Doleham Station (or Doleham Halt, formerly Guestling Station)
At the time of the visit services had been deliberately reduced to a tiny number of trains each day, which were run at the most inconvenient times possible. Prior to this cynical action the station served a small community, leisure travellers and walkers.
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Originally opened as Guesting, Doleham Station was subsequently named Doleham Halt after a farm to the west of the railway. It was subsequently renamed again as a Station rather than a Halt. This view looks north at the entrance to the station. You may well need the telephone box (see later). 20.09.2008
Doleham Station looking north west. There was originally double track at the station, but when the southbound track was lifted the wooden southbound platform was also demolished without trace. 20.09.2008
Look at this picture carefully because it is a sight you will not see often. This is a Turbostar in Doleham Station. The service here is being disgracefully run down, with the trains timetabled so as to make their use effectively impossible. There are about three services per day, calling exceptionally early in the morning or very late at night. 20.09.2008
A second view of Doleham Station looking north west. The platform has only ever been long enough for one coach, requiring Turbostars to selectively open their doors. Note the cleared area towards the camera. 20.09.2008
An earlier picture of Doleham Station, taken in 2005, shows the area very overgrown by trees. Extensive cutting back has taken place in the vicinity of the station improving sight lines and probably preventing problems with leaf fall. 08.08.2005
Taken from a slightly different angle this view looks north from the bridge at Doleham Station, towards Rye and Ashford. It is obvious that this was originally a double track route. The orange sleepers are possibly a marker to allow southbound drivers to stop in the correct position, but I cannot confirm this. Can anyone help? 20.09.2008
The overbridge at Doleham Station, looking west. This station is approached by a narrow steep hill which continues beyond the bridge. 20.09.2008
The overbridge at Doleham Station looking east. The entrance to the station is on the side of the bridge nearest to the camera, just out of shot on the left. 20.09.2008
Looking south from the overbridge at Doleham Station. A long section of line starting at this location is restricted to 40mph. Southern allege that there is insufficient time available in the timetabled workings to allow the Turbostars to stop at some stations on the Marshlink line, but if the 40mph line speed was raised by means of track improvement this would provide additional stopping time. 20.09.2008
The path at the entrance to Doleham Station. There is money to erect No Smoking signs, but apparently no resource to provide a sensible service. 20.09.2008
Looking east down to Doleham Station from the entrance. 20.09.2008
Looking west up the path from the entrance. On discovering that there are no trains you will need to use this path to call a cab from the telephone box. 20.09.2008
An old picture of Doleham Station, taken in 2005, looking north along the platform. Note how close the trees are to the line prior to the cutting back. 08.08.2005
A second view north along the platform in 2008 shows the substantial amount of cutting back that has taken place in the area. 20.09.2008
With an 8 hour gap between services to Rye in the middle of the day the basic waiting facilities are unlikely to be suitable for adverse weather. Don't worry, if you want to go to Hastings the service gap is 13 hours. Is that reasonable? 20.09.2008
Looking south along the platform at Doleham Station with the overbridge in the background. 20.09.2008
A view through the overbridge, looking south on 08.08.2005
A sign has been erected to inform passengers, but if the trains do not stop it is not much help. The station could provide a useful facility for walkers in the summer, and there are small communities nearby. 20.09.2008
A reminder to occasional stopping trains to only open the doors on one car. No smoking during the 8 or 13 hour wait for the train.... 20.09.2008
A view north from the end of Doleham Station platform. Doleham originally had no platform lights, and the post on the right held a locating lamp to allow the driver to stop in the right position. 20.09.2008
Looking north across the line at Doleham Station at the site of the former southbound platform. The tree clearance has created some gaps in the undergrowth and it is possible to look across at the station from the adjacent fields. 20.09.2008
North of Doleham Station there is a mystery building, which appeared to be boarded up. Old maps gave no clues about this. 20.09.2008
A second view of the mystery building north of Doleham Station, taken with a long lens from the overbridge. 20.09.2008
Looking north from Doleham Station with a long lens. The line speed increases to 60mph beyond the station. 20.09.2008
When Doleham Station was originally built, a public siding was constructed for agricultural traffic and coal. Different land levels meant that this siding joined the main line well south of the bridge and ran back north towards the road that goes over the station overbridge. The yard is now occupied by a haulage firm. This view looks north towards the entrance. 20.09.2008 Private property photographed with permission.
A view looking south through Doleham Station yard. The owner tells me that the land levels have changed here, with some infilling, and the siding was originally at a lower level. 20.09.2008. Private property photographed with permission.
The main line is within the trees on the right and the public siding at Doleham Station curved south through this land, passing through the trees to join the main line near the round trees in the centre of the picture. A signal box was located there and is shown on the 1929 map. I doubt that the signalling duties were onerous. 20.09.2008