Walking Tour | Brownhills Disused Railway | English Countryside | 4K

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Welcome back dear viewers for another walking tour depicting the English countryside.

This is the disused railway that used to run between Walsall and Litchfield. Going east towards Litchfield, the not allowed barrier prevented me from going further so I walked back to my starting point and went west towards Walsall. When I reached the canal I decided to end the video and shoot another video of a canal walk.

A Journey Through Time: The History of the Walsall to Lichfield Railway Line

The Walsall to Lichfield Disused Railway Line, also known as the McLean Way, boasts a rich history intertwined with the industrial development of the West Midlands. Its story takes us back to the mid-19th century, a period marked by the rapid expansion of the railway network.

Birth of a Branch Line (1846-1849):

In 1846, two railway companies envisioned connecting Walsall and Lichfield:
The Trent Valley, Midlands and Grand Junction Railway aimed for a route reaching the Midland Railway line at Wichnor Junction.

The South Staffordshire Junction Railway proposed a line with connections to the Grand Junction Railway (later London and North Western Railway).

Both proposals received authorization in 1846, paving the way for construction.
By 1849, the Trent Valley, Midlands and Grand Junction Railway completed its section, christened the Walsall to Wichnor branch line. This line featured stations in Walsall, Rushall, Pelsall, Brownhills, Hammerwich, and Lichfield.

The South Staffordshire Railway Emerges (1850):

The South Staffordshire Railway, formed in 1847, aimed for a more extensive network connecting Dudley to Burton-upon-Trent via Walsall and Lichfield.

Their main line, including a Walsall to Rugeley section, opened in 1850.
While the Walsall to Lichfield Disused Railway Line primarily served the Trent Valley, Midlands and Grand Junction Railway, it eventually became part of the wider South Staffordshire Railway network.

A Legacy of Industry and Community (19th-20th Centuries):

The railway played a crucial role in transporting coal mined in the Cannock Chase area, contributing significantly to the region’s industrial growth.
It also facilitated passenger travel, connecting towns and fostering a sense of community.

The Line Fades, The Greenway Emerges (Late 20th Century):

Passenger services on the Walsall to Lichfield line eventually declined, and the route closed entirely in the late 20th century.

However, the disused railway line received a new lease on life.
Transformed into a greenway, it offered a car-free path for walking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors.

The McLean Way Lives On:

Today, the Walsall to Lichfield Disused Railway Line, also known as the McLean Way, stands as a testament to the area’s industrial heritage.

It serves as a popular recreational route, allowing visitors to explore the scenic beauty of the Staffordshire countryside while connecting with the region’s rich railway history.

Please leave a comment if you would like me to continue this walk towards Walsall