Holmsley line

The Brockenhurst to Wimborne line was completed in 1847 and closed to passengers in May 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts. It must've been a lovely journey, with wonderful views throughout, no matter the season or weather. It's weird to think that up until the 1960's we had a better mass transit system than we do today. 

Old embankment

We were back walking the old Brackenhurst to Ringwood line again this morning, the embanked section between Holmsley Station and Holmsley Passage, through Holmsley Bog.  

The old line

We took the opportunity of a sunny, and for the most part windless, day to roam beyond the stands. And glorious it was. Part of our walk followed the old Brockenhurst to Ringwood line as it threads the edge of Homlsley Bog; it must've been a wonderful journey in its' day, at no point without splendid views. Crazy to consider the extent of the affordable integrated public transport network we once enjoyed, as compared with the woefully fragmented, often expensive, excuse we endure today. Good social infrastructure is essential, especially if we want change.

Gone

 

Relic of a bygone age, a remnant of an integrated mass transit system the like of which we can only dream of enjoying today, and yet one we so desperately need. Even after Beeching cut this line in the 60's I remember in my childhood an integrated public transport network of buses and trains that allowed for effective and affordable travel around the country; sadly the trajectory since then for public transport has been one of death by a thousand cuts. Made me think more broadly about how much our society's lost; or more accurately what we once enjoyed, the things we used to take for granted, the raft of public services, the culture, the communities and a myriad of opportunities; we were rich by so many metrics. Time's not been kind to our society though has it, it's a much thinner space we navigate today.