Bluebell Railway Northern Extension - Vowels Lane Bridge to Imberhorne Lane Bridge

The Bluebell Railway's Northern Extension is covered by several galleries.

Separate collections cover (a) Track improvements north of Kingscote; (b) Vowels Lane Bridge to Imberhorne Lane Bridge; (c) Imberhone Tip; (d) Hill Place Farm Bridge to Hill Place Viaduct; (e)Hill Place Viaduct (sometimes called Imberhorne Viaduct); and (f) the Bluebell Railway's East Grinstead Station.

Please note that the vast majority of these pictures were taken on private land with permission. Where necessary lookout protection was provided or a possession was taken. No matter what their status no pedestrian may enter the section of restricted clearance adjacent to Turners Hill Bridge without specific authority and appropriate protection.

The whole area of the extension is OUT OF BOUNDS to holders of a photographic PTS. I have authority from the Bluebell Railway to display this collection.

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An emergency access is on the west side near Ashlea Farm. This area is strictly private, and the field contains an aggressive bull. Keep away. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Ashlea Farm, on the west side of the railway, with the bull at a safe distance! It is not keen on visitors.... 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south west, passengers will see more of the buildings that comprise Ashlea Farm. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The northern entry point to the restricted clearance curve, looking south. A colour light signal has subsequently been sited here for southbound trains and the post that was originally provided for it can be seen in place. A 10mph speed restriction is in force on the curve. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south at the restricted clearance section in 2010. 18.07.2010 3119
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south, back towards the curve, from slightly further north. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A Red Admiral butterfly warms itself on the new ballast near Ashlea Farm. 18.07.2010 30008
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
North of Ashlea Farm the line enters a shallow cutting. This view looks north. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
More or less the same view north in 2010, with the work of a lineside clearance team very much in evidence. 18.07.2010 3120
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south from the same position as the previous picture in 2009. In the distance the colour light signal pole can just be seen at the start of the bend towards Kingscote. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north from a position slightly further up the shallow cutting. The fifteen and a half milepost is hidden in the undergrowth to the left. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
In 2010 the lineside clearance team had revealed the fifteen and a half milepost in all it's glory, and cleared the rest of the area whilst they were at it. 18.07.2010 3121
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north from a position roughly adjacent to the fifteen and a half milepost after the lineside clearance team had been through. 18.07.2010 3122
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The reverse of the previous view, looking south from a position roughly adjacent to the fifteen and a half milepost. 18.07.2010 3123
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Moving the camera slightly to the right a rather impressive wall can be seen. It's position suggests that the boundary dates from the construction of the line. Just out of shot someone has cut a hole in the wall about the size of a small window, presumably to watch activity on the railway. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The view north from the northern end of the cutting, as the ground starts to level out. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking back south into the cutting from the northern end. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north from the level ground north of the cutting. Beyond the fields on the right the main road that eventually leads through to Turners Hill is just concealed by trees. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Moving the camera slightly to the right two properties on the western side of the main road to Turners Hill can be seen in the valley. This land is private. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south, back towards the cutting, from the same position. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Continuing north, the fifteen and three quarter milepost just comes into view, well beyond the tree on the left. Beyond that is the first glimpse of the parapet of Hazelden Farm Bridge. 18.07.2010 3124
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The reverse of the previous view, looking back south from the same point. 18.07.2010 3125
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The fifteen and three quarters milepost sits in a grassy bank. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The lineside clearance team having struck again, the milepost is no longer hidden in a grassy bank, but would benefit from a coat of paint. The gentleman who did the others probably failed to find it as he passed. 18.07.2010 3126
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Loking north from the fifteen and three quarter milepost. 18.07.2010 3127
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Loking south from the fifteen and three quarter milepost. 18.07.2010 3128
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
As the line gets closer to Imberhorne Lane Bridge it enters another cutting. This view looks north. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south out of the cutting from the same position. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Slightly further north, after more lineside clearance, the parapet of Hazelden Farm Bridge can be seen on the left in this view north. 18.07.2010 3129
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The reverse of the previous view, looking south from the same point. 18.07.2010 3130
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Closer still to Imberhorne Lane Bridge, the line is briefly on an embankment as a farm track passes under the railway at Hazelden Farm. The parapets of the arch are in view in this shot, looking north. The embankment sides are steep and there is no access to the line at this bridge. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south from the same point as the previous picture. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north at the parapets of Hazelden Farm Bridge in 2010. In 2012, to use up inert spoil from Imberhorne tip, the railway was severed and lifted again from around this point. Subsequently the spoil was spread on the existing track bed, the effect being to form a gradient up towards Imberhorne Lane Bridge. Pictures of this work can be found towards the end of the gallery. 18.07.2010 3131
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north from a position just north of Hazelden Farm Bridge. The southern edge of Imberhorne Lane Bridge can be seen in the distance. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south from just north of Hazelden Farm Bridge on 28.06.2009
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Roughly the same view of Hazelden Farm Bridge taken in 2010, looking south. Spoil has subsequently been spread on the trackbed at this point, creating a gradient up towards the north. 18.07.2010 3132
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Moving the camera slightly to the left (looking south east) some of the buildings of Hazelden Farm can be seen at the bottom of the embankment. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking east from the embankment, past Hazelden Farm, towards the main road to Turners Hill (which is hidden in the trees). 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Taken from a public vantage point some distance away, this is the eastern arch of Hazelden Farm Bridge. The bridge is on private land. 26.07.2009
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
On the eastern side a new tarmac road has recently been constructed through Hazelden Farm, but terminates short of the bridge under the railway, which is unmade. The arch is currently sealed off with metal site fencing and there is no access available. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking west from Hazelden Farm Bridge at the unmade farm track that passes under the bridge. The farm track is blocked by metal fencing on the east side of the bridge. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Having passed over Hazelden Farm Bridge this view looks back south towards Kingscote with a long lens. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
North of Hazelden Farm Bridge, looking south back towards Kingscote before the level of the trackbed was raised. 18.07.2010 3135
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north towards Imberhorne Lane Bridge from the same point, before the trackbed was raised. 18.07.2010 3134
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Now entering Imberhorne cutting, and looking back south towards Hazelden Farm. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The sixteen mile post almost hidden by grass. The exact position of this marker can be seen in a picture taken from the top of Imberhorne Lane Bridge, which appears later in the collection. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
In 2010 the sixteen mile post was still keeping a low profile. 18.07.2010 3136
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north to Imberhorne Lane Bridge from the sixteen milepost. 18.07.2010 3137 The level of the trackbed in this area has subsequently been significantly raised.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep