The Kingfisher Line
A mile long section of one of the Great Western Railways forgotten and romantic branch lines. Set in the beautiful and secluded Arrow Valley, one of Herefordshire's best kept secrets.
The Kingfisher Line and Titley Junction Station are privately owned and entry to the public is strictly forbidden. Private parties are welcome by prior arrangements. Casual visitors will not always be permitted. Donations Welcome. All applications must be in writing to:
Mrs Lesley Hunt (please see Contact Us & Links)
The restoration of the station and goods yard began in the 1980's with our predecessor, Mr Reg Harrison and his family. They worked tirelessly to restore the platforms and house as well as laying rail track through the station and goods yard. Reg was very keen that the restoration of the line continued towards Bullocks Mill, and with that in mind Robert & Lesley Hunt purchased Titley Junction in October 2001.
The Beginnings of the Kingfisher Line
Work began on clearing the old track bed through Lyonshall Park Woods in the spring of 2002. It took Robert and a few stalwart volunteers twelve months of felling, chopping & chipping away the 40 years of undergrowth, to reveal the remnants of the old railway line.
The track bed was levelled and ballast laid ready to receive the rail track. By the end of 2005 nearly three quarters of a mile of track had been laid and ballasted.
The first steam train to travel on the new track ran on 27th August 2005, enjoyed by friends, family and neighbours, all with great thanks to our small gang of hard working tireless volunteers.
Stage Two of the restoration project began this spring - to relay the track in the station yard area. Begin the track layout at Arrowside Station and site the G.W.R. Signal Box, (Ex Cilyrychan Crossing, Heart Of Wales Line) at the end of the down platform.
Stage Three - To reconstruct a G.W.R. Station halt (Formerly Burlish Halt, Severn Valley Line).
Lay track and point work to operate a "run round loop" and sidings at the new station to be named "Arrowside".
Further Projects - To include: the construction of a "run round loop" at Titley Junction Station; erect an engine shed, workshop and sidings in the old station yard; complete all signalling and point work.
The naming of the "Kingfisher Line" reflects the occasionally seen flashes of blue as the Kingfisher fly's by the old river bridge at the end of the line, and to commemorate the demolition of the old shoe polish factory at Titley to make way for the erection of the engine shed and workshops.
Boot polish was produced at the little factory for the troops in the Second World War and was called "Kingfisher Polish".
Our Logo was created from one of the polish tins that survived all these long years.
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