The post-Christmas blues can be rather a bore, particularly once Boxing Day is out of the way, so why not get away from the cold turkey sandwiches, TV, and the Xbox and take a return trip to Bodiam instead?

The little-used Blue timetable (appropriately?) is in use all six days from 27th December to 1st January inclusive, and will consequently give the line a genuine light railway feel, with just four service trains each day.  As an extra bonus this holiday season, Terrier No.3 “Bodiam” is currently scheduled to be working in harmony with the celebrated Vintage Train every day, on the 11.20am and 2.20pm departures from Tenterden Town.  Catering and corridor stock is provided on the other train set, leaving at 1.00pm and 3.30pm

Although access to the interior of the famous Castle is somewhat restricted in winter – please check directly with the National Trust – local footpaths mean it is possible to walk around the famous fortification, and then take in some local refreshment.  For example, travelling to Bodiam behind “Bodiam” on the 11.20am gives just over two hours in the village before returning on the second train at 2.15pm.  The three other departures from Bodiam are at 12.30pm, 3.25pm and 4.35pm

For more ambitious walkers there are the alternatives offered by the recently-launched Railtrails.  Taking the first train to Bodiam, for instance, arriving at 12.08pm it might just be possible to walk to Northiam (Railtrail 6; 2.5hours) in time to catch the 2.30pm back to Tenterden, or more practically the 3.40pm service

Given some winter sunshine, a journey behind a steam train can be a most memorable experience especially with the second run of the Vintage Train scheduled to return to Tenterden shortly after sunset.  So what better reason than to pop down to the K&ESR this winter, for a ride behind an engine that has been associated with the line since 1901?

HN-12/12/2007