HDL All points of the Kent compass railtour

Sunday 11 March 2001

This page was last modified on 5 March 2001

This page refers to a railtour which has now taken place. All information is left here for interest only!

Itinerary

For our first trip in 2001 we have planned an outing nearer home, exploring the four corners of Kent including some lines not usually open to passenger trains. We start as usual from Hastings, then after travelling via Tonbridge to Ashford we run via Appledore to travel the freight line through Lydd to Dungeness. After returning to Ashford we take the line via Canterbury West and Ramsgate to Margate where we plan a break for about an hour.

From Margate we continue along the north Kent coast via Herne Bay and Faversham to sample the branch line to Sheerness, Kent’s most northerly passenger station. From Sheerness we return home by way of Gillingham, Rochester, Strood, Maidstone West and Tonbridge.

Enthusiasts might like to know that we plan to travel via the Cranmore down loop at Headcorn, the Canterbury West down goods loop, and the Sittingbourne western curve which, together with the Dungeness branch, have no or very limited operation by passenger services. A photo stop is planned at Appledore on return from Dungeness. However, it must be emphasised that the requirements of Railtrack may mean late variation to any part of our proposed itinerary or timings.

Timings

Confirmed timings from Railtrack:

outward return
Bexhill 08c49
Hastings 0904
Battle 0918
Etchingham 0931
Tunbridge Wells 0950
Tonbridge 1009
Ashford International 1050
then to Dungeness and back
Ashford International 1326
via Canterbury West and Ramsgate
Margate (arr) 1422
Margate (dep) 1529
Sheerness-on-Sea (arr)
(dep)
1616
1626
via Sittingbourne West Curve,
Strood and Maidstone West
Tonbridge (arr) 1804
Tunbridge Wells 1820
Etchingham 1840
Battle 1852
Hastings 1905
Bexhill 19c25

c – Connection to/from Hastings by Connex train (connecting ticket provided)

Fares

Our train includes a Buffet Car, and a selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day at reasonable prices. Club Class seating is available which includes a mid-day meal, a cream tea, plus refreshments throughout the trip. Why not spoil yourself for the day!

Fares are detailed below for return travel on our train from stations listed above, between Hastings and Tonbridge. For passengers from Bexhill a ticket for travel on Connex trains (to Hastings) will be provided without extra charge. Seating in Hastings and Tunbridge Wells power cars is limited; please check below for latest information on seat availability.

Seats in £
DEMU or CEP trailer coaches 33, or 120 for a bay of four
Hastings motor coach 38 (sold out)
Club Class 48

Latest information: Monday 5 March 2001

Bookings

Bookings have now closed and the railtour has taken place.