn't know about the car ferry train service through the tunnel! Fascinating, but so sad to see the station like this. Hopefully, someone will se sense and get this sorted out. Another great video Ron - thoroughly enjoyed this one. Cheers, Paul.
Hi Paul, lots of different traffic rolling through and no one is going to hassle you, that is about the only saving grace. Loving your output at the moment. Keep it up. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks thank you Ron!
Good day. A small correction, the ferry was the New Passage ferry. The 'branch' was originally the main line to the ferry before it was replaced by the Severn Tunnel, and was later made into a loop connecting to the Severn Beach line. I can remember Pilning Low Level station being seen as we passed through Pilning High Level, which is the one you are on. The Aust Ferry is some miles further up the Severn and was never connected by rail.
Hi Richard, thanks for the information and correction, nice to hear actual experiences. Ron
There’s a house aptly named ‘Puffer’s End’ at the New Passage Ferry rail terminus. Still a bump in the lane where the rails crossed.
Good morning Ron. I was reading the other day that someone enquired into taking the 8.33am Saturday train from Pilning to Bristol Parkway, which is less than 7 miles away. The journey would take them 26hrs 5m, with changes at Filton Abbey Wood, Newport, Shrewsbury and Birmingham. The intended passenger didn’t ask about the return journey. Thanks for another interesting film.
Incredible Rodney, another one for the Vlog I fancy. Ron
Another interesting walk for Friday morning. What a sad station. I looked it up on side by side maps and there was a lot going on there once upon a time. How outrageous to remove the foot bridge on electrification and then not put it back. Part of a plan??? Especially when you explained how many trains actually stop there. So much more expensive to come back and replace it later. Well done Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways. For a green city, there’s still a lot to do for public transport. Thankyou very much.
Marilyn lovely to hear from you again. I think you have smoked them out "part of a plan" I wouldn't be surprised. Have good week, take care of yourself. Ron
What a sad-looking place, Ron, and weird timetabling arrangements. Lots of through traffic and nothing more. It made for an interesting video, anyway.
Kept me out of mischief for a day Jim. Ron
Thanks Ron, great walk around as usual. Just a small correction to the commentary, the platform in use will take you to directly to Bristol not Severn Tunnel. Although not utilised, this platform can be accessed from both directions as the ‘up tunnel’ line is bi-directional from Patchway to the Welsh side of Severn Tunnel.
Hi Rob, haven't heard from you in ages, I can't be making too many mistakes then. You words of wisdom always welcome, thanks for the correction. Ron
Hello Ron - unfortunately still in hospital as my levels of potassium and ceratin have risen right now they don't know why.
An interesting but sad place. Great for watching trains though. The information about the ferry was very interesting. You learn something new every week on Parkinsons Walks
Hi Michael, sorry to hear you are still stuck in hospital. Can Magda get to visit ok? You must be pleased with the level of support on the channel, we all want you better soon. Ron
I can't get over the love and support I've received from The Parkinsons Walks Family. Very overwhelming and emotional. Magda doesn't come every day but I have support from friends and neighbours in my village
Your splendid video vividly illustrates the lamentable decline of Pilning Station. A sad reflection of its former self and an opportunity missed, possibly. It's proximity to a major motorway interchange/junction and river crossing, might suggest the construction of a road/railway interchange perhaps - with a little forethought, coordination and investment. Instead we've been left with half a station, offering one way travel twice a week. Hopefully, the huge surge in passengers and the campaign to reinstate the footbridge will put an end to this madness.
Hear hear Malcolm, some joined up thinking required I think. Ron
Ah Pilning. My old stomping ground when not only did I have hair but it was brown! We had a store room down there in the late 80's when I was outisde and doing a proper days work.
Wasn't there a time when they were doing mtce on the tunnel and Bristol to Chepstow had to go via Gloucester? I can only imagine what a pain in the rear end that was.
I'm guessing with all the houses being built these days that a better functioning station is going to be required. Enjoy your day. Simon
Hi Simon ' doing a proper days work !' what are you like? Made me smile. Keep chuffing. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks As in hard graft instead of flying a desk sat on my posterior!
Hi Ron. I enjoyed that little adventure, but what a shame that station is so run down. A good station going to waste. Not much happening up here, at the moment. It’s calm when I get up, but by the time I’m ready to go there’s a strong northerly blowing, and no sun! Had a look at Hooky north cutting yesterday. It’s still blocked off! Stay safe. Ron
Hi Ron, had they done any work on Hooky north? Some lovely dry weather to go filming unfortunately good gardening weather as well, and as you know this time of year it's going mad. Keep smiling. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks yes, I’m very busy in the garden too! At Hooky they’ve just felled a few very small trees across the track bed. Just enough to block access, but no major work as yet. Ron
Great video Ron. As you say. "Good spot for watching trains, but not for catching one. If you wonder why you've not heard from me for a while, it's because TH-cam have stopped me from leaving comments (until today). We went on holiday to the Durham area in the middle of May. Lovely hotel, but on the 1st day I had a mini stroke and ended up in Durham hospital. Not the holiday we had planned! Eventually arrived home on Wednesday by private ambulance. But I'm okay now. Need to catch up with my editing...
Lionel that is shocking news, are you fully ok now or off for further tests? At least you were admitted to hospital where they could take care of you. I bet it gave Mary a fright. For goodness sake take care of yourself. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Thanks Ron. I almost back to normal now. The annoying thing was, that I really wanted to see Dutham,but they wouldn't let me out. I'm determined to get there one day. I still don't know why TH-cam stopped me from writing comments.
Pilning (originally Pilning High Level) served trains using the Severn tunnel, the steps for the footbridge were on the immediate left as you walked on to the platform.
Roughly where phone mast is there was a filled bay with a ramp leading to it. This was a very early version of Motor rail using the Severn tunnel before the bridge was built.
Pilning Low Level was on the original line to the ferry at New Passage, the line split before New Passage connecting with the line at Severn Beach. An additional goods line was also laid to serve the Severn Tunnel pumping station.
Thanks for the info Neil, good of you to take the time to post. Ron
The ramp you could see Ron was the loading and unloading dock for when the car ferry ran by train. Few pictures on line. Went from pilning to severn tunnel junction.
Despite the fact it looks so ordinary, perhaps the most interesting bit left.
Thanks Nigel, good to have an informed comment. Ron
There is a picture here Ron of it in use. With it only having one siding, presumably it must have reversed in when it came from Severn tunnel junction.
When it left Pilning, given it was facing the wrong way, presumably the engine must have pulled the carriages and car trucks out and then ran round it's train.
Haven't found a picture of it at Severn tunnel junction yet
commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pilning_High_Level,_5th_May_1961.jpg
@@nigelprice3929 What a fascinating photo Nigel, well done. The longer you look at it the more detail reveals itself. Thanks. Ron
The ramp where the van was parked was the loading ramp for the cars back in the day. The Footbridge was right where the posters and the exit gate is. Great video. Just found your channel. Keep up the good work.
Hi Robin, thanks for the info. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks making my through your videos. Excellent work you have. Very interesting.
Thanks Robin, good to have you on board. Ron@@RobinPrice
If you wanna go somewhere don’t come here. Love it classic Ron humour 😂
Hi James, sadly it's true. Keep smiling. Ron
It has the forlorn look of Redcar British Steel.
Hi Christina, hard to imagine how they let it get into that state, it is a live station after all - just. Take care. Ron
A station that doesn't want to be a station!
Probably Network Rail doesn't want it to be Michael. Ron
I love the content of your Vids, and its exactly how I spend my day, looking for old infrastructure,when I’m out and about - I’m not a fan of “Catenary Clutter”- Lickey incline is a Prime example, there used to be lovely views of the Malverns, but now it just looks a mess imho 🤷🏻♂️ Many Thanks 👍🏻🙏🏻✨
Hi, thanks for watching, make it all worthwhile. I'm with you on catenary clutter, it does spoil the look of the line. Keep searching. Ron
There is a lot of info on Wikipedia about this station and pics of the footbridge.
Hi Brian thanks for the heads up. Ron
Mornin' Ron, Good place for trainspotting, but only if you're quick, they certainly shot past, especially that Diesel, I'm wondering what class that was. Must admit still miss the clippety clack. Shame there wasnt any broad gauge lurking in the bushes!!
A quick glance at Railmaps tells me that the closest station to the village of Pilning was Cross Hands Halt and that you were on Pilning High level, with a lower level on the abandoned branch nearby.
Not sure what services were available on the station but just in case you need it, there is a portable toilet hire company nearby!!
Clouds are descending again today, maybe some more rain. The group down at the gssr have had their turntable flooded out along with lots of others up and down the country. Last Sunday was local elections and following the bad results for the socialist national government a general election will take place in July. Nothing particularly interesting in all that however the change of government at local level may get funds released for the gssr heritage railway.
Have a great weekend!!
Hi David, I think the diesel was an old Deltic. There must have been some broad gauge somewhere it's almost compulsory in this area. It seems that often when a drought ends there tends to be flash floods which must be frightening. Our local elections were bad for the government, they are still carrying on though. Have a happy peaceful week David. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Yes I thought it looked like a Deltic but I thought they were museum pieces. I bet the driver was having a ball!!
Unfortunately the flash floods rarely do any good we've been lucky in our neck of the woods so far and the rain has been good for us.
Of all the trains only one was electric I thought . What a waste of the overhead wires.
Well spotted Brian you are the only one to comment on that so far. Ron
Hi Ron, Weeds..! Weeds..! and more weeds..! It sums up modern day railways in Britain sadly. I think the word environmentalism is actually another word for laziness..! It also shows privatisation doesn't really work in the long term, all it seems to do is generate very high fares and also bad services for passengers. It also generates discontent for staff. I personally don't like "modern train travel" far too many rules & regulations, give me the days when you could walk on to a station platform and buy a ticket, board a train and sit in a seat that you choose..! not one the Internet chooses for you..! Also the seats on modern trains for long journeys are absolutely bloody awful.. Iike sitting on an ironing board. And what they call catering is a joke. Though to be honest BRs catering over 45 years ago left a lot to be desired too.. Nice piece of filming Ron. Keep up the good work.....
Hi Maurice in one paragraph you have encapsulated all the issues we are facing. When there is finally an enquiry, it will take two years to deliberate, cost millions and be 500 pages long. Rant over. Ron
Hi Ron,what a forlorn site! Given the overhead electric structure & warning signs are there actually any electric trains operating or is this line still diesel? Mind you seeing any train running at all is an unusual sight at the present time! The type 37 or 40 series diesel passing at speed was a fine sight.
Cheers.
Hi Paul, apparently there was one train using the power lines according to one keen eyed commenter. Nowadays before I go to film at a railway, I have to check if it is a strike day or not - sad. Take care. Ron
Famously 'the station that refuses to die'
I'd say let it die and build another further
north more conveniently closer to the village
Don't hold your breath Stephen. Ron
Romantic its not, wandered around it a few moths ago, not much to see and the nearby bend in the road by the rail bridge isnt a friendly spot for pedestrians either with pleny of cars going too fast for comfort. Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways would seem to have their work cut out trying to get this placd improved but its still possible. Thank you P
ps ... sorry, Mr P!
Hi Geoffrey, the only thing it has going for it is that it's a good place to see lots of diverse rail traffic. Thanks for the comment. Ron
"Stations & Trains of Wales and the South West". My channel. I visit Pilning very often and other local stations. I enjoy your channel. Thanks.
My pleasure, Pilning great for watching, might see you there one day. Ron