I was a train spotter in my youth and then drifted away. These videos have rekindled my love for the old railways and the history around them. All thanks to you, Ant. Don't forget the old incline railway at Derwent. I don't know how much if any is left, but I did message you on Instagram about it. Thanks for sharing, Ant. I really enjoy your videos.

Having followed you for 3-4 years now, and also being local to the area; I can honestly say that’s one of your best walks.

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much. It was a tricky one to put together 😊

I followed your route as best as I could in my copy of a 1956 Ian Allen publication titled "Pre-grouping railways atlas and gazetteer". It doesn't show any of the sidings of course, only running lines but gives me a good idea of the railway network as it was before 1923 and really brings home how much we have lost starting as early as the closures in the 1930s 😢

Hi Ant. I'm a regular user of cycle routes from Vicar Water to Bilsthorpe, then across Eakring Rd to roundabout and Forest Link, to Farnsfield, Southwell, Rolleston (Racecourse) then Fiskerton and beyond. From 1961 to 1965, I lived in Bilsthorpe on Eakring Rd near the GCR bridge. Daily watched the steam trains return/collect wagons at the colliery via GCR/Clipstone line, then onto embankment parallel with Eakring Rd. Each year, in summer holidays, would spend a day on pit shunter around pit yard (could do that today age 7 with present day H&S). Would sometimes go to Brail Wood walking alongside the brickwork line. Every week the pit shunter would take a single wagon of coal and return the empty. I don't recall much activity on Mid Notts at this time, maybe some Oil wagons? Also, around 1963, I think their was a seaside outing (Bilsthorpe Pit) via Farnsfield/ Southwell and recall seeing a platform constructed out of sleepers where Forest Link houses are today - maybe the last passenger carrying service?

I currently live on Newark road and as a child remember the bridges and the tracks in the 80s. Watching your video I would guess your from edwinstowe area

Great video, I've been waiting for this one as I've explored this line over the last couple of years whilst the family was staying at the nearby Center Parcs. I did manage to get onto the trackbed (in early spring) and force my way along but it was very boggy in places and I had to scramble up the steep bank at several points which wasn't straightforward.

You certainly know how to put together excellent videos. The amount of homework that goes into every one of your videos shows how much you are so keen on what you do. The way you respect private property is a rarity these days. Keep enjoying making them as your followers love them too.

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much for your kind words. There was a lot to get around in my head with this one im pleased I got it out okay 😀

One of your best vids Ant. I love how the track despite being massively overgrown for the most part kept revealing itself. Drone footage was excellent.

Your boundless energy and enthusiasm is infectious. Your knowledge and the way you present the subject is second to none . I honestly think you have a way of making all of your content so watchable time after time . I have learnt so much about where my family worked and lived on and around these railway lines .

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

You are so very welcome and thank you for such kind words. I'll keep trying my best to continue this 😊

Excellent walk and vid Ant , was quite an epic one . Always fascinating to see all the old pit related lines around that area . It's not an area I know , so is totally enlightening.

Ant, I keep repeating myself but your videos are top notch as for topics, history and cinematography 👌 Well done 😀

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Very kind frank thanks very much 😊

Have to admire your choice of music - excellent Ant!

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Daniel I'm pleased 😀

I love your unintentional Elton John references.. "Still Standing" "Shine a light" 😂 I'll get my coat... Great video as normal Ant.

Absolutely loved this one, I went to school here and you managed to capture my old school grounds in your drone footage, I remember being told about this line amongst many local stories. Definitely one of the best you have done, thank you

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Very kind thank you very much I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It's taken me long enough to do it I kept putting it off

Thank you for the video today. A lengthy one! Will be communicating with you soon. Always a great video to view. Hoping your new year is going great. See you on the next. Cheers Ant! 🇬🇧👍🙂🇺🇸

another captivating episode ant thanks

I can't say anything beyond previous comments. So interesting, informative and made with such enthusiasm. Many thanks from an 80 year old train spotter who's seen a few changes.over the years.. Brilliant stuff.

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it Dave thanks very much indeed 😁

So much information in your video's Ant, absolutely brilliant, thanks for taking the time and the effort in making them so interesting and informative

Fascinating and informative as always Ant..

Fantastic video thanks Ant. Absolutely loved it. Love everything to do with the rails.. you now have over 22.000 subs remember how excited you were when you got 1.000. Not surprised your videos are always excellent. Please take care

What a great walk you had, so much beauty to see -- nature at her best. Also, outstanding drone work.......

Graet stuff man . Years ago back in about 1980 me and a friend walked this route from wellow to farnsfield actually walked all the way on the trackbed thier was still track most of the way back then . Thanks mate 👍

Another great video with historical pictures old and new maps excellent research drone photography that really shows the old railway tracks your graphics add to the presentation and no overpowering music While I am getting to grips with your videos I am in Thailand taking in the scenery and relaxing at the same time

I'm getting over exited sums up the enthusiasm of these series

Thanks Ant, great drone shots, l do like the perspective it gives also very informative to, happy new year👍

As always brilliant explore. Filming and drone excellent. Your enthusiasm is catching. Very enjoyable walk. Not many people about to enjoy the pathways which is sad. Still you had the peace and quiet to enjoy all the more and share with us. Thank you Ant.

What a lovely walk even though I've not been to Clipstone or Bilsthorpe before its amazing how you point out when the old railway used to be well done again 👏☺☺

Excellent and interesting, as always. I will send you another of my musical offerings (this time written by me!). I agree with you - music is essential!

Very good Ant - Thanks for sharing!!! 🙂🚂🚂🚂

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much for watching as always

Excellent video. Cery interesting. I love learning about old railways.

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you 😊

Thanks Ant, quality stuff again.

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Very kind Jon Thank you 😊

Very interesting. Your video presents a vivid picture of the immense changes wrought by colliery and rail closures and the transition to solar and wind power. The tree-lined former trackbeds are one illustration of the greening of the post-fossil fuel economy.

Quality work Ant.thanks

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Simon 😄

That was an epic walk full of interest - shame all those bridges are so "modern". I also noticed the third rail but it had disappeared later on so thought it a bit unusual to have a "Southern" system test track up there? Nice one Ant👍👍👍👍

Thanks as always Ant.😊

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

You're welcome 😊

Amazing video, Ant. I like the way they have become green corridors. In the sixties in the school combined cadet force, we went to dukeries army camp, and I remember the name ollerton, and I think we went to a church service at wellow.

Excellent content as usual Ant, thanks.

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Mike very kind

Another cracking vid can’t get enough of these mate

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Cheers James thanks very much 🙂

Hi Ant , you put a lot in to making this excellent video , it was nice to see the English summer at the start again in deep dark January ! .

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Ha ha yes you noticed it took me from summer to early winter to complete this one

Another great video, Ant, informative, well put together, you clearly have a love of your subject. Inspiring

@TrekkingExploration

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Gary

I enjoy your vids Ant, covering the railways of long ago. The colliery lines of Yorks, Notts and Derbys need to be shown as you are doing. My Mrs uses the steep steps for elevation training, up and down like a yo-yo 😂

@TrekkingExploration

5 ай бұрын

I'd like to think theres quite a bit in Derbyshire and Yorkshire Colliery related i can still do

I've often wondered if there was any rail connection to the Eakring oil wells. I remember there being a nodding donkey pumping oil there in my younger days. Also often saw coal trains crossing the bridge over the A614 near Ollerton. The collieries looked quite new in those days yet all have now been gone for many years. Great video, thanks for the memories!

My absolute favourite kind of video, Darren used to cover stuff like this. I’m from West Yorkshire so there’s plenty of disused abandoned rail/canal round here. Nice work mate

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed it Peter. I'll be back to do more in Yorkshire in the next couple of months 😊

Great video, an area I have a huge interest in around Clipstone, i have looked at the lines around Ollerton on Google Maps before, and now you have done a video to fill in the blanks, I also paused the video a few times and looked at the maps to see where you were, it's great that you tell us where you are so people like me can track the way you are walking...superb as ever old friend 😊

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

This was a bit of a bugger to put together. Although just a short line it took 3 separate trips out to do. Hence it starts off in the summer and finishes in early winter

Brilliant Ant

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Stuart'

Another great video giving fascinating historic details of the old tracks on my doorstep. The section between Boughton and Eakring is a regular dog walk for me including both lots of steep steps into the cutting near Wellow. Unfortunately the path/'bridleway' you were on and the bridges you crossed over the cutting between Ollerton and Eakring side of Wellow are all private - owned by farmers and the riding school. There are often 'private land - no trespassing' warning signs along these areas adjacent to the cutting when game birds are being raised by the landowners. It's a great shame as this old track bed would make a superb connection for the National Cycle Route or a well needed extension to the Robin Hood Line. I regularly walked the old track spurs and over the two bridges that crossed Newark Road at Ollerton (going towards the Colliery site) up until the bridges were demolished around 2005ish. The unused bridges were demolished to make way for what are now housing estates, the crematorium and the expansion of Murphy's HQ. After the bridges were demolished the track beds became more overgrown as less people walked them.

The tracks might be lifted but the beds are a stark reminder of how much the railways have shaped the landscape and the country as a whole.

Lucky enough to have signalled a train or two down that test track. Great video and history

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Awwww that's fantastic. Good memories

@Life_Of_AL

6 ай бұрын

@@TrekkingExploration It was only February last year. I was at Worksop PSB and sent a ballast train 6X99 down there, and the following day I was at Shirebrook Jct SB and got to send it a bit further. At the time Clipstone SB was still being opened when operationally necessary due to having some controls for the main. Similarly, Cresswell SB also switches in during T3 possession work.

I'm a local man from ollerton we had five bridges on Newark road now we got one the test track 😢 me, my sister and mom walk along rufford lane in the early to mid 90's before the train tracks where removed, I often wonder what it was like back then.

Lots a things the railway did were either a waste of money or came too late to be effective or both !! The Fly over at Bletchley being one example . The most recent ones being the connection or flyover at Nuneaton and the fly under at Werrington Peterborough !! Either unused or not used at all !!

Id love you to revisit some of the older ones as a rewalk

You need to get down to south wales and the valleys on their former coal fields… plenty of walks and stunning scenery 👍

The collieries needed these railway lines, up and till the sixties everything went by train. Sadly Beeching did one thing wrong and that was to allow companies to build on the track bed, rather than keep them free of being demolished. Sadly when the railways saved the nation from the harsh 62-63 three month long winter, with blizzards and nationwide snow drifts. That did not save them, however some lines were unprofitable, and had to be closed but not in the manner they were.

@rikkilamb

3 ай бұрын

It was more BR who sold the disused railways off rather than Beeching. He just did as he was told by Marples.

@billmmckelvie5188

3 ай бұрын

I think a lot of Railway men hoped that the Labour government would reverse the cuts. However they didn't and they just carried on even banning steam trains. Ironically Forty years to the year of 68, the U.K. manufactured the first Mainline steam locomotive!

Yes Music is extremely powerful

By default anything that was built to interface with the Great Central was a waste of money, because despite all the rose tinted mythology around it, the Great Central was a financial disaster earning it the popular name in Edwardian urban culture of the Gone Completely Railway for what it did to its investors. Also something that was built with in its day to serve mines, oil terminals and power stations and still could not be made to be financially viable, shows there simply was not the traffic to make it work. Great Video by the way.

Building on the former Bilsthorpe Colliery site is grade II listed, is a pump house as you stated, don’t think it serves a purpose at this moment in time. I Remember many a times during my childhood playing on the site once the pit buildings were sadly demolished. living in Bilsthorpe during my childhood I’ve been intrigued on the line from Ollerton to Eakring but always sempt impassable! Cracking video - hopefully there’s a second installment? Not that there’s much left towards Southwell or Mansfield once you get to Farnsfield 😕

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

I've done the Farnsfield to Southwell section around 3 years ago however I do need to do the stretch from Mansfield. That's rather interesting it's grade 2 listed.

@ScottMarshall-ks1wo

6 ай бұрын

I recall as a young lad biking towards Mansfield from Farnsfield, remember there being coal shale on the footpaths. Not sure if you are aware and how local you are, but Bilsthorpe has a museum as well which is full of the local history and many artefacts from the colliery days 👍

The graffiti about the music was done by Bill Drummond from the KLF I think. He did the same piece on Barford railway bridge over the A6003, just outside Corby, Northants a few years back. Be too much of a coincidence other wise.

As a general rule of thumb, the later a railway built, the less use it was.

@andrewhotston983

6 ай бұрын

Not always true - some of the earliest railways, like Hampton in Arden to Whitacre, Cheddington to Aylesbury, and Rugby to Leicester, closed relatively early, too.

@brianwillson9567

6 ай бұрын

@@andrewhotston983 you are right. I did say as a general rule of thumb. You mention rugby to leicester. Imagine if that had NOT closed. No midland main line, St Pancras demolished.

It should be noted that after the line closed and track recovery began. BR had just latched onto the idea that recovering thousands of tonnes of ballast was a lucrative earner for them so when you look at the swampy nature of the cuttings and chopped-down embankments this is the reason why. it also explains why when you approach road crossings you often find yourself several feet below the normal ground level the ballast having been scooped out piecemeal.

Music is important to everyone

2:15 Note that the nearside test track is fitted with non-energised third-rail for test purposes.

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Yes I can't remember when that must have been last used for that purpose

@roytait

6 ай бұрын

​@@TrekkingExploration Nice to see you back in your old stamping ground. The third-rail and OLE were never energised and used for testing on-track plant, clearances etc. BTW Network Rail now call the facility the Tuxford RIDC (Rail Innovation & Development Centre).

Interesting video Ant. I first became aware of this line about ten years ago when doing some work on the test track It wasn't finished how it was originally intended, that was a joint LMS/ LNER line from Bestwood park to a junction on Worksop Retford line to give a connection to the east coast. Obviously was slimmed right down with a single line. You've done a great video on it Do you think that building at Bilsthorpe has a shaft inside it as they really don't want people in. A look through that hole would be excellent Cheers Russ

@maestromanification

6 ай бұрын

Oh it was also created as a depression employment project

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Russ.. there's a comment on here about it definitely being a pump house and surprisingly to me Grade 2 listed. I read the railway was originally intended to go much further. They probably realised it wasn't worth it.

@maestromanification

6 ай бұрын

@TrekkingExploration Cheers Ant. In the 30s there wasn't really a need for it as other routes duplicated it, however had it been built as intended it may have come into its own when the trent Valley power stations were built Unusual that pump house has a listed status. I'd put money of them been a shaft inside it Cheers Russ

@ScottMarshall-ks1wo

6 ай бұрын

Inside the pumping house is a shaft which goes down 150ft to fresh water. Recall going in as a youngster (before it was boarded up) and recall seeing pipes and chains. Reading on the Bilsthorpe collier page apparently there was also winches in there for raising the pumps

@maestromanification

6 ай бұрын

@@ScottMarshall-ks1wo hi Scott, take it that's only a fraction of the depth of the main shafts? I wonder if its connected to the capped shafts underground

Was that a Somerset and Dorset engine at 0'35?

Ant is this the line that goes under the disused bridge after leaving Ollerton I very often travel over going South heading to Newark?

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

That's the exact one yes 👍

I've been walking the southwell trail most weekends for the last 18 months or so to try and get fit. Occasionaly I do the section up to Bilsthorpe but find that a bit narrow and seems to be very popular with cyclists. That bridge just north of Kirklington Road is Forest Lane which is a public byway at least as far as the bridge. The google street view car has certainly been over it and from the map it looks like you should be able to get to Old Rufford Road but google didn't do that bit. There's no signage to say it's restricted in any way so it should be open to all traffic but that being the case it might be a job for a 4x4 but you certainly shouldn't have any issues going up there. It would be nice if there were more trails like that around but Southwell seems to be particuarly well maintained.

If network rail won't open these closed down railway lines, then it's perfect for heritage and narrow gauge railway companies to take these disused lines over for their pleasures 🙏 ☺️ 😊 🤗 🙄 😒

Can you walk along the high marnham line from shirebrook??

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

There are some sections you can follow alongside

@markwebster7128

6 ай бұрын

@@TrekkingExploration the line to Thoresby colliery still exists?

@markwebster7128

2 ай бұрын

I walked down a footpath from Shirebrook station,went under the high marnham line, carried on the footpath towards a pub on the left , then walked under another bridge .the line goes off to the right near warsop

Wow, you have a real talent for editing, great job!

@TrekkingExploration

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much