Whitegate Station Platform no trains allowed

Todays weather has been non stop rain or drizzle nipped out on a couple of chores to pass the time and took a walk on part of the Whitegate Way used for cycling, horses and years ago it was part of my 18 mile jogging route, 7 miles along the River weaver riverbank paths, 6 miles along Whitegate way then 5 miles road work. I'd have ajob cycling that route this week but having been back on the Way I think its time to stop pussy footing about and get back in there hard core and get some strength in my legs before we hit the cruise on the 28th where lots of walking is going to be involved.

Whitegate Way is part of the national cyclye routes (number 5) with cuttings and embankments keeping it mainly flat for the 6 miles from Winsford to Cuddington. The only danger is keeping out of the horse muck piles dotted especially around Whitegate station area where plenty of stables are situated

The Whitegate line was opened 1st June 1870 to transport salt from the mines and works along the west bank of the river Weaver. It took the most direct route, avoiding all villages of Whitegate and Sandiway, from Winsford to Cuddington where it joined the main Chester-Manchester line.

The passenger service journey was slow and uncomfortable because the trains were mixed and passengers had to wait while goods wagons were shunted on and off, into the many sidings along the way. The line was almost closed in 1958 but kept open with a British Rail & ICI agreement to transport rock salt from the mine until 1966.

The route has changed greatly from the days I used to jog over it 20 years ago, now it has a hard standing surface for the whole length but there are still a few reminders of the past if you know where to look. At Whitegate station half way down the car park before the toliets is a conrete post with what looks like a half crescent suspended - its a load gauge to check the loaded frieght wagons can clear the low bridges heading for Cuddington and small sections of track remain at Catsclough and Newchurch Common which were busy crossings and the rails were set in wooden blocks.

Much of the work to keep the way open is carried out with the help of volunteers alongside the local council.

Now where are my cycling shorts this rain must stop soon surely........