Newport Pagnell
Railway Line
Wolverton
Wolverton to Newport Pagnell Old Railway Line
To follow my Redway journey, a big help would be a Milton Keynes Redway Guide, which is available in a handy pocket size pamphlet from the Council Offices, The Parks Trust and many local cycle shops and hotels, or you can download your map from the web. The historic railway from Wolverton to Newport Pagnell has been converted into a...
To follow my Redway journey, a big help would be a Milton Keynes Redway Guide, which is available in a handy pocket size pamphlet from the Council Offices, The Parks Trust and many local cycle shops and hotels, or you can download your map from the web.
The historic railway from Wolverton to Newport Pagnell has been converted into a great, almost level, Redway. We actually start from the "Secret Garden" in Wolverton, follow the Grand Union Canal for a short while and then link up on the original route of the railway line adjoining Blue Bridge Estate. We continue and cross Grafton Street (V6) next to the Grand Union canal and pass the old windmill in Bradville and run through Bradville/New Bradwell and onwards alongside the borders of Stantonbury/Oakridge Park, Great Linford and Giffard Park before entering Newport Pagnell.
On this route (West to East), various interesting scenic and historical observations abound. Of all the mobility rambles, this one is the most varied due to the number of sights over the duration.The complete distance is about 4/5 miles. (7/8 Km.)
The best way to get to our starting point is to proceed along Stratford Road (Main road through Wolverton) in an easterly direction towards the Wolverton railway station. Cross over the access road leading to Tesco and continue a short distance (About 200 yards) along the narrow pavement until you espy a bus stop on the opposite side of the road.
Cross over and backtrack some 50 yards to a paved road branching downhill to the left. A short distance on you will see the heralded entrance to the "Secret Garden".
"Secret Garden"
Just inside the entrance and after a few yards you will come upon an embedded large map showing the layout of the garden. (See Historical Background)
There are many sights to see and are eminently reachable on the scooter, so I suggest that you follow them in this order
This is the view looking towards the canal and shows the foundation area in which there the several inlaid floor mosaics are.
Some of the inlaid mosaics were created by local groups to promote long lasting art at the site.(See Historical Background)
A view of the Garden from the canal path
The gardens has a variety of vegetation and last time I was here, I noticed a family enjoying a picnic in this idyllic spot, which was bathed in glorious sunshine.
From the main house foundations take the upper path through the woodland and you will come across the sculpture of the couple sitting on a bench. Their demeanour indicating that they were reflecting on the serenity, the solitude and the beauty of their surroundings.
Just a little way along the path towards the canal and to the right is a stone circle.
I'm not sure if this modern man made or forms part the original Ley system of Milton Keynes.
Sian Lake and Jackie are going to investigate and will let us know in due course. (See Historical Background)
Now go left to the canal path and with the Grand Union on your left proceed down the path and be suprised by the impressive 100 metre train mural on a wall overlooking the canal. It is a feature admired by the boats that glide by daily. Some often stop admire and photograph this very unusual feature This is the work of the late Bill Billings and is now maintained by his son.
It is best viewed from the other side but this is part of another ramble.
The path past the mural is quite narrow but at the end, we go through a tunnel under the railway line which is even narrower.It is quite dark and dank and emerges again next ro the canal.
We travel a little way next to the canal and then branch right into a pastoral area before linking up on the original railway line path. Alongside, in winter, we can see some of the Blue Bridge estate but this melts away as we make progress towards the bridge crossing Grafton Street. Parallel to our bridge, on the left, one can see the Grand Union canal viaduct also crossing over Grafton Street. (V6).
Crossing the road on the right, in a little grassed area, is the restored and working, (not in current use) Bradwell Windmill. (See Historical Background)
A few yards into the Railway Walk, on the right-hand side, the towering Windmill imposes itself with its shear size.
A little further on, We go past all that remains of the original platform at Bradwell Halt, which is not quite yet overgrown, but is almost completely overshadowed by the impressive trees and foliage.
Our Railway walk redway journey takes us through some striking woodland and forest area which abound with squirrels and bird life and this picture taken in New Bradwell, is quite typical of the terrain we are now passing through.
Continuing, Railway Walk runs alongside the Grand Union canal at New Bradwell/Bradville and a little way on, there is an access way to the Canal leading to a clearing and a children's playground, which is overlooked by a new estate on the border of New Bradwell.
From this point, it veers away to go through the Saxon Street underpass and continues through old woodlands near Stantonbury. We also pass a narrow access branch on the left, which leads to a concealed cemetery.
Just before the junction of the Stantonbury Redway, Stonepit field emerges. This comprises a small lake and a section of quite large park land. During Summer and the beginning of Autumn, a grey heron has often been sighted there . It is also a favourite spot for dog walkers from the adjoining estate. (See Historical Background)
Continuing through the woodlands, these briefly give way to an old iron railway bridge crossing the Grand Union canal at Great Linford.
Access is available to the left bank pathway . The right bank is accessible on foot.
The right bank (As per photo below) leads to "The Black Horse" Pub not more than a hundred yards away, although it is concealed from the bridge by the trees and foliage of Great Linford forest..
Proceeding over the canal at Great Linford, we enter and pass through the impressive Great Linford woodland/forest and some way on, a bench made from railway sleepers is positioned at the side of the Redway.
Behind the bench is a drop-off and a small man made waterfall can be viewed on the edge of a backwater . This does not run when the weather is dry.
Further on,in the middle of nowhere, a stone bridge comes into view . It appears to span a gully which spills onto a paddock where horses graze on the lush grass.
Take time to stop on top of the bridge and in the distance, one of the Great Linford lakes can be viewed.
The next item of interest is the disused platform of Great Linford, which is located immediately after the underpass of Marsh Drive and forms the boundary of Giffard Park . This has been refurbished in stark contrast to Bradwell Halt.
On reaching the M1 under-pass, one enters the suburbia of Newport Pagnell and the remaining items of interest are a signal tower.
and a plaque commemorating the disused rail link.
Sadly, the old station at NewPort Pagnell was demolished to make way for an Estate.
Finally, the whole route is bordered by so many trees of one kind or another, giving a countryside feel and the full length of the Railway Walk is street lamp illuminated.
There are several Redway branches off this route to/from all the estates mentioned although these tend to be hidden from view.
Now I'm off to do another rambling blog, meanwhile I hope you enjoyed this and hope you have Happy Rambling!!!.....
The Wolverton to Newport Pagnell Line was a railway branch line in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom running from Wolverton on the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) (today's West Coast Main Line) to Newport Pagnell . The line fully opened to passengers in 1867 . The train was affectionately known as "Nobby Newport"
Competition from road traffic starting in the early twentieth century put pressure on the railway, and it was later a victim of the Beeching axe in 1962 . The line was seen as unprofitable, and it closed to passengers in 1964, and to goods traffic in 1967 . Part of the trackbed today provides a section of the Milton Keynes Redway system.
Secret Garden
All you need to know can be found on the very comprehensive interesting website:-
http://www.wolvertonsecretgarden.co.uk.btck.co.uk/
Secret Garden Mosaics and how they came about
http://www.wolvertonsecretgarden.co.uk.btck.co.uk/Mosaics
The Bench Couple and also about Bill Billings's contribution to the Secret Garden
http://www.livingarchive.org.uk/content/local-history/areas/wolverton/bill-billings-and-the-secret-garden-sculpture
For more info Stone circles and Leys in Milton Keynes go to http://sianandjackie.blogspot.co.uk/
Bradwell Windmill
Bradwell Windmill was built in 1817 from local limestone and used as a mill until 1871. Of particular interest is the early use of the universal joint enabling the sails to face in the wind direction.
Stonepit Field
Stonepit Field gets its name from the nearby small limestone quarry, long disused, from which some of the oldest buildings in Great Linford were sourced.
In 2008 The Parks Trust undertook an extensive drainage and landscape remodelling project in partnership with Persimmon Homes . Two ponds were created to help control flood water and create new wetland habitat for birds, frogs, newts and dragonflies by storing rain water from the new development at Stantonbury Park Farm . The ponds have improved and increased the wildlife diversity of the area and provide valuable, new wetland areas for aquatic and semi-aquatic species . The new planting has also provided food and shelter for an increased number of bird species.
Stonepit Field's wildflower meadow is home to a colony of small blue butterflies and is the only park in Milton Keynes in which you will be able to see them.
He also mentioned that residents in Bradville and Great Linford used the line as a means of commuting to work in the rail-yards of Wolverton.
The last passenger service was the 5:34 pm train from Newport Pagnell on 5 September 1964, just under a century after the line opened to passengers . The mourning of the line was so great that a bucket of water was poured over a double dressed as Richard Beeching, the man commonly associated with the closure of over 4,000 miles of the British railway network . The crowd cheered as this happened, a mark of the publics' feelings about the closure.
Oh Dr . Beeching!
Oh Dr . Beeching, you've made your mark
We used to go to Wolverton,via New Brad'll and Giffard Park
Take me back to Newport, Great Linford's on the way
Oh Nobby Newport, I wish you were here today.
Anon.
The historic railway from Wolverton to Newport Pagnell has been converted into a great, almost level, Redway. We actually start from the "Secret Garden" in Wolverton, follow the Grand Union Canal for a short while and then link up on the original route of the railway line adjoining Blue Bridge Estate. We continue and cross Grafton Street (V6) next to the Grand Union canal and pass the old windmill in Bradville and run through Bradville/New Bradwell and onwards alongside the borders of Stantonbury/Oakridge Park, Great Linford and Giffard Park before entering Newport Pagnell.
On this route (West to East), various interesting scenic and historical observations abound. Of all the mobility rambles, this one is the most varied due to the number of sights over the duration.The complete distance is about 4/5 miles. (7/8 Km.)
The best way to get to our starting point is to proceed along Stratford Road (Main road through Wolverton) in an easterly direction towards the Wolverton railway station. Cross over the access road leading to Tesco and continue a short distance (About 200 yards) along the narrow pavement until you espy a bus stop on the opposite side of the road.
Cross over and backtrack some 50 yards to a paved road branching downhill to the left. A short distance on you will see the heralded entrance to the "Secret Garden".
Just inside the entrance and after a few yards you will come upon an embedded large map showing the layout of the garden. (See Historical Background)
 |
| Secret Garden Map |
There are many sights to see and are eminently reachable on the scooter, so I suggest that you follow them in this order
This is the view looking towards the canal and shows the foundation area in which there the several inlaid floor mosaics are.
 |
| Paved area with Mosaics |
Some of the inlaid mosaics were created by local groups to promote long lasting art at the site.(See Historical Background)
 |
| The scales in the kitchen |
 |
| The Mangle in the scullery |
 |
| From the canal |
 |
| Picnic area |
From the main house foundations take the upper path through the woodland and you will come across the sculpture of the couple sitting on a bench. Their demeanour indicating that they were reflecting on the serenity, the solitude and the beauty of their surroundings.
 |
| The seated couple |
This object D'art was constructed by the pupils of Radcliffe School and artist Paul Smith along with and under the guidance of the late Bill Billings, who incidentally assisted the artist Liz Leyh to construct the concrete cows.(See Historical Background)
Just a little way along the path towards the canal and to the right is a stone circle.
I'm not sure if this modern man made or forms part the original Ley system of Milton Keynes.
Sian Lake and Jackie are going to investigate and will let us know in due course. (See Historical Background)
 |
| Stone Circle |
Now go left to the canal path and with the Grand Union on your left proceed down the path and be suprised by the impressive 100 metre train mural on a wall overlooking the canal. It is a feature admired by the boats that glide by daily. Some often stop admire and photograph this very unusual feature This is the work of the late Bill Billings and is now maintained by his son.
It is best viewed from the other side but this is part of another ramble.
 |
| Train Mural |
The path past the mural is quite narrow but at the end, we go through a tunnel under the railway line which is even narrower.It is quite dark and dank and emerges again next ro the canal.
 |
| Rail underpass tunnel |
We travel a little way next to the canal and then branch right into a pastoral area before linking up on the original railway line path. Alongside, in winter, we can see some of the Blue Bridge estate but this melts away as we make progress towards the bridge crossing Grafton Street. Parallel to our bridge, on the left, one can see the Grand Union canal viaduct also crossing over Grafton Street. (V6).
 |
| Viaduct over Grafton Street |
 |
| Restored Windmill |
 |
| Windmill from Railway Walk |
 |
| Old platform at Bradwell Halt |
 |
| Through the New Bradwell woodlands |
 |
| Canal and playground |
From this point, it veers away to go through the Saxon Street underpass and continues through old woodlands near Stantonbury. We also pass a narrow access branch on the left, which leads to a concealed cemetery.
Just before the junction of the Stantonbury Redway, Stonepit field emerges. This comprises a small lake and a section of quite large park land. During Summer and the beginning of Autumn, a grey heron has often been sighted there . It is also a favourite spot for dog walkers from the adjoining estate. (See Historical Background)
 |
| Stonepit field and pond |
Continuing through the woodlands, these briefly give way to an old iron railway bridge crossing the Grand Union canal at Great Linford.
 |
| Old Iron railway bridge from the redway |
Access is available to the left bank pathway . The right bank is accessible on foot.
 |
| Old Iron railway bridge from the canal |
 |
| Grand Union canal at Great Linford |
 |
| Railway sleeper bench |
Further on,in the middle of nowhere, a stone bridge comes into view . It appears to span a gully which spills onto a paddock where horses graze on the lush grass.
 |
| Bridge over pedestrian underpass edge of Linford forest |
 |
| Lakes beyond pasture |
 |
| Old platform Great Linford |
Passing through Giffard Park, additional paddocks and farm fields can be observed giving that distinctly rural feel.
 |
| Horses taking in the sun |
On reaching the M1 under-pass, one enters the suburbia of Newport Pagnell and the remaining items of interest are a signal tower.
 |
| Restored Signal tower |
and a plaque commemorating the disused rail link.
 |
| Commemorative plaque |
Sadly, the old station at NewPort Pagnell was demolished to make way for an Estate.
Finally, the whole route is bordered by so many trees of one kind or another, giving a countryside feel and the full length of the Railway Walk is street lamp illuminated.
There are several Redway branches off this route to/from all the estates mentioned although these tend to be hidden from view.
Now I'm off to do another rambling blog, meanwhile I hope you enjoyed this and hope you have Happy Rambling!!!.....
Historical Background
The Wolverton to Newport Pagnell Line was a railway branch line in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom running from Wolverton on the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) (today's West Coast Main Line) to Newport Pagnell . The line fully opened to passengers in 1867 . The train was affectionately known as "Nobby Newport"
Competition from road traffic starting in the early twentieth century put pressure on the railway, and it was later a victim of the Beeching axe in 1962 . The line was seen as unprofitable, and it closed to passengers in 1964, and to goods traffic in 1967 . Part of the trackbed today provides a section of the Milton Keynes Redway system.
Secret Garden
All you need to know can be found on the very comprehensive interesting website:-
http://www.wolvertonsecretgarden.co.uk.btck.co.uk/
Secret Garden Mosaics and how they came about
http://www.wolvertonsecretgarden.co.uk.btck.co.uk/Mosaics
The Bench Couple and also about Bill Billings's contribution to the Secret Garden
http://www.livingarchive.org.uk/content/local-history/areas/wolverton/bill-billings-and-the-secret-garden-sculpture
For more info Stone circles and Leys in Milton Keynes go to http://sianandjackie.blogspot.co.uk/
Bradwell Windmill
Bradwell Windmill was built in 1817 from local limestone and used as a mill until 1871. Of particular interest is the early use of the universal joint enabling the sails to face in the wind direction.
Stonepit Field
Stonepit Field gets its name from the nearby small limestone quarry, long disused, from which some of the oldest buildings in Great Linford were sourced.
In 2008 The Parks Trust undertook an extensive drainage and landscape remodelling project in partnership with Persimmon Homes . Two ponds were created to help control flood water and create new wetland habitat for birds, frogs, newts and dragonflies by storing rain water from the new development at Stantonbury Park Farm . The ponds have improved and increased the wildlife diversity of the area and provide valuable, new wetland areas for aquatic and semi-aquatic species . The new planting has also provided food and shelter for an increased number of bird species.
Stonepit Field's wildflower meadow is home to a colony of small blue butterflies and is the only park in Milton Keynes in which you will be able to see them.
Railway Anecdotes
An acquaintance recounted that when he was a resident of Wolverton in his youth, the only swimming pool in the area was at Newport Pagnell and when he and his friends were able, they would catch "Nobby Newport" for one penny each way.He also mentioned that residents in Bradville and Great Linford used the line as a means of commuting to work in the rail-yards of Wolverton.
The last passenger service was the 5:34 pm train from Newport Pagnell on 5 September 1964, just under a century after the line opened to passengers . The mourning of the line was so great that a bucket of water was poured over a double dressed as Richard Beeching, the man commonly associated with the closure of over 4,000 miles of the British railway network . The crowd cheered as this happened, a mark of the publics' feelings about the closure.
Oh Dr . Beeching!
Oh Dr . Beeching, you've made your mark
We used to go to Wolverton,via New Brad'll and Giffard Park
Take me back to Newport, Great Linford's on the way
Oh Nobby Newport, I wish you were here today.
Anon.