Welcome

This website outlines the former GWR route from Wolverhampton Low Level to Stourbridge Junction via Wombourne. It was opened in 1925 as an extension to the Kingswinford Branch and enabled an alternative to the OW&W route.  I have an interest in the line as I live near it and regularly walk along sections of it. I'm also interested in railways and railway history. The route today provides me with a great deal of enjoyment and it always amazes me how it changes through the seasons.

The line has an interesting if not stunning past which none the less I feel needs some recognition. Today it makes up Smestow Valley Park in Wolverhampton and the South Staffordshire Railway Walk in South Staffordshire. There are still quite a few clues to its past, two well preserved stations, various abandoned platforms and many of the bridges in situ complete with 'modern' BR bridge numbers and distances from London Paddington.

Most of the information used to create this site is in the public domain but two sources need special recognition and form the basis of my knowledge about this route:

  1. By Rail To Wombourn by J. Ned Williams
  2. Rail Around Birmingham - The Black Country and South Staffordshire by Andrew Doherty

James Ridgway ~ July 2010
Last update: October 2011 (Wolverhampton Low Level)

Route