A look back at the walks and visits from 2017.

Liverpool Exchange, 8 April 2017

An interesting and informative visit to view the remains of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railways terminus station. Even though the platforms and train shed have been demolished there was still plenty to see as the impressive frontage (formerly a railway hotel) is still extant and has been used as office accommodation for many years. A real treat for the attendees was a visit to the subway and undercroft of the station, usually very much out of bounds.

Wigan Junction Railway at Culcheth, 10 June 2017

An enjoyable walk along the alignment of the former Wigan Junction Railway (opened in October 1879) from Culcheth towards Glazebrook. Some years following closure the line was converted into a linear park. Although there is very little of railway interest remaining several items of interest could be seen and with an interesting commentary it could easily be imagined what was once there.

North Liverpool Docks, 24 June 2017

This was a rare opportunity to view the present day rail operations within Liverpool docks. As guests of Peel Holdings the group were treated with viewing the Biomass loading terminal along with being able to see remnants of the, once extensive, Mersey Docks and Harbour Board Railway system. Later, the same afternoon, a railtour was run into the complex top and tailed by two Class 66 locomotives and, our Secretary, Doug Birmingham was allowed to remain in the complex to photograph its arrival.

GC&MR Joint (Widnes Loop), 6 July 2017

A small group of members took a walk along the course of the Great Central and Midland Joint line, the Widnes Loop, on the first of our evening walks of the year. Although it appears that little remains of the line several gems can be found along its length, you just need to know where to look.

Birkenhead & Wallasey Dock System, 22 July 2017

A dozen or so members attended to view the remains of the dock system around Birkenhead and Wallasey. Even though the system has been closed for over two decades plenty of embedded track still remains and the course of the many lines can still be traced.

The Windmill Animal Farm Miniature Railway, 5 August 2017

The first, of two, visits to miniature railways saw the group visit the excellent railway at Burscough. A relative newcomer to the scene the line was only established in 1997 and now has a varied collection of stock from the Lakeside Railway (Southport), the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (Kent) and stock from the Liverpool Garden Festival.

The CLC Helsby to Mouldsworth branch, 18 August 2017

Despite some serious traffic issues in the area several members managed to reach the starting point for this walk. Since the withdrawal of passenger services in 1964 the line had been relatively busy with freight traffic from then Stanlow Refinery. Due to the delivery of fuel, and other products, by pipeline traffic steadily declined and the line closed in 1991. Several pieces of infrastructure remain including signals complete with arms and much more.

Halton Miniature Railway, 16 September 2017

A return visit, and our second miniature railway this year, saw a small group treated to several runs around the mile lone circuit at the HMR. Since our previous visit, two years ago, an extensive remodelling of the Mousetrap station area has taken place along with much track renewal. A quartet of younger members were treated to driving experiences and for the rest of us an American style locomotive was in steam providing several runs around the circuit. Staff were on hand for tours of the engine shed and to answer any questions that arose. Our thanks are extended to the staff for a splendid day out.