Highworth branch line

Highworth branch line
A train at the start of the now-overgrown branch line
Service
TypeHeavy rail
History
Opened9 May 1883 (1883-05-09)
Closed
  • 2 March 1953 (1953-03-02) (passengers)
  • 1962 (goods)
Technical
Line length5 miles (8 km)
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Highworth branch line
5-48
Highworth
4-32
Hannington
Cricklade Road
3-18
Stanton
'Vickers branch'
Kingsdown Road Junction
1-24
Stratton
Industrial estate
0-00
Highworth Junction
Swindon
Highworth station in 1950
Rail Tour at Highworth in 1954

The Highworth branch line was a short railway branch line to the northeast of Swindon, England, in use from 1883 to 1962. It was most successful as a goods line, particularly during wartime when it linked the Great Western Main Line to factories around the town. A small vestigial part of the line exists for this purpose.