Cowden Station and Markbeech Tunnel

North of Cowden Station the line passes through Markbeech Tunnel which is 1342 yards long. This view shows the southern portal of the tunnel. Note the white patch on the wall which was provided to assist in the sighting of the up Outer Home signal, long since removed. 10.04.2008

A second view of the southern portal of Markbeech Tunnel. Radio antennas for the Cab Secure Radio system can be seen attached to the roof of the tunnel. 10.04.2008

A closer view of the radio aerials that help to keep trains safe on this section of the line. One aerial points south and another north, sending a signal into the tunnel. The Cab Secure Radio system allows drivers to contact the signalman at Oxted. CSR was installed after the rail accident at Cowden. 10.04.2008

A public footpath runs across the top of the tunnel portal, allowing this unusual view of the rear of the arch and providing a viewpoint from which to look south to Cowden Station. 10.04.2008

Looking south to Cowden from the portal of Markbeech Tunnel. The area on the left was the route of the former double track and part of the former goods yard. Two sidings ran north towards the tunnel. After a period when this area was totally derelict, ballast has recently been laid and flattened to such a high standard that one might almost think that track was to be laid. 10.04.2008

This shot looks south from Markbeech Tunnel to Cowden Station with a longer lens. The single line curves into the one operational platform. On the left is the site of the former goods yard, which included a goods shed (now demolished). The goods facilities closed in 1960 and the area is now used to store permanent way materials to maintain the line. 10.04.2008

Cowden station sign in Southern colours. The station is actually over a mile from the village of Cowden and closer to Markbeech. 03.04.2005

The forecourt of Cowden station looking north. The station house is a private residence. The gates to the former goods yard can be seen on the right of the picture. 18.04.2003

A second view of the forecourt at Cowden station, looking north, taken two years later. This is a quiet rural station some distance from Cowden village and it attracts few customers. 03.04.2005

Cowden station forecourt looking south. 02.04.2007

Looking north from Cowden station towards the southern portal of Markbeech Tunnel. It can be seen that in 1998 the goods yard area was very overgrown. 10.10.1998

A second view of the southern portal of Markbeech Tunnel taken from the abandoned northbound platform at Cowden station. A signal box used to stand at the northern end of the northbound platform, giving the signalman a view of the goods yard. 10.10.1998

The same view as in the previous picture almost five years later. The adjacent trees have been cut back. The former goods yard is on the right. 18.04.2003

Taken with a long lens from Cowden station this view shows the southern portal of Markbeech tunnel more clearly. At the time some large trees were growing above the arch of the tunnel, with the consequent risk of damage, but these have since been felled. 18.04.2003

Cowden Station looking south in 1998. The station was then very neglected and overgrown. On the right the abandoned northbound platform can be seen covered in shrubs and undergrowth. An old access to this platform led to an adjacent public footpath, and, at the time, was still open. It was therefore possible to stand on the abandoned platform. 10.10.1998

This view, taken from the public footpath that runs parallel to the station on the west side shows the route of the old path to the abandoned northbound platform (highlighted in red). This path has now almost disappeared in the undergrowth. The yellow arrow shows the station building above, on the southbound platform. In the early years of the station, when it was operating with two platforms, this path would have provided a quicker route to Markbeech village and Cowden Pound. 10.04.2008

The view south at Cowden Station in 2007. The station signs have changed to Southern colours, the platform has been improved with a tactile strip, and the undergrowth has been cleared from the abandoned northbound platform. A new chain link fence now prevents use of the former access to that platform. 02.04.2007

A second view south, showing the abandoned northbound platform more clearly. 02.04.2007

The platform side of Cowden station building, looking south. A one time both platforms had a canopy, and a footbridge linked the platforms. 10.10.1998

Approximately the same view south of Cowden station building taken in 2003. At the time access to the northbound platform was still possible, and it had been cleared of undergrowth. The gate to the platform can just be seen adjacent to the two abandoned lamp standards on the right. 18.04.2003

A closer view of the platform side of the Cowden station building two years later. 03.04.2005

When the signal box closed as an economy measure a lever frame to work the points and signals was installed on the platform. The different coloured bricks under the platform edge indicate where the cables used to emerge from under the platform. 18.04.2003

Cowden Station features a seat for passengers with very short legs. It is hard to see why anyone would install a seat so close to the ground! 09.04.2008

In 1998 the station had probably the most unnecessary sign on the network. Looking at the state of the overgrown northbound platform it is hard to see how anyone could think that it was in use. Perhaps Cowden was thought to have particularly stupid passengers? 10.10.1998

The sign still existed in 2003, and is seen in this view south. Thankfully Southern appear to have more faith in their passengers and it has subsequently been taken down! 18.04.2003

Cowden station looking north from the southern end of the abandoned northbound platform. 18.04.2003

A closer view of the Cowden station building, looking north. 18.04.2003

Approximately the same view as the previous picture two years later. The station house is nearest the camera, and is now a private residence. 03.04.2005

A memorial to those lost in the Cowden rail accident has been erected in recent years. This small plaque is on the wall of the station building at the southern end of the station. Presumably for reasons of passenger sensitivity the wording does not refer directly to the accident, but the message is nevertheless entirely appropriate. 09.04.2008

Cowden station looking north from the operational platform. 02.04.2007

Moving the camera slightly left gives a better view of the abandoned northbound platform. It is now tidy, but it is hard to see the need for the salt bin. 02.04.2007

A small flower bed at the southern end of the platform is marked by the station name in concrete. 02.04.2007

Looking south towards Ashurst from the southern end of Cowden station. 03.04.2005

Looking south from the abandoned northbound platform. Approximately 300 metres south of the station two trains collided head-on in the single line section in fog at 08.27 on 15 October 1994. Five people lost their lives. 18.04.2003

A 171 Turbostar unit makes it's way towards Ashurst along the embankment south of Cowden. There remain some tiny indications of the Cowden accident site but I have elected not to include them in this collection. 09.04.2008

A public footpath runs south from Cowden parallel to the line, and passes under the line through this old cattle creep, originally provided to allow animals under the line. This view looks west. 09.04.2008

A second view of the cattle creep looking east. This arch is typical of many on the line. Walkers are warned that parts of this area can be very muddy. 09.04.2008

Looking north towards Cowden station from the first overbridge south of the station (Moat Lane Bridge). 18.04.2003

Looking south towards Ashurst from the same bridge. 18.04.2003

Looking north towards Cowden from the second overbridge south of Cowden (Marchants Bridge). 18.04.2003

Looking south towards Ashurst from the same bridge. 18.04.2003