As Spring seems to be on its way, today was the last chance I had for making a photo reconnaissance of the Shipston Branch with the trees and undergrowth bare. Here is a selection of photos. But be warned, there really isn't very much left to see!

First up, at Shipston Station's site there is very little left, it is now a housing estate. But on one wall a householder has fixed a GWR cast iron plate (which was bought at the reclamation yard at Moreton so it could be originally from Shipston). I learned that the man of the house has found several bits and pieces along the route of the branch line, including a piece of original tramway fish belly cast iron rail.

Other than the weighbridge office hut, now incorporated into a private yard, the only other piece of industrial remains is the gas works house, now a private residence with the original walled yard that contained all the original gas works plant. The large gas lamp featured in old photos still remains, but most everything else is gone.

The line of the track leaving Shipston is still evident as a typical overgrown permanent way between two hedges. This photo shows the line immediately north of the station before it turns west toward Darlingscott:

The two level crossing cottages next along the line are now private residences. After this, the line crosses the Fosse Way and arrives near the old Longdon Road Halt( for Ilmington). Here is another trackside crossing cottage with a view of the old permanent way:

The branch line then turned south and then passed under the Campden Road, but the bridge has completely gone, having been filled in. Just north, however, the permanent way can be seen on a small embankment:

Next a big jump down to near Moreton and the Lemington Lane crossing, also filled in and used as a driveway:

And then to Moreton-in-Marsh Station. I took lots of photos, but these are of what remains of the bay siding/platform for Shipston:

I also took some photos of large Warwickshire tree silhouettes. These I will add to Sweven's wonderful site on the buildings (and trees) of Studley and Astwood Bank:

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/82563-the-buildings-of-studley-and-astwood-bank/?p=1793955