Mid Hants Watercress Railway - Definition and Overview

The Mid Hants "Watercress" Railway is a heritage railway in Hampshire, England, running 10 miles from Alresford to Alton where it connects to the national rail network. The line originally continued beyond Alresford to Winchester, but this section of the line is now closed. In the past there have been proposals to extend the line to rejoin Winchester, but this would require massive funding.

The "Watercress" line gained its name after it was used to transport locally-grown watercress to London and the rest of the country.

As well as the two main stations the railway also has two other stations at Ropley, where the main locomotive shed and workshops are located, and Medstead & Four Marks. The section of line between these two intermediate stations is affectionately known as the "Alps" due its steep gradients.

The railway is operated by a variety of steam locomotives, many orginating from the Southern Railway. Heritage diesel locomotives and multiple units are also represented, including the Southern Region Class 33 diesel locomotive, and Class 73 electro-diesel locomotives.

Stations

• Alton
• Medstead & Four Marks
• Ropley
• Alresford

External link

• The Watercress Line (http://www.watercressline.co.uk/)
• See also, List of British heritage and private railways.