The Swindon and Cricklade Railway runs between its three stations - Hayes Knoll Station and signal box, through Blunsdon Station (the main station and visitor centre with shop and cafe) and along to Taw Valley Holt at the edge of Mouldon Hill Country Park.  Trains run at weekends for some of the year with breaks over some of the winter months and extra Wednesday trips during school holidays.  If you plan to visit, check their website first to find out when they are open and the timetable - swindon‑cricklade‑railway.org.  It also informs you whether it is a steam or diesel engine on a particular date.  There are all sorts of events that go on here too, from murder mystery evenings to treasure hunts to the Easter Egg-spress and the popular Santa Specials.  And if none of those appeal, perhaps the vintage weekend or the Steam, Cider and Sausages will.  There seems to be plenty going on here.

Although we had heard of the railway (having passed it many times in the car) to be honest we hadn't really given it any attention until we went along one evening for the summer outing of the Swindon Society.  We were so impressed with the place and with what they are trying to achieve - and have already achieved - that we became members ourselves.  We were amazed to find out it is non-profit making and completely run and worked by volunteers.  It feels like it is run by professionals.  What a fantastic group of people they are to have achieved this - we cannot imagine how much work there must be keeping it up and running for the public to visit.  But that isn't all they do - they repair and renovate engines and coaches, lay new track (eventually going to Cricklade), building things, and countless other jobs.  These truely are dedicated and enthusiastic people with a passion for this railway.

There is so much we could write about this place but our website is about photographs!  So, below are some we took on various visits with our grandsons.  If you want to know more about the railway, please visit their website.