CHELTENHAM - HONEYBOURNE - STRATFORD (GWR)
19th January 2004

Dating from the early 1900s, this GWR main line was a relative latecomer. It survived as a through route until 1976, although the intermediate stations closed before this date. Now only the section from Honeybourne to Long Marston remains part of the network, but Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse has been reopened as the Gloucestershire - Warwickshire Railway.
Apologies for the poor quality of some of the images, particularly the urban section through Cheltenham. I will replace these with new images as soon as I can.
Engineer's Line Reference: HCL (Honeybourne to Cheltenham)

<-- Index | Showing 1-120 of 171 pictures | Next -->
Looking north from the junction at Cheltenham Lansdown. 28th March 1990. OS: SO931219
Looking north from the junction at Cheltenham Lansdown. 28th March 1990. OS: SO931219
 Looking towards Lansdown Junction from the first overbridge over the line. 1986. OS: SO933220
Looking towards Lansdown Junction from the first overbridge over the line. 1986. OS: SO933220
 Looking on the opposite direction from the same spot, with Malvern Road station site in the distance. 1986. OS: SO933220
Looking on the opposite direction from the same spot, with Malvern Road station site in the distance. 1986. OS: SO933220
 Cheltenham Malvern Road looking north in 1986. In the foreground is the remains of the island platform. OS: SO937223. (Photo: Patrick Marks)
Cheltenham Malvern Road looking north in 1986. In the foreground is the remains of the island platform. OS: SO937223. (Photo: Patrick Marks)
Totem sign from the station preserved at the Severn Valley Railway.
Totem sign from the station preserved at the Severn Valley Railway.
 Looking south along the site of Malvern Road station. 19th April 1993. OS: SO937223
Looking south along the site of Malvern Road station. 19th April 1993. OS: SO937223
 Between Malvern Road and the junction for St James, looking north. Note the surviving signal post. 19th April 1992. OS: SO940224
Between Malvern Road and the junction for St James, looking north. Note the surviving signal post. 19th April 1992. OS: SO940224
 Site of the junction where the short branch to Cheltenham St James diverged (right) from the line to Honeybourne. Both bridges have now been replaced by wider, concrete structures. 19th April 1992. OS: SO940225
Site of the junction where the short branch to Cheltenham St James diverged (right) from the line to Honeybourne. Both bridges have now been replaced by wider, concrete structures. 19th April 1992. OS: SO940225
The site of Cheltenham St James, seen from the station throat. The office block in the centre is on the site of the main station building. The remainder of the site has since been redeveloped. 19th April 1992. OS: SO941224
The site of Cheltenham St James, seen from the station throat. The office block in the centre is on the site of the main station building. The remainder of the site has since been redeveloped. 19th April 1992. OS: SO941224
 Looking back towards the Honeybourne line from the site of the Cheltenham St James station throat. 19th April 1992. OS: SO941224
Looking back towards the Honeybourne line from the site of the Cheltenham St James station throat. 19th April 1992. OS: SO941224
 The trackbed seen from Great Western Road, looking north. 1985. OS: SO941225
The trackbed seen from Great Western Road, looking north. 1985. OS: SO941225
 Bridge over Millbrook Street, looking north. This bridge and the surrounding embankment have now been removed and the cycle path crosses the site on a new, much longer bridge. 19th April 1992.
Bridge over Millbrook Street, looking north. This bridge and the surrounding embankment have now been removed and the cycle path crosses the site on a new, much longer bridge. 19th April 1992.
Bridge over Market Street, looking north. 19th April 1992.
Bridge over Market Street, looking north. 19th April 1992.
 Bridge over High Street, looking north. The short lived High Street Halt was situated immediately beyond the bridge girders. 19th April 1992.
Bridge over High Street, looking north. The short lived High Street Halt was situated immediately beyond the bridge girders. 19th April 1992.
 Looking back towards Malvern Road from the Swindon Road bridge. 19th April 1992.
Looking back towards Malvern Road from the Swindon Road bridge. 19th April 1992.
 Bridge over Swindon Road, looking north. 19th April 1992.
Bridge over Swindon Road, looking north. 19th April 1992.
Looking north with the girders of the St Pauls Road bridge visible in the centre. 19th April 1992 OS: SO943232
Looking north with the girders of the St Pauls Road bridge visible in the centre. 19th April 1992 OS: SO943232
 Looking north again, just beyond the St Pauls Road bridge and the foot/cycle path comes to an end. The embankment has been excavated at this point to make an exit for the path. 19th April 1992. OS: SO944234
Looking north again, just beyond the St Pauls Road bridge and the foot/cycle path comes to an end. The embankment has been excavated at this point to make an exit for the path. 19th April 1992. OS: SO944234
 Exit from the cycle path showing the excavated embankment. 19th April 1992. OS: SO944234
Exit from the cycle path showing the excavated embankment. 19th April 1992. OS: SO944234
 Where the line passes Prince Of Wales Stadium the formation has been used for sports fields. Looking north. 19th April 1992. OS: SO944237
Where the line passes Prince Of Wales Stadium the formation has been used for sports fields. Looking north. 19th April 1992. OS: SO944237
Looking back south towards the stadium from the north. 19th April 1992. OS:944239
Looking back south towards the stadium from the north. 19th April 1992. OS:944239
 Underbridge in the Pitville area. 13th April 1991. OS: SO944236
Underbridge in the Pitville area. 13th April 1991. OS: SO944236
 Looking north from the Pitville boundary where the trackbed ownership changes from Cheltenham Borough Council to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. 13th April 1991.
Looking north from the Pitville boundary where the trackbed ownership changes from Cheltenham Borough Council to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. 13th April 1991.
 Looking towards Pitville from the Swindon Village road bridge. 13th April 1991. OS: SO945242
Looking towards Pitville from the Swindon Village road bridge. 13th April 1991. OS: SO945242
The Swindon Village road bridge looking north. 13th April 1991. OS: SO945242
The Swindon Village road bridge looking north. 13th April 1991. OS: SO945242
 Looking south towards the same bridge from Hunting Butts Tunnel. 13th April 1991. OS: SO945242
Looking south towards the same bridge from Hunting Butts Tunnel. 13th April 1991. OS: SO945242
 Looking back towards Cheltenham from within Hunting Butts Tunnel. 13th April 1991. OS: SO948246
Looking back towards Cheltenham from within Hunting Butts Tunnel. 13th April 1991. OS: SO948246
 Hunting Butts Tunnel looking north. 13th April 1991. OS: SO948246
Hunting Butts Tunnel looking north. 13th April 1991. OS: SO948246
S&T cabinet at the north end of Hunting Butts Tunnel. 13th April 1991. OS: SO948246
S&T cabinet at the north end of Hunting Butts Tunnel. 13th April 1991. OS: SO948246
 Looking south towards the northern portal of Hunting Butts Tunnel. 13th April 1991. OS: SO950248
Looking south towards the northern portal of Hunting Butts Tunnel. 13th April 1991. OS: SO950248
 The northern approach to Hunting Butts Tunnel seen from the bridge by Racecourse station.
The northern approach to Hunting Butts Tunnel seen from the bridge by Racecourse station.
Looking north with Racecourse station in the distance. 13th April 1991. OS: SO950248
Looking north with Racecourse station in the distance. 13th April 1991. OS: SO950248
Cheltenham Racecourse. The southern end of the up platform which is considarably longer than the down platform. 13th April 1991. OS: SO953250
Cheltenham Racecourse. The southern end of the up platform which is considarably longer than the down platform. 13th April 1991. OS: SO953250
 Cheltenham Racecourse. The derelict ticket office building. After this photograph was taken the building was boarded up and protected against vandalism. It has since been completely restored. 28th March 1990. OS: SO953250
Cheltenham Racecourse. The derelict ticket office building. After this photograph was taken the building was boarded up and protected against vandalism. It has since been completely restored. 28th March 1990. OS: SO953250
 Cheltenham Racecourse. The former entrance turnstiles and the back of the ticket office. 28th March 1990. OS: SO953250
Cheltenham Racecourse. The former entrance turnstiles and the back of the ticket office. 28th March 1990. OS: SO953250
 Cheltenham Racecourse. The inside of the derelict booking office. Ticket windows are on the right. Note evidence of attempted arson. 28th March 1990. OS: SO953250
Cheltenham Racecourse. The inside of the derelict booking office. Ticket windows are on the right. Note evidence of attempted arson. 28th March 1990. OS: SO953250
Cheltenham Racecourse. Foundations of one of the platform buildings. 13th March 1991. OS: SO953250
Cheltenham Racecourse. Foundations of one of the platform buildings. 13th March 1991. OS: SO953250
 Cheltenham Racecourse. General view of the station from the road bridge looking towards Honeybourne. August 1996. OS: SO953250
Cheltenham Racecourse. General view of the station from the road bridge looking towards Honeybourne. August 1996. OS: SO953250
 Cheltenham Racecourse. Looking towards Cheltenham from between the platforms. 28th March 1990. OS: SO953250
Cheltenham Racecourse. Looking towards Cheltenham from between the platforms. 28th March 1990. OS: SO953250
 S&T lineside box near Cheltenham Racecourse. 28th March 1990. OS: SO955251
S&T lineside box near Cheltenham Racecourse. 28th March 1990. OS: SO955251
Trackbed between Cheltenham Racecourse and Bishops Cleeve; now restored as part of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. 28th March 1990. OS: SO957253
Trackbed between Cheltenham Racecourse and Bishops Cleeve; now restored as part of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. 28th March 1990. OS: SO957253
 Looking towards Southam Road bridge, just north of Cheltenham Racecourse station. 13th April 1991. OS: SO960255
Looking towards Southam Road bridge, just north of Cheltenham Racecourse station. 13th April 1991. OS: SO960255
 S&T lineside box near the Southam Road bridge. 9th April 1991.
S&T lineside box near the Southam Road bridge. 9th April 1991.
 Looking south towards Cheltenham Racecourse from the Southam Road bridge. 13th April 1991. OS: SO963259
Looking south towards Cheltenham Racecourse from the Southam Road bridge. 13th April 1991. OS: SO963259
Looking north through Southam cutting. 28th March 1990. OS: SO963259
Looking north through Southam cutting. 28th March 1990. OS: SO963259
 S&T cabinets in Southam Cutting. 9th April 1991. OS: SO963259
S&T cabinets in Southam Cutting. 9th April 1991. OS: SO963259
 Southam Cutting looking north. 9th April 1991. OS: SO963259
Southam Cutting looking north. 9th April 1991. OS: SO963259
 Looking south between Cheltenham Racecourse and Bishops Cleeve. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965263
Looking south between Cheltenham Racecourse and Bishops Cleeve. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965263
An underpass beneath the line south of Bishops Cleeve. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965265
An underpass beneath the line south of Bishops Cleeve. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965265
 Overbridge on the approach to Bishops Cleeve station, looking north. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965269
Overbridge on the approach to Bishops Cleeve station, looking north. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965269
 Ballast hopper near Bishops Cleeve. 9th April 1991.
Ballast hopper near Bishops Cleeve. 9th April 1991.
 A mystery object near Bishops Cleeve. It consists of timber and old GWR bridge rail. Any suggestions? 9th April 1991.
A mystery object near Bishops Cleeve. It consists of timber and old GWR bridge rail. Any suggestions? 9th April 1991.
The site of Bishops Cleeve goods yard, looking north. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965273
The site of Bishops Cleeve goods yard, looking north. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965273
 Bishops Cleeve station site from the south end. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965274
Bishops Cleeve station site from the south end. 9th April 1991. OS: SO965274
 Bishops Cleeve in the early 20th centuary. (Picture courtesy of John Law).
Bishops Cleeve in the early 20th centuary. (Picture courtesy of John Law).
 Bishops Cleeve station site from the north end. 9th April 1991. OS: SO966276
Bishops Cleeve station site from the north end. 9th April 1991. OS: SO966276
Bridge over a road north of Bishop's Cleeve station. 9th April 1991. OS: SO966277
Bridge over a road north of Bishop's Cleeve station. 9th April 1991. OS: SO966277
 Miles and chains marked on the same bridge at Bishops Cleeve. 9th April 1991. OS: SO966277
Miles and chains marked on the same bridge at Bishops Cleeve. 9th April 1991. OS: SO966277
 Looking back towards Bishops Cleeve station from a point about a quarter of a mile to the north. 9th April 1991. OS: SO967282
Looking back towards Bishops Cleeve station from a point about a quarter of a mile to the north. 9th April 1991. OS: SO967282
 The long straight north of Bishops Cleeve, looking north. 9th April 1991.
The long straight north of Bishops Cleeve, looking north. 9th April 1991.
Looking north about half way etween Bishops Cleeve and Gotherington. 18th April 1992. OS: SO969290
Looking north about half way etween Bishops Cleeve and Gotherington. 18th April 1992. OS: SO969290
 Occupation underbridge between Bishops Cleeve and Gotherington. 18th April 1992. OS: SO969288
Occupation underbridge between Bishops Cleeve and Gotherington. 18th April 1992. OS: SO969288
 The approach to Gotherington station from the south. 18th April 1992. OS: SO973297
The approach to Gotherington station from the south. 18th April 1992. OS: SO973297
 A milepost just south of Gotherington station. 18th April 1992. OS: SO973297
A milepost just south of Gotherington station. 18th April 1992. OS: SO973297
Gotherington station. Now a private residence, the canopy has been cut back at some stage in the station's history. Since this photograph was taken the track has been relayed as part of the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway. 9th April 1991. OS: SO975298
Gotherington station. Now a private residence, the canopy has been cut back at some stage in the station's history. Since this photograph was taken the track has been relayed as part of the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway. 9th April 1991. OS: SO975298
 The cattle dock platform at Gotherington. 18th April 1992. OS: SO975298
The cattle dock platform at Gotherington. 18th April 1992. OS: SO975298
 Base of a PW hut near Gotherington. 18th April 1992.
Base of a PW hut near Gotherington. 18th April 1992.
 Milepost just north of Gotherington. 9th April 1991. OS: SO976299
Milepost just north of Gotherington. 9th April 1991. OS: SO976299
View from the bridge near Dixton, looking
View from the bridge near Dixton, looking "north" (geographically it is nearer east due to the way the line follows the base of the Cotswold escarpment). 18th April 1992. OS: SO981300
 A post-restoration view of the northern end of Greet tunnel. April 1992.
A post-restoration view of the northern end of Greet tunnel. April 1992.
 Winchcombe, showing the goods shed and bare trackbed before restoration in 1984. OS: SP027297
Winchcombe, showing the goods shed and bare trackbed before restoration in 1984. OS: SP027297
 The embankment approaching Winchcombe from the north. 1986. OS: SP032297
The embankment approaching Winchcombe from the north. 1986. OS: SP032297
Hailes Abbey, with track laying for the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway underway. 1984.
Hailes Abbey, with track laying for the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway underway. 1984.
 Toddington showing the goods shed and signal box. OS: SP050323
Toddington showing the goods shed and signal box. OS: SP050323
 Toddington station in the course of reconstruction. Although the original buildings survived, the platforms had been removed after closure. Replacement platform materials were recovered from Birmingham Snow Hill, Cheltenham Malvern Road and Gloucester Eastgate. OS: SP050323
Toddington station in the course of reconstruction. Although the original buildings survived, the platforms had been removed after closure. Replacement platform materials were recovered from Birmingham Snow Hill, Cheltenham Malvern Road and Gloucester Eastgate. OS: SP050323
 Looking north from the end of the restored platform at Toddington. OS: SP050323
Looking north from the end of the restored platform at Toddington. OS: SP050323
Looking north from the road bridge at Toddington. 31st July 1994. OS: SP050323
Looking north from the road bridge at Toddington. 31st July 1994. OS: SP050323
 Old milepost near Toddington. 18th April 1992. OS: SP050327
Old milepost near Toddington. 18th April 1992. OS: SP050327
 Stanway viaduct looking north from the Toddington end. 18th April 1992. OS: SP051332
Stanway viaduct looking north from the Toddington end. 18th April 1992. OS: SP051332
 Looking north from Stanway viaduct. 18th April 1992. OS: SP051332
Looking north from Stanway viaduct. 18th April 1992. OS: SP051332
Underneath Stanway Viaduct. 18th April 1992. OS: SP051332
Underneath Stanway Viaduct. 18th April 1992. OS: SP051332
 Stanway Viaduct from ground level. (Picture courtesy of Pete Dainty).
Stanway Viaduct from ground level. (Picture courtesy of Pete Dainty).
 The line looking south between Toddington and Laverton Halt. 31st July 1994. OS: SP058342
The line looking south between Toddington and Laverton Halt. 31st July 1994. OS: SP058342
 The line looking north between Toddington and Laverton Halt. 31st July 1994. OS: SP058342
The line looking north between Toddington and Laverton Halt. 31st July 1994. OS: SP058342
The trackbed between Weston Sub Edge and Honeybourne looking south. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP123425
The trackbed between Weston Sub Edge and Honeybourne looking south. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP123425
 The trackbed between Weston Sub Edge and Honeybourne looking south. July 1994. OS: SP125430
The trackbed between Weston Sub Edge and Honeybourne looking south. July 1994. OS: SP125430
 The trackbed between Weston Sub Edge and Honeybourne looking north. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP125430
The trackbed between Weston Sub Edge and Honeybourne looking north. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP125430
 Looking towards Honeybourne from just south of the West Loop Junction. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126437
Looking towards Honeybourne from just south of the West Loop Junction. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126437
The site of Honeybourne West Loop Junction. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126438
The site of Honeybourne West Loop Junction. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126438
 The remains of Honeybourne West Loop Signal Box. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126438
The remains of Honeybourne West Loop Signal Box. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126438
 Rail section and steel key at Honeybourne West Loop Junction. 3rd July 1994.
Rail section and steel key at Honeybourne West Loop Junction. 3rd July 1994.
 Honeybourne West Loop Junction seen from the road overbridge in 1977, shortly after closure of the line as a through route. West Loop Junction was still in use at this time as a reversal point for access to the remaining line to Long Marston. This changed when East Loop was reopened in 1981. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). OS: SP126438
Honeybourne West Loop Junction seen from the road overbridge in 1977, shortly after closure of the line as a through route. West Loop Junction was still in use at this time as a reversal point for access to the remaining line to Long Marston. This changed when East Loop was reopened in 1981. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). OS: SP126438
Looking towards the Cotswold Line bridge from the south. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126441
Looking towards the Cotswold Line bridge from the south. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126441
 The bridge carrying the Cotswold Line over the Cheltenham - Stratford line. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP127442
The bridge carrying the Cotswold Line over the Cheltenham - Stratford line. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP127442
 The trackbed of the through line at Honeybourne looking north. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126444
The trackbed of the through line at Honeybourne looking north. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126444
 The trackbed of Honeybourne West Loop looking towards the station. The civil engineers' tip partly encroaches onto the formation. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126444
The trackbed of Honeybourne West Loop looking towards the station. The civil engineers' tip partly encroaches onto the formation. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP126444
Looking towards Honeybourne station from the East Loop.
Looking towards Honeybourne station from the East Loop.
 The site of Honeybourne East Loop Junction looking south. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP128448
The site of Honeybourne East Loop Junction looking south. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP128448
 Honeybourne East Loop looking towards Long Marston. 3rd July 1994.
Honeybourne East Loop looking towards Long Marston. 3rd July 1994.
 Milepost on Honeybourne East Loop. 3rd July 1994.
Milepost on Honeybourne East Loop. 3rd July 1994.
Typical GWR corrugated iron hut at Honeybourne East Loop. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP123446
Typical GWR corrugated iron hut at Honeybourne East Loop. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP123446
 Honeybourne East Loop on the left and the line to the former civil engineers' tip on the right. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP124445
Honeybourne East Loop on the left and the line to the former civil engineers' tip on the right. 3rd July 1994. OS: SP124445
 Honeybourne East Loop looking north. East Loop was reinstated in 1981; previously trains to Long Marston had run via West Loop with a reversal at West Loop Junction. At the time this picture was taken the line to Long Marston was disused but it has since reopened. 3rd July 1994.
Honeybourne East Loop looking north. East Loop was reinstated in 1981; previously trains to Long Marston had run via West Loop with a reversal at West Loop Junction. At the time this picture was taken the line to Long Marston was disused but it has since reopened. 3rd July 1994.
 Looking east from the bridge at Honeybourne Station. The Cotswold Line is on the right and the line leading to East Loop is on the left. 3rd July 1994.
Looking east from the bridge at Honeybourne Station. The Cotswold Line is on the right and the line leading to East Loop is on the left. 3rd July 1994.
1930 OS 1 inch map of the Honeybourne area. East Loop is coloured turquoise, West Loop is purple and South Loop is green. North Loop Junction is marked
1930 OS 1 inch map of the Honeybourne area. East Loop is coloured turquoise, West Loop is purple and South Loop is green. North Loop Junction is marked "A", East Loop Junction is "B", South Loop Junction is "C" and West Loop Junction is "D".
 Just north of Honeybourne East Loop Junction, looking north towards Pebworth and Long Marston. 3rd July 1994.
Just north of Honeybourne East Loop Junction, looking north towards Pebworth and Long Marston. 3rd July 1994.
 Looking towards Honeybourne from the gates of Long Marston storage depot. 6th June 2009. OS: SP151470
Looking towards Honeybourne from the gates of Long Marston storage depot. 6th June 2009. OS: SP151470
 The trackbed running along side the depot at Long Marston, looking north. 6th June 2009. OS: SP151470
The trackbed running along side the depot at Long Marston, looking north. 6th June 2009. OS: SP151470
The trackbed looking towards the site of Long Marston station. 6th June 2009. OS: SP154475
The trackbed looking towards the site of Long Marston station. 6th June 2009. OS: SP154475
 Looking north showing industrial units on the trackbed at the site of Long Marston station. 1995. OS: SP154477
Looking north showing industrial units on the trackbed at the site of Long Marston station. 1995. OS: SP154477
Looking south over Long Marston level crossing with the industrial units beyond. 1995. OS: SP155478
Looking south over Long Marston level crossing with the industrial units beyond. 1995. OS: SP155478
 Track still in situ on Long Marston level crossing. 1995. OS: SP155478
Track still in situ on Long Marston level crossing. 1995. OS: SP155478
Looking north from Long Marston level crossing. 1995. OS: SP155478
Looking north from Long Marston level crossing. 1995. OS: SP155478
 Looking south towards Long Marston level crossing. 1995. OS: SP156481
Looking south towards Long Marston level crossing. 1995. OS: SP156481
 Looking north from just beyond Long Marston. 1995. OS: SP156483
Looking north from just beyond Long Marston. 1995. OS: SP156483
 Between Long Marston and Milcote. 1995.
Between Long Marston and Milcote. 1995.
P-Way hut near Milcote. 1995. OS: SP169513
P-Way hut near Milcote. 1995. OS: SP169513
 View north between Long Marston and Milcote. 1995.
View north between Long Marston and Milcote. 1995.
 Former occupation crossing south of Milcote. 1995. OS:SP166505
Former occupation crossing south of Milcote. 1995. OS:SP166505
 Looking north towards Milcote station with an underbrisge in the foreground. 1995. OS: SP169513
Looking north towards Milcote station with an underbrisge in the foreground. 1995. OS: SP169513
Mapping images used on this site produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Images reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
© 1998-2009 Roger Marks - All copyrights rest with the Author
[ descript.ion | Index ]