Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
I've always been intrigued by this line, it linked Swindon to the nearby market town of Highworth.
The last trains to run the entire route were back in 1962 the year of my birth.
The line has a fascinating history from its beginning in 1873 to its demise in 1962 and the contribution it made during two world wars.
Some of the line still remains especially in the town but is heavily overgrown and the rails are rusted. Further out the route can still be traced and a lot of it has been converted to cycleway and Bridleway and very pleasant it is too, but in some locations like Stratton Station this has completely changed and unless you knew the history you would never know there was ever a railway there.
Swindon has changed so much over the years.
I've always been intrigued by this line, it linked Swindon to the nearby market town of Highworth.
The last trains to run the entire route were back in 1962 the year of my birth.
The line has a fascinating history from its beginning in 1873 to its demise in 1962 and the contribution it made during two world wars.
Some of the line still remains especially in the town but is heavily overgrown and the rails are rusted. Further out the route can still be traced and a lot of it has been converted to cycleway and Bridleway and very pleasant it is too, but in some locations like Stratton Station this has completely changed and unless you knew the history you would never know there was ever a railway there.
Swindon has changed so much over the years.
