BRIGG LINE RAIL GROUP ENJOYS INTERESTING LINCOLNSHIRE AWAY DAY

Brigg is still on the national railway network. But many other lines and stations in Lincolnshire did not escape post-war closures which included Dr Beeching's 're-shaping' review of British Railways' rural routes in the 1960s.
While our local Saturdays-only passenger train service is still suspended as it has been since January, the Independent Brigg Line Rail Group thought the time was right to undertake a unique summer away day.
This involved visiting some of the Lincolnshire lines where the rail axe fell decades ago, to discover what remains today and inform/remind public transport users of past glories.
The IBLRG outing began by bus from Lincoln to Horncastle.
This is a market town (similar to Brigg) whose station shut in 1954, while freight traffic ceased in 1971. The Horncastle station site is now a housing development.
Louth was the next stop, using the handy Lincolnshire Call Connect dial-a-ride bus service.
"Incredibly, the signal box and level crossing still survive, as does the station which has been made into residential property," the IBLRG notes.
The Old Station property in Louth is pictured at the top of our post.
The away day saw 10.06 miles walked on foot and resulted in a range of interesting pictures, including Victorian signalboxes which have been re-purposed and wooden level crossing gates retained although their track was lifted long ago.
Some of the 60+ images appear here, and the others can be viewed through this link...
The East Lincolnshire Railway (linking Grimsby with London via Peterborough) saw its last passenger trains in 1970 but the section between North Thoresby and Ludborough has since reopened as the Lincolnshire Wolds heritage line, with plans to extend to the outskirts of Louth as funds permit.
The LWR is well worth visiting, particularly during the summer months when many themed events are held.
Brigg Blog makes periodic trips to the LWR - by car, obviously - to offer a bit of support.
Take the A18 from Brigg to Laceby roundabout near Grimsby, head south towards Louth on the A16 and follow the signs when you near Ludborough.
With the school holidays approaching, a trip to the LWR will prove instructive for youngsters and will bring back memories for folk of more senior years. Find out more here...