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Has your affection for trains been dulled by the slog of your daily commute? Understandable if so. Whether it’s the undignified shove of an overcrowded carriage, the ominous smells or the stagnant pace of travel that’s getting you down, the train journeys of today leave rather a lot to be desired.
Luckily for you (and probably for Francis Bourgeois), the Swanage Railway in Dorset is set to operate a trial run of a quaint heritage train service from the main line at Wareham and on to the Isle of Purbeck peninsula, half a century after the line was controversially scrapped.
Beginning tomorrow (April 4), the reinstated service offers a throwback to a time when train travel was way less horrible. Restored, upgraded diesel trains will roll along the 11-mile stretch from Wareham to Swanage.
It’s not really for commuters, though. The aim is to take visitors from the main line at Wareham to the fairytale setting of Corfe Castle and the coastal town of Swanage for sunny day trips and holidays, offering bucolic views of the Purbeck countryside en route.
Lovelier still, Peter Frost, a train enthusiast who travelled on the OG route in 1972 when he was just 13, has returned as a driver-conductor on the restored service.
Mike Whitwam, a local councillor, said: ‘This trial train service to Wareham marks an important opportunity to return to a fully functioning and sustainable rail service that meets the needs of local communities, visitors and businesses.’
But you’d better jump aboard quick – the trial will only last until September 10. You can find out more and book tickets here.
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